News You Can Use

Galas Dispense With Some of the Froth

With America in the midst of a recession, charities are cutting back on opulent fundraisers in lieu of more casual events, according to a recent New York Times article.

The article cites examples from several of New York’s upscale charity functions. (You can read the article here.)

Some of these charities and their cost-cutting measures may be out of our league, like the charity that saved $25,000 by omitting the draping from its party tent ceiling. But there’s still plenty of useful information to be gleaned from the article.

Replacing a multi-member band with a DJ, settling for simpler or artificial flower arrangements and reverting to a family style dinner instead of an elaborate three-course meal are all good ideas for cutting back. The article also mentioned looking for sponsorship donations from restaurants and wineries to reduce catering costs.

“(The recession is) bringing us back, and forcing us to be more creative,” said Frank Alexander, who created the décor for the Central Park Conservancy’s Halloween Ball this year. “This whole thing has been a learning experience.”

If you’re worried about drawing your usual numbers for your annual gala, or are looking for some guidence before throwing your first upscale event, check out the full article.