[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
 |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
|
|
|
12.30.2001 00:31
GALA-vanting by Faye Zuckerman
Fundraising year was divided into two parts
The past year in parties and fundraisers was divided into two distinct categories -- before and after the Sept. 11 terrorism. Prior to the devastation, raising money for non-profits was poised to break attendance and proceeds records.
And then after Sept. 11, a few parties were canceled. Attendance at others dropped off. Organizations celebrated if they raised as much as the prior year's events. By the end of 2001, most groups reported that corporate sponsors and individuals stood by their commitments. They met the needs of our area's philanthropic organizations, and the hope is that they will continue beyond 2001.
In mid-September, most supporters realized that while festivities would be tempered if not canceled, the need would not disappear. On Sept. 20, a roast for Al Klyberg, the visionary behind Heritage Harbor Museum, turned into a reverent salute. It sent a message that it's critical to continue on with one's mission, and, at the same time, remember the heartache in New York City and Washington, D.C.
One day after Sept. 11, the president and CEO of Home and Hospice Care Rhode Island, Analee Wulfkuhle, met with her staff and the volunteers who had spent close to a year planning that weekend's regatta, lobster boil and opening-night party at a swanky Saunderstown home. They discussed the mission of the organization, which is to offer medical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Rather than putting energy into the party, they felt they needed to help people cope with grief and loss.
"We made the decision on Sept. 12 to establish community grief support workshops throughout the state," Wulfkuhle said. "We switched gears rapidly, and it was the right decision. Our donors gave overwhelming support to our decision. Not one asked for money back."
Three days after the events of Sept. 11, WSBE/Channel 36 held its previously scheduled Sunset Soiree fundraiser at Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence. "We briefly talked about rescheduling, but realized it would be impossible," said Susan Framer, president and CEO of Channel 36. "We felt that people needed a diversion from watching the hideous images on TV. If they didn't need to get away from the TV then they didn't attend our party."
Sunset Soiree was an inaugural event for Channel 36, so Farmer couldn't make comparisons to past years. But she said it was considered a success. "We raised more money there than during two nights of the on-air auction," she said.
Jane Jellison, executive director of the Southside Community Land Trust, a community-based land conservation group, attended the organization's annual gala on Sept. 15. It took place in a garden on Linden Street, Providence. "It was a tough decision to make not to cancel," she said, "but we decided to go on with the party. We felt that life goes on."
In years past, close to 200 guests showed up for the group's outdoor fundraisers. "This year about 130 attended," Jellison said. "I think many people thought it was canceled. The people who attended were happy to get away from the TV and be outside on a beautiful day."
Attendance at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 2nd Annual Women Against MS Luncheon, on Sept. 20 at the Biltmore, met the organization's goals. The keynote speaker, New York City resident and book-author Zoe Koplowitz, gave an emotional talk about her experiences in lower Manhattan during and after the tragedy. She also described the tight security at LaGuardia in New York.
AS FOR THE FIRST
nine months of 2001, they were upbeat. At the formal debut of four high school girls on Jan. 13, sponsored by Theta Psi Omega, the Rhode Island Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a gorgeous group displayed optimism and hope for the future.
The annual meeting of the smocks and the suits, also known as the Business Volunteers for the Arts, Rhode Island, drew a huge crowd of 650 at the end of January. They vigorously applauded and stood for Malcolm "Kim" and Elizabeth "Liz" Chace who received the coveted Arts Advocate Award.
Amos House benefited from Souper Bowl parties. Trinity ushered in the Chinese New Year. A wedding occurred at the Spring Flower & Garden Show during a party to raise money for the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park. The Black Heritage Society celebrated diversity at a soiree with 670 guests on Feb. 24.
The year ushered in a few firsts. The newly merged Rhode Island Philharmonic and Music School on March 31 held its inaugural fundraiser. The combined board celebrated a bright future at the Hot Jazz on a Cool Night gala at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet.
Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison stepped foot in Rhode Island for the first time to pick up the lifetime achievement award at the Pell Awards for Excellence.
During the summer, Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol celebrated turning 30. The Meeting Street School held a carnival near the Fleet Skating Center in downtown Providence, and Johnson & Wales University dedicated Snowden Hall to the sounds of the Rhode Island Philharmonic during an early August party.
Fall featured three milestones, the Sept. 11 tragedies notwithstanding. Most notably, Woonsocket's Stadium Theatre re-opened completely renovated and refurbished. Filmmaker Bobby Farrelly took part in the celebration, which featured a concert by Wynton Marsalis.
In addition, the Miriam Hospital turned 75, and supporters celebrated on Sept. 29 with a formal gala, featuring a murder-mystery, at the Westin Hotel. Memorial Hospital turned 100 with a soiree at the State House in late fall.
Several memorable luncheons occurred during the last half of 2001, including one featuring Dr. Jerri Nielsen, who diagnosed her own breast cancer while acting as a crew doctor in the South Pole. She helped raise money for the Breast Health Program at Roger Williams Medical Center.
Guests pulled out their formalwear to attend the biannual Storybook Ball, at which a sold-out crowd of 1,200 raised $300,000 for Women and Infants Hospital in Providence. Artists created table-top masterpieces themed around popular children's books.
A few weeks later on Nov. 10, tuxes and gowns were seen at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet during the Tomorrow Fund's Fantasy Ball. The giant auction of 246 items raised $150,000 for the organization, based at Hasbro Children's Hospital, which gives support to children with cancer and their families.
The inner-city arts program CityArts ushered in the holiday season with a gallery of creatively whimsical artist-created trees. The festive mood gave guests a feeling of optimism and hope for a healthy and happy 2002.
Send e-mail to fzuckerm@projo.com; faxes to 277-8175. If you're sending photos, color photos only, please.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
Printer-Friendly Version
