Giving Thought: Gala season — a time for learning and connection

Summer in the Roaring Fork Valley means many things: opportunities to spend hours on breathtaking trails or fishing, attending world-class classical music concerts or incredible theatrical performances, and fundraising galas and events. Nonprofit organizations use the summer months in Aspen to share their work, reconnect with donors, and build new relationships by hosting events. Almost every night of the week, there is an event that one can attend from mid-June through August. 

While some in the philanthropic and nonprofit communities might lament gala burnout and bustling social calendars, a well-executed gala can inspire deeper connections and engagement. 

Last month, The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) hosted its annual gala. It kicked the event off with the premier of a sketch comedy video from Consensual Improv highlighting “gala season in Aspen” titled “Gala Flex.” The sketch, now available on YouTube, touches on the familiar scenes at galas in our region, the paddle raises, open bars, and passed appetizers. “Gala Flex” opened the event uniquely and engagingly, highlighting one aspect of the organization’s programming.

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“Comedy is an incredible tool for discussing just about anything, including the Roaring Fork Valley ecosystem,” TACAW Executive Director Ryan Honey shared. “Obviously, we live in a very privileged place, and Gala Flex acknowledges that. But our community is also extremely generous because of the wealth here. Using comedy to acknowledge our circumstances and then encourage guests to leverage their privilege was a winning combination. It also helped to have a super-talented team in Consensual Improv who ensured that the laughs never stopped. It’s amazing how receptive people are when smiling.”

He noted, “Galas allow nonprofits to tell their unique stories and showcase their impacts to an extremely engaged audience. Every organization’s gala is an opportunity to highlight what they do best.”

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Galas are an opportunity to cultivate community through shared experiences and connections to strengthen or build long-term relationships. 

“A gala should be an unforgettable celebration; guests should leave feeling inspired,” he said. “The fundraising aspect is obviously critically important to the nonprofit, but the experience is what the attendees should remember. If they connect with the mission and feel a bond with the nonprofit’s community, everyone wins. The fundraising aspect will succeed, and the guests will leave energized by being part of something bigger than themselves.” 

TACAW highlighted its programming at its gala by offering a showcase before the dinner portion of the event. Attendees enjoyed a stand-up comic, circus arts, a Shakespearean monologue, sketch comedy, and musical performances. Artists who performed on stage were seated with attendees, creating space and opportunity for deeper engagement. 

Other nonprofit organizations connect their attendees with their mission in different ways. Local nonprofit English in Action supports English-language learners and the immigrant community and recently held its summer benefit. 

“Our Summer Benefit serves as a great way to bring hundreds of people together to further learn about our mission and goals within the broader community. It’s also a great way to showcase larger issues facing immigrants in our country. We have focused recently on amplifying the voices of our adult learners by including a featured student speaker and a video with diverse voices,” shared Heather Hicks, development director at English in Action. 

Buddy Program, a local youth mentoring nonprofit organization, also held its annual fundraiser this month.

“The Buddy Program’s work, especially within our one-on-one mentoring programs, isn’t ‘on display’ or as forward-facing as some other organizations in the Valley. Much of our work and impact happens more behind the scenes. For this reason, the Bash for the Buddies allows us to showcase our impact on youth and families and connect donors with our mission meaningfully,” shared Ali Welch, development director at Buddy Program.

These events also allow nonprofits to raise significant funds to support their work year-round. 

“We raise nearly half our operating budget for the year through our event, which is underwritten by individuals and businesses so that every dollar raised through our paddle raise goes directly towards supporting our programs,” shared Hicks. 

Nonprofit staff recognize that summertime is precious, appreciate the time their supporters take to attend their events during this busy season, and see them as unique opportunities for connection. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to our donors, the TACAW staff, and the talent who shared their gifts at our gala,” said Honey. “Everyone involved crafted something that will never be created again. Instead of trying to replicate it next year, we will craft something new. It won’t be better or worse; it will just be different. A gala is a little bit like a play: You have a script and cues, but once it starts, you have to just let the show happen. So take the opportunity and be bold, unique, and inspiring.”

At the end of a fundraising event, your nonprofit hosts hope you leave feeling inspired and curious about ways to strengthen your connection and build on the shared experience to create a better future. 

Allison Alexander is the director strategic partnerships and communication at Aspen Community Foundation. ACF, with the support of its donors, works with a number of non-profits in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Throughout the year, we will work to highlight non-profits in the region.