Join us for a spook-tacular panel where local South Sound nonprofit professionals share their insider tricks and treats to take the fear out of planning your next fundraising event! From ghoulishly good strategies for boosting engagement to devilishly effective ways to maximize donations, this session will help you cast a spell of success over your events. Learn how to enchant your audience with creative themes, craft spellbinding mission moments, and avoid the most common fundraising event nightmares. Whether you're planning a traditional fundraising event, or shaking things up, you'll walk away with practical tips and fright-free ideas that will aid in the success of your next fundraising event! Prepare to leave the fear behind and make your next event a scream—in a good way!
Costumes optional and encouraged. A reminder to keep it fun and respectful.
Our Panel:
Sharon Chambers-Gordon, Founder and CEO, Raising Girls
Grace Finch, Director of Development, Annie Wright
Grace Finch joined Annie Wright Schools in 2016 as Philanthropy Director and was later appointed Director of Development in ’20. She brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and event management, previously serving as the South Sound Fundraising Manager for the American Diabetes Association and Washington Chapter Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Grace earned a bachelor's in art history and visual culture studies from Whitman College before returning to Tacoma where she worked at the Tacoma Art Museum before beginning her career in development.
Susie Cuomo, Event Manager, Greentrike
Susie Cuomo has been in the event industry for the past 20++ years with vast experience in event planning and management. Previously working in corporate and private events, and most recently in fundraising at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and CHI Franciscan, Susie joined Greentrike as Event Manager in 2023, and is happy to have found her home.
Our Moderator:
Mary Davidson, Owner and Events Director, EP Events
Mary Davidson, MBA, owner of EP Events LLC, has over twelve years of fundraising experience which has led to deep diving into the event world and helping nonprofits raise funds for their cause. Purposeful events are her jam and she is known for event planning on a budget and working efficiently and effectively. It's a top priority for Mary to help organizations stay true to their mission, purpose, and budget, while planning an event. Mary leads the EP Events team in non-profit, community, and corporate events, whether virtual, hybrid, or in-person. Mary is also the co-founder of the Event Pros On the Go Retreat and enjoys giving back to the event industry and spreading community over competition through her involvement as co-host of the Better Events Podcast.
Lunch will be served at the event; please let us know about any dietary restrictions by emailing us at afpsouthsound@gmail.com.
Greater Giving is excited to bring a few a few tricks and treats for event attendees.
Thank you to our Sponsor, Greater Giving!
For over 20 years, Greater Giving, a Global Payments company, has helped nonprofits and schools across the nation exceed goals in-person or online with their all-in-one, secure fundraising solutions. They help simplify event management; quickly train volunteers; streamline check-in and check-out; and raise more funds!
Discover Greater Giving's fundraising solutions and free educational resources at www.greatergiving.com