The Request
Create a new annual profit-making event for the Austin Lyric Opera to help fund the operations costs.
The event had to be scalable, repeatable (with variation), and make a profit from ticket sales and donated items for sale at the event. The Opera already had an annual gala in the spring, they needed a fall fundraising event. Sylvia was slated with the event from concept to conclusion for 3 years to establish this event with a strong management team and establish a track record for a growing annual event.
Sylvia's Tip
When building an annual event that is sustainable, make sure the parent organization has designated staff to start the volunteer team, establish event chairs and monitor the event progress.
I developed a committee of opera staff and volunteers. We designed a series of ticketed events called the “Garden Party” featuring 3 different private gardens. Each party provided a special food and beverage theme, entertainment, and an option for a VIP experience.
Event Features
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Series of events over 3 days
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Hors d’oeuvres/Buffet/Charcuterie
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Wine tasting/Liquor tasting
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Live entertainment
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Donated items for sale
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The Budget - $0 - $10,000
Sponsorship based so no budget first year
The Turnout
Fabulous! Every event was close to or at capacity sales. The exposure to a broader audience of the beauty of Opera was evident through ticket sales beyond the usual Opera attendees.
Raise over $40,000 in year one
Minimal lift for volunteers & staff
50% Year Over Year Growth
