Elizabeth Ann Seton Board's La Dolce Vita With Jessica Cardenas And Maryam Fernandez

Fun In Fundraising

What does it take to successfully host a gala or signature fundraising event when you unexpectedly have to change the venue...with 48 hours notice? Today, I talk with Jessica Cardenas, Director of Annual Giving for The Seton Fund, and Event Producer Maryam Fernandez about the organization's signature fundraising event: Elizabeth Ann Seton Board's La Dolce Vita.

La Dolce Vita, one of Austin's most popular al fresco events, usually held at Camp Mabry Military Base, was forced to move at the last minute when the rain plan evolved into a likely severe weather outbreak that required them to spring into action to find a new venue and produce the event with 48 hours notice. The ensemble pulled together to find a new venue, successfully execute the event, and raise $1.34 million in the process.

In this episode, Jessica and Maryam provide so many important insights on what it takes to pull off a list-minute move. The two more important things are trust and communication. With that as a foundation, we dive into the three steps to successfully execute the last-minute move: finding a new venue, coordinating with vendors, and engaging your donors, sponsors, and attendees. This is one episode you will not want to miss.