Pledge
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's 12th Annual an Evening with the Stars gala
The question: How do we engage more participation and encourage donations?
The answer: Create spontaneous outbursts of cheering from attendees as they pledge instantaneously while viewing the results in real time using IML's wireless pledging system.
During its annual fund-raising gala, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network not only presented awards to 11 exceptional individuals who are leading the fight against pancreatic cancer, but witnessed enthusiastic giving as donations proliferated during and between presentations, speeches, and good-natured coaxing by the evening's jovial Master of Ceremonies. During the program, the nine members of the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) Executive Leadership Council (including Katie Couric) received the organization's prestigious Spirit of Hope Award; Emmy-award winning actress Dana Delany was presented with their Shining Star Award; and Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation Community Affairs Director Betsy Hilfiger was honored with the charity's Emily Couric Public Service Award. Lisa Niemi made a surprise appearance when the SU2C honorees gave her their award in memory of her husband, Patrick Swayze.
Then, following a practice round of pledging to familiarize the 500 supporters in attendance with IML's keypad device, the action began with $100,000 in pledges quickly appearing on IML's automated tally board on an oversized monitor. Simultaneously, the list of donors making contributions scrolled down on the other side of the screen, allowing the MC to thank generous donors continually. Later, when the MC set an even higher fund-raising goal, cheers erupted as it was reached. Following a moving address by Niemi in which she thanked the SU2C honorees, attendees were given one last opportunity to pledge, lifting the evening's total to more than $300,000.
"We were thrilled by the response all of our supporters at the gala had to IML's handheld devices," said Pamela Acosta Marquardt, Director of Donor and Corporate Relations at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "The number of donations skyrocketed when compared to the previous year, and it is easy to understand why. IML makes donating at any event fun and easy and our donors seemed to love it."
Whether your guests are unsuccessful in their bid to win auction items, or you choose to utilize IML Pledge to Fund A Need, or even as a fundraising game, you will see an increase in dollars raised and participation levels. An IML fundraising consultant will assist you in developing ideas and deciding which unique pledge option is best for your next event.
INCLUDE WITH YOUR SILENT AUCTION
Add IML Pledge to your list of silent auction items.
FUND A NEED
Onscreen graphics animate live as your guests donate toward a fundraising goal.
PLEDGE COMPETITION
Raise the level of participation in your pledge by adding a fun competition to the event.