Team 1: Buddymazing

Brief Description of the Project

Team 1 worked with Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We helped the organization raise funds and awareness by hosting a bar night at Skores Sports Bar and Grill in Hardwood Heights. The team sold tickets for $50 and half of the proceeds were donated to Best Buddies. We were also able to obtain straight donations and a sponsorship from donors who were unable to attend the event. At our event, we raised additional funds by raffling in-kind donations we received from our sponsors. In addition to hosting a bar night, we also raised awareness by posting our event through our social media outlets. We worked closely with Kaitlyn Rose, Director of Development for Best Buddies Illinois. Ms. Rose provided the marketing materials for our event. She also made sure that a representative from Best Buddies was present at our event to help spread awareness to our family and friends.

  • Team Name: Buddymazing
  • Organization: Best Buddies of Illinois
  • Event: A Bar Fundraiser at Sports Bar & Grill in Hardwood Heights, IL
  • Date: Saturday, May 20, 2017
  • Time: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Cost: $50 per person
    • Three-hour open bar with food
    • $25 – Bar Cost & $25 – Fundraising
  • Raffle Tickets:
    • $1 for one
    • $5 for six
    • $20 for a “Wingspan”

Brief Description of the Charity

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and helps find employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

  • Best Buddies was founded in 1987
  • Works directly with people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD):
    • Down Syndrome
    • Autism
    • Fragile X Williams Syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • 109,033 Total Participants in 54 Countries
  • Dedicated to ending social, physical and economic isolation for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
  • Works with people ages 12 years old to adulthood
  • Teach public speaking skills by building self-esteem and confidence
  • Three Program Pillars:

Factual Analysis of Success in Terms of Project Objectives

Buddymazing Fundraising Goal: $4,325.00

Buddymazing Actual Fundraising Total: $6,525.00

Buddymazing Exceeded Its Fundraising Goal by $2,200.00

34% Over Fundraising Goal!! 

 

Total Revenue:                                                                     $7,225.00

  • McCormick Foundation Sponsorship: $5,000.00
  • Ticket Sales / Personal Donations: $2,020.00
  • Online Donations: $205.00

Total Expenses:                                                                    $700.00

  • Venue: $25 per ticket – Total Venue Expense: $575.00
    • 23 Guest Attended
    • Included 3 Hours Open Bar & Food
  • Service Gratuity – Total Gratuity Expense: $125.00
    • 1 Server

Total Other Expenses & Donation Value:                           $426.00

  • Team T-shirts for $10 each – Total: $50.00
    • 5 Team Members
    • This expense was covered by each team member individually
  • Decorations & Supplies – Total: $61.00
    • Invitation & Ticket Printing: $35.00
    • Raffle Tickets: $8.00
    • Wristbands: $10.00
    • Balloons: $8.00
    • These expenses were covered by each team member individually
  • Raffle & Give Away Donations Value – Total: $315.00
    • Hush Salon Gift Certificate: $50.00
    • Blooming Lotus Spa Gift Certificate: $65.00
    • Cite Restaurant Gift Certificate: $50.00
    • Porretta Italian Restaurant: $100.00
    • Wine Basket: $50.00

Lessons Learned About Managing Projects

  • Communication is Key for a Successful Project
  • Focus on Either Raising Funds or Awareness
  • Prioritize Your Time
  • Balance Your Work/School/Life Schedule

Advice For Future Teams Doing Similar Projects

  • Start Early
  • Prioritize Your Time / Meet Deadlines
  • Be Organized
  • Stay Focused on the Ultimate Goal
  • Be Prepared For Last Minute Changes – Prepare
  • Have a back Up Plan Ready – Plan B, C, D…
  • Respect
  • Have Fun!

Photos Related to the Project

Team Buddymazing:

Event Invitation & Ticket:

 

 

 

 

 

Venue – Skores Sports Bar and Grill:

Best Buddies Information Table:

 

Just Having Fun and Being Buddymazing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

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