The frustrations of planning a charity event

So, the earthquake in Haiti happened, and everyone wanted to help, including BYPA. So, with the help of several people, including FJ Cassidy of Cassidy Insurance we got to planning.

Since we knew that interest would wane over time, we knew we needed to act fast. So we went looking for a venue. We got several awesome offers that ended up leading nowhere. Most notably, another (very popular) venue told us on the Friday two weeks before our chosen date that they would donate their ballroom for free but we had to change our date. Well - this popular venue- of course! This would bring in more people which would mean more money raised, right? Well after several conversations, and two days later, they tell us we have to pay a minimum of $5,000 in food in order to hold the event there! ~REALLY?!?! Their response to our objections that this was a charity event was "Well, we're not a charity!" Of course not, and neither is BYPA - but why put us off for 2 days telling us you were donating the space if you were going to charge us a minimum. That's 2 days of promoting!

Well, on to better things - Felt not only offered the space but also complimentary hors d'eouvres which were super yummy. So then we started confirming silent auction donations. We got some really great things - thanks so much to all our sponsors!

And then we started promotion. Between everyone, I think we reached close to 15,000 people. However, due to MA State law that says we have to carry a million dollar bond in order to collect money for charity, we chose not to sell tickets until the event. And then we get hit with a huge snow storm... The rest is history. Our hope of bringing in 500 people and raising $25,000 is out the window!

We appreciate all the people who braved the weather and came out. With less than 75 people we raised over $2,000!