Successes
How do we measure success?
Not all events can be measured in dollars raised or tickets sold. Some of the most meaningful successes come from the look of bliss on someone's face as they step onto the dock after a great boat tour, or the kids who are exhausted but excited after a successful nature scavenger hunt, holding their bags of treasure to take home; or the neighbors who dropped in to a preserve open house and can't believe how lucky they are to have accessible public land at the end of their street.
But we can also measure success through fundraising goals met, logistics smoothly executed, stellar drinks and remarkable hors d'oeuvres offered, and speaking programs that inspire each and every attendee to get involved in your mission. Here's a sampling of successful events I've produced that can be measured in dollars and cents:
Tides of Change
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Created and managed first annual gala fundraiser
$78,000+ raised through ticket sales, host committee, and sponsorships
Keynote address from Hannah Pingree, co-chair of the Maine Climate Council and "Maine Won't Wait" climate initiative
Event partners: Maine Beer Company, Maine College of Art & Design, Big Tree Hospitality
The Campaign for Aldermere & Erickson Fields
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
$4.4 million capital campaign for Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields Preserves
One privately hosted major donor acquisition party
One major donor acquisition event hosted at the Visitor's Center and cattle barn under construction
Two annual Harvest Celebrations, showcasing the programs and facilities
The Saltwater Shindig
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Annual fundraiser targeted at "Next Wave" young donors and prospects interested in land conservation
Five years sold out at $250 tickets
Sit-down dinner/lobster bake in partnership with Big Tree Hospitality and Maine Beer Company
A full day of engagement on a remote island including speaking program, children's activities, paddleboards & kayaks, boat transportation, island exploration.
Giving Tuesday Campaigns
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Five years of successful one-day social media fundraising campaigns on "Giving Tuesday" in November.
$87,000 raised in 2023
The Garden Party
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Four years of MCHT's annual donor stewardship event for The President's Circle (annual giving of $1,000+)
Hosted by members of the Rockefeller family or MCHT Board of Directors
Created a field kitchen and event space for a vibrant cocktail party for 350+ at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Seal Harbor
2019 Keynote speaker: Governor Janet Mills
MCHT Capital Campaign
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Successful five-year $130 million Capital Campaign
Numerous events, small and large, including a Campaign kick-off event, cocktail parties, donor stewardship and awareness events, artist reception and art sale for Timothy P. Wilson's Maine Coast Sojourn, and many more.
Little Whaleboat Island Preserve
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Successful $1.3 million campaign to purchase popular Casco Bay island
Two privately hosted major donor acquisition parties
Extended campaign with partner Maine Beer Company including several tasting room events including the launch party for Little Whaleboat Island IPA, named for the project.
Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Successful $2.19 million campaign in partnership with Royal River Conservation Trust and Freeport Conservation Trust
Created and staged 2 years of "Meet the Marsh" community open house (attendance 300 - 650), focused on community engagement around the importance of conserving Maine's salt marsh ecosystems
Henryfest Community Music Festival
317 Main Community Music Center
Increased attendance to 1,000+ for annual friendraiser/fundraiser
Built out children's activities to offer instrument petting zoo, costume corner, book nook, hooping, face painting, henna tattoos
Ossippee Valley Music Festival
Instituted robust social media marketing campaign and assisted with website redesign
Increased attendance significantly and raised public profile for first year of affiliated Ossipee Music Camp