Creating the concept behind Generocity is one of my proudest event accomplishments of my career. As Publisher of a major lifestyle publicaiton in Seattle, I had so many people coming up to me asking me how they could learn about nonprofits in a low pressure atmosphere. I would respond to them “You mean like a job fair but for nonprofits?” And then the usual response was a blank face realizing that didn’t actually sound very fun. That’s when I realized there was a need for an event that would showcase a variety of local nonprofits in a fun and interactive environment. Naturally, delicious food and yummy cocktails were a must, sponsored by local restaurants and a major spirit company and beer sponsor. Entertainment with live music, acrobatics, djs, photo booths, caricature artists, and a red carpet experience were also in order. To save on rentals, I brought in furniture sponsors to provide living room seating areas but also asked each furniture sponsor to donate a chair for our “CHAIR-ity” auction. All proceeds from the chair raffle went directly to three lucky nonprofits at the event as a lottery. I created a boarding pass, sponsored by Alaska Airlines, to encourage attendees to visit 10 of the 40 nonprofit booths. At which point they could turn in their boarding pass and be entered to win a trip for two to Mexico. To tie in the automotive sponsor, Brotherton Cadillac, I had drivers pick up Russell Investments employees in Cadillacs to bring them to the event. I also had the complimentary valet presented by the auto sponsor and we set up a caricature artist by the vehilce inside the event space to encourage guests to check out the latest models from Cadillac. We involved the presenting and supporting sponsors by allowing them to each pick a certain number of nonprofit partners to participate, plus a set amont of tickets for their employees to attend the event. All of these companies have nonprofit matching programs, so it was a natural fit for them to support and encourage their employees to get involved by donating their time and/or resources. Each nonprofit was asked to activate their 10×10 space in a fun, inviting, and educational way. In it’s first year, Generocity was a sold out event with over 500 guests in attendance, with a waitlist of almost 200 additional guests wanting to get in.
The first annual Generocity was a smashing success! Seattle Met and presenting sponsor Vulcan Inc. hosted 39 nonprofits and 500 guests at the Living Computer Museum for a night full of fun and philanthropy. A huge thank you to Vulcan Inc. and our supporting sponsors Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC, Russell Investments, and Regence BlueShield for bringing this event to life, and to our stylish furniture sponsors, Greenbaum Home Furnishings, Masins Furniture, and Ligne Roset – Seattle. Cocktails were provided by Reyka Vodka and Hendrick’s Gin. And, of course, none of it would be possible without the wonderful participation from some of Seattle’s most amazing nonprofits.
This event won 1st Place in the 2015 Folio FAME Awards for Best Social Charity event.
This event won two honorable mentions for Best New Event B2C and Best Magazine Event in the 2015 Folio FAME Awards.
