EVENT CASE STUDIES
Events become feelings, feeling become events
CASE STUDY #1
SANDYS ROTARY FUNDRAISER
THE RICK THOMAS MAGIC SHOW
BACKGROUND
Sandys Rotary decided to bring a magician from Las Vegas to Bermuda to raise funds for local children's charities. The event was to be held at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel and run for one week, offering 10 shows. Rick Thomas was known in Las Vegas for his magic act which incorporated white tigers. The show was to run over two weekends offering matinee shows and evening shows every night. As part of his act, he would make his tiger disappear then spend twenty minutes speaking to the crowd about the preservation of tigers and the work he is doing in Las Vegas to help save them.
THE CHALLENGE
Sandys Rotary interviewed a few event companies in Bermuda who declined the work because of the six week lead time they were given. They said it was impossible! A member of the Rotary Club knew of an event planner, the founder of Reverie Associates, Sandra Christensen, and a meeting was set up. She took on the challenge of turning around a large scale event including sponsorship, logistics and ticket sales. She worked with the Sandys Rotary Committee providing them with direction on the various elements that were needed to pull this off. The greatest challenge was the white tiger that was travelling with Rick Thomas.
THE SUCCESS
The event was a huge success and over 7,000 people came out to see the magic act. The tiger was safely transported to Bermuda on a commercial flight and was well taken care of during his stay. Appropriately his name was Kaos! The event raised over $70,000 for local children's charities. In addition, several tickets were donated for children and their families who otherwise would not be able to afford such an event.
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THIS EVENT
Getting to pet a white tiger! That was really cool. Watching the people watch the spectacular magic was heartwarming, especially the children. The best part was delivering an event when nobody else saw the potential to do it in such a short time frame, and being able to raise money for the children's charities that do so much in Bermuda.
CASE STUDY #2
SCARS (Saving Children & Revealing Secrets)
RED & WHITE PARTY FUNDRAISER
2018 Red & White Party held at The Loren
2019 Red & White Party held at Seabreeze
BACKGROUND
SCARS has relied on Reverie Founder, Sandra Christensen, for their fundraising strategies and events since 2011. In 2018 SCARS wanted to celebrate their 7th anniversary since becoming a charity. The goal was simple - to raise much needed funds and awareness to further SCARS mission of preventing child sexual abuse.
THE CHALLENGE
Sandra was tasked with creating an event that would honor the seven years that SCARS had been in existence while creating a fun filled event that would raise money for the charity. An event theme of "Red & White" was created to honor the brand colors of SCARS. The Loren Hotel was selected as the venue for the first Red & White event. A selection of seven red and white fine wines were selected, along with gourmet food pairings created by the chef. Invitations were created and sent out and prize sponsors were secured for the live and silent auctions that were held at the event. Sponsorship opportunities were created and offered to several Bermuda businesses.
THE SUCCESS
The first Red & White Party was a great success. Over 120 people purchased tickets to the event and opened their wallets to support the live and silent auctions. Local businesses supported the event through sponsorship and prize donations which contributed greatly to the success. The venue was amazing as was the food and the wine and entertainment. A significant amount of money was raised that night in support of the charity. In fact it was such a success, that it has become an annual event and the 2nd Red & White party was held in November, 2019 at Seabreeze.
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THIS EVENT
It is always a privilege to raise money for SCARS and for the founder Debi Ray-Rivers who is so humble and grateful. Introducing young Bermudian singers was a highlight of the 2018 event. The funds raised, the crowds accolades and the charities gratefulness, allowed us to make many dreams come true. That is always the best part of raising money for this charity. Watching the crowd have fun makes all the hard work and effort worth it.