Fall Virtual Philanthropy Event Highlights

by Sarah Rayman in Focus on Philanthropy

From online fundraisers and live-stream events to contact-less delivery and virtual 5Ks, Alpha Phi members make a difference together even as they are apart.

As chapters shift to a virtual membership, virtual philanthropy events have become increasingly more prominent. We are especially inspired by these five chapters and their exemplary virtual philanthropy events. Please read below for more information on their success in their virtual philanthropic efforts!

Virtual Red Dress Week with Gamma Omicron

Nearly halfway through planning their annual in-person gala, Gamma Omicron (Drake) pivoted quickly to a completely virtual Red Dress event. The women used this opportunity to expand on their previous efforts. By hosting a virtual event, there found they were able to:

  • Incorporate more activities and fundraising opportunities
  • Further educate audiences on their philanthropic focus
  • Generate more digital content
  • Broaden their audience base and deep connections

Red Dress Gala became Red Dress Gala Week packed with a new event or activity each day, like educational videos and testimonies from chapter sisters, a social media bingo competition, and a virtual auction via GiveSmart.

Through their tireless dedication and hard work, the women of Gamma Omicron raised over $17,000 for Alpha Phi Foundation—thank you! A special shoutout to Gamma Omicron’s Red Dress co-chairs Cassidy and Kiley for leading their chapter’s efforts.

• • • ADVICE FROM ONE SISTER TO ANOTHER • • •

Aim low in cost and aim high in fundraising,” says Kiley. With the usual event planning costs obsolete, focus on driving donations and interaction with donors and guests. She highly recommends soliciting sponsorships and using your networks to increase funding.

Cassidy advises, “Be flexible and create many iterations of your plan. Be willing to change your plans!” As many of us adjust to virtual philanthropy events, it is important to be prepared and plan accordingly as our campuses and communities change.

Kiley and Cassidy both emphasized the collaboration between their team and the Director of Social Media on the event’s marketing plan, complete with videography, social media, texts, emails, and recognition. View their Red Dress Gala Week video on Facebook >> 

Lastly, both officers recommend keeping a positive attitude throughout the planning process. “This event may not end up the way you originally envisioned it, but your hard work will not go unnoticed!”

Heart Beat Week
with Epsilon

Epsilon (Minnesota) took their annual and highly-attended Heart Beat Week completely virtual.

Using GiveSmart, they collected donations and sold tickets for Get Fit with the Phis and Trivia Night with the Alpha Phis. Thank you for your philanthropy!

Virtual Alpha Phifa
with Omicron

Omicron (Missouri) hosted Alpha Phifa by setting up two virtual Fifa video game tournaments!

Participants purchased a ticket to enter the bracket and played on either an X-Box or PS4. The chapter also collected donations throughout the event by sharing the GiveSmart link with others. Congratulations on a successful event!

Move Your Phi’t
with Epsilon Xi

Epsilon Xi (Southern Illinois) hosted a virtual Move Your Phi’t event and found major fundraising success through the Champions feature of their GiveSmart page.

By having chapter sisters create individual fundraising pages to share with friends and family, the chapter raised over $10,000 for Alpha Phi Foundation. Participants moved and grooved for heart health by walking, running, and biking! Awesome work, Epsilon Xi!

Mac N Phis
with Eta Xi

Eta Xi (UNC Wilmington) hosted a socially-distanced Mac N Phis event and sold tickets to the event over GiveSmart

Devise a pick-up or drop off schedule to keep the event safe. Be sure to follow the guidelines for gathering and distributing food set forth by your campus and community. Thank you for your creativity, Eta Xi!

Thank you to all of our sisters for a continued dedication to philanthropy! A special thank you again to the Alpha Phis of Gamma Omicron (Drake), Epsilon (Minnesota), Omicron (Missouri), Epsilon Xi (Southern Illinois), Eta Xi (UNC Wilmington) for their creativity, innovation, and thoughtfulness!

More Virtual Event Resources

Please reach out to chaptergiving@alphaphifoundation.org for all your philanthropy-related questions.

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