Problem

The Alaska SeaLife Center opened in May 1998 following many years of fundraising and planning. Built in part as a result of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, the Center is charged with understanding and maintaining the integrity of the Alaska’s marine ecosystem through research, rehabilitation and public education. Like many nonprofits, the Center had a committed and energized board of directors, a well-honed staff and not enough cash to conduct programs needed to complete its mission.  In May of 2000, key staff resigned just 6 weeks shy of a major fundraiser designed to showcase the Center to key donors.

Solution

Quite simply, we helped the Center stage a successful fundraising event after meeting with the client to establish new fundraising goals more achievable in the time frames given. The event hosted by Congressman Don Young, featured three days of fishing excursions in Resurrection Bay, as well as a silent auction of Alaskan and outdoor memorabilia. The event presented an opportunity for Center officials to build long-term relationships with potential funders.

Results

More than $160,000 was raised in 2000 and we were asked to put together the event again in 2001 with even higher financial targets. In 2001, many guests returned and the event was even more successful, becoming an annual fundraiser for the Center until later in the decade.