Chapter Spotlight – Sigma (Washington)
This week’s Chapter Spotlight is Sigma (Washington) who raised over $50,000 at their 2014 Red Dress Gala. Director of Red Dress Gala Claire Daddino gives us the inside story.
Event Name: Red Dress Gala
Location: Renaissance Hotel Seattle
How many times have you held this event?
8
Who attended the event?
Parents, alumnae, friends, chapter members, a speaker and her family and doctors from UW Medicine.
How long did it take to plan the event?
1 year
Briefly describe the event.
Red Dress Gala is a silent and live auction with a sit down dinner. We held our 2014 gala at a hotel in downtown Seattle. Each chapter member is responsible for securing an item valued at $150+ that will be auctioned at the event. During the silent auction guests also have the opportunity to participate in games such as “Wine Toss” (where they try to throw a plastic ring onto a wine bottle) and Mini Golf, as well enter various raffles. Alpha Phi members work the event throughout the evening in various roles including: coat check, registration, selling raffle tickets, game/activity hosts and photographers.
What was your favorite part of the event?
I really enjoyed seeing all of the alumnae in attendance this year. There were more alumnae than any years prior, possibly due to the fact that we had an increase in legacies in our new member class. It was nice to see the alumnae sit and reconnect with each other over Alpha Phi.
How did your chapter publicize the event?
We sent invitations to the families of all of our current chapter members. We also asked members to provide addresses for additional family members or family friends that would be interested in attending. Invitations also went out to all of our local alumnae and encouraged them to reach out to their Alpha Phi friends and get a table together. Since we work very closely with the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, they supported us by securing two speakers for us – the doctor that received our 2013 grant as well as a patient. Both speakers were encouraged to bring their families or friends.