Virtual Events: Worthy Black Tie Auction with Custom Packaging

When it comes to celebrations, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Last week’s virtual event with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia proved that even a pandemic can’t stop a celebration – especially when it’s for a good cause. The entire philanthropic affair, cleverly named the Great UnEvent was well planned and even included wine. How did they do it? Facebook and boxes packed with delicious treats.

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia who helps feed thousands of families, usually holds a large black tie event each October to raise awareness and money for their Kids Cafe. But we all know that Covid and social distancing doesn’t play well with in-person events. It was time to rethink how an event could be adapted for the virtual world and still involve donors.

Surprise boxes

Mary Jane Crouch, Executive Director explains “we have so many people who make really nice donations to us. We wanted to show our appreciation so we teamed up with CompanyBox and Spring-Fill to create amazing thank you boxes to send our sponsors.”

The boxes, full of donated items like Joel Gott wine, local honey, tea, pralines and Spring-Fill crinkle paper doubled as a surprise treat to enjoy while watching the live auction. Each sponsor name or logo was printed directly on the box.

“We sent out the boxes and included a note to request donations on the website or bids in the auction,” says Crouch.

Just like the real thing

The Great UnEvent drew about 150 guests to the Facebook Live event that had all the trimmings of a real life auction. And although many were probably not dressed in black tie attire, attendees showed up with a smile on their face and donated $251,000 to this worthy cause. “We’ve never received this many calls thanking us,” adds Mary Jane Crouch. “After the boxes shipped, people began donating before the event even started.”

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is still collecting donations for their Kid’s Cafe. To donate, please visit: www.helpendhunger.org

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