Field Project Audit – Winter 2024

RAGS FOR WAGS​

Posted on by ahmed598win24

Project Description

Our team successfully hosted a fundraising event called “Rags for Wags,” an online DIY Dog Tug Toy event in support of the Anti-Cruelty Society. Despite encountering mid-project challenges, including unreliable space and supply funding, our team effectively pivoted strategies and leveraged our organizational contacts and personal networks to ensure project completion.

Description of Charity 

Anti-Cruelty, formerly known as the Anti Cruelty Society, extends beyond being a simple animal shelter. Their core mission revolves around fostering positive and healthy bonds between humans and animals. Offering a full range of services, they provide humane education, training, adoption, and fostering programs. Additionally, their temporary foster care initiative aids in keeping families united with their beloved pets for as long as possible. Remarkably, they also support poor families by donating pet food, ensuring that economic constraints do not sever the bond between families and their pets. In a recent development, the organization rebranded to reflect the evolution of their humane activities. With decades of service to both animals and humans, they perceive themselves as more than just a society but rather as a driving force in the humane movement. Therefore, on their 125th anniversary, they opted to drop “society” from their name, signifying their commitment to proceeding sympathy and welfare for all beings.

Factual Analysis of Success 

The main objective behind the “Rags for Wags” Event was double: to generate funds for Anti-Cruelty and to create toys for dogs awaiting adoption. Through planning, we arranged an event that not only increased awareness but also garnered significant support for our selected charity. “Rags for Wags” yielded an impressive outcome, raising over $850 in funds and crafting over 60 dog tug toys, showcasing the effectiveness of our fundraising tactics and the solid dedication of our team.

Lessons Learned 

Furthermore, this experience highlighted the significance of agile project management, particularly in adapting timelines and objectives to suit developing project requirements. Establishing possible deadlines and incorporating buffer time for unforeseen delays or alterations is essential. Proactive planning prior to project initiation can mitigate delays and mitigate conflicts within the team. Additionally, the extra time might afford opportunities for expanding project deliverables.

 

Party For A Purpose

Posted on by alicia598win24

A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society

Project Description

Party for a Purpose was fundraiser held to support the American Cancer Society (ACS), a 501-C charity focused on cancer research and furthering technological advancements in the cancer fighting practices. Our group decided to fundraise for ACS as we have all been touched in some unique way by cancer. 

Party for a Purpose was a social gathering/party hosted at Four Shadows Tavern & Grill (2758 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60614) from 4-7 p.m. on February 24, 2024. Our group sold drink package wristbands for $45 each, and patrons took advantage of complementary beverages throughout the event. From each wristband sale, $25 went to the bar and $20 was donated to the ACS. 

Additional revenue streams for our fundraiser included online donations shared through social media posts and raffle ticket sales for those in attendance. Raffle tickets were sold for $5 each or 5 for $20. All raffle items were donations – zero cost to our group. Raffles included: 

  • Blue Yeti soft sided cooler 
  • Corona cooler and swag set (2) 
  • Whiskey basket 
  • Wine basket 
  • Victoria grill tool set 
  • Corona cornhole set. 
  • $50 gift card for Chicago Park District Golf 
  • Tequila set of 3 bottles. 
  • Misc. liquor “grab bags” (2) 

Description of Charity 

Most of us have lost friends and family to cancer too soon. The American Cancer Society is an organization known for its dedicated history in the fight against cancer. Originally founded in 1913, the ACS gained recognition as an organization with an unrelenting commitment to fighting cancer. For many years, cancer diagnosis was a death sentence. Through advances in research and care, this reality has changed for many from bleakness to hope, and the ACS has led the fight. The American Cancer Society diligently spreads awareness of the disease and funds life-saving research. Today the ACS has evolved into champions of research, support, and advocacy. They are an organization that upholds values of integrity, compassion, courage, determination, and diversity. 

Factual Analysis of Success 

Our goal was to raise $2000 for the American Cancer Society and have a fun time with the process and event. We estimated that each of our five team members could average about eight guests to attend the in-person event, which would provide us with an estimated $800 in wristband revenue for the ACS. With 40 people in attendance, we estimated that if each person bought one raffle ticket, we could count on $200 from the raffle going to the ACS. We determined that our online revenue stream would be about 25% higher than our wristband sales, due to the ease of donation and the frequency of opportunity to donate. Our lowest estimate for the fundraiser was $1000, half of our goal, to account for low attendance due to travel or weather.  

We were pleasantly surprised to exceed our goal of $2000 by raising $5,249 for the American Cancer Society! Our in-person attendance exceeded our estimate by 50% with 60 people in attendance that purchased wristbands. Our raffle exceeded our goal by more than 300% and our online donations were almost 400% more than our estimate.  

Best of all, we were able to mingle with some of our online classmates and professor. One of our teammates drove more than 600 miles one way to attend! 

Revenue breakdown 

 

Lessons Learned 

Here are our top three things we wish we had thought of in preparation for this project: 

Raffle Ticket Counting 

  • We were unable to pinpoint how many raffle tickets we had sold. We estimated based on revenue.  
  • Take note of the number of the first raffle ticket sold, and the last. The difference is how many you sold. 

Patrons With Disabilities 

  • We did not account for guests needing an ADA compliant venue. 
  • Luckily, we knew in advance and had the guest bring a separate chair that was comfortable for them. 
  • We recommend hosting at an ADA complaint venue, or adding this to your risk plan to know how you will adjust when needed. 

“What is covered in the drink deal?” (Details matter!) 

  • This question was asked a lot. 
  • Print out flyers or have the bar project the deal on a TV. 
  • Put flyers on various tables and sections of the bar for patrons to easy reference. 

Best Practices 

  • Consolidate payment links to limit confusion. 
  • Monitor attendance and engagement. 
  • We had many more patrons come out than expected. 
  • We were aware of the flow of the bar and seamlessly took over more space. 
  • Store reports in a shared database such as Microsoft Teams so everyone can access and review changes in real time to documents. 
  • Keep open communication and collaboration with your team. 
  • If no one knows you’re struggling, they do not know how to help. 
  • Speak up with ideas and challenges. 

Event Photos 

 

DePaul Bookworms Children’s Book Drive

Posted on by patryk598win24

DePaul Bookworms Children’s Book Drive

 

Project Description

Our team participated in a book drive which focused on collecting children’s books donated to underprivileged children in the Chicagoland area. We also had options for individuals to contribute a monetary donation for those who did not have children’s books to donate. For our book drive, we collected the books in a box at our workplaces and used Facebook Marketplace to reach out to a broader audience. The collection box had a flyer with information about our charity, Bernie’s Book Bank. The flyer also contained a code that could be scanned and a secure link that individuals were able use to make a monetary donation. Facebook Marketplace was the best source of used books, and we collected about 3,000 books. Our team also volunteered to help sort and scan the books at the charity’s facility.

Description of Charity

Bernie’s Book Bank is a local organization with headquarters in Lake Bluff, IL. The charity serves the Chicagoland area and supports childhood literacy. Lower-income children do not always have access to books and Bernie’s Book Bank’s mission is to “Enable positive life experiences through books and book ownership.” The children served are infants through sixth grade. Every year, each child served receives a bag containing eight new or gently used books. The organization holds daily events in which volunteers gather and help to sort, scan, sticker, and bag the books. The volunteer sessions are 1.5 hours long and are a wonderful way to directly help the cause. We found the volunteer session to be a fun team-building event that allowed us to get to know each other better while giving back to our communities.

Analysis of Success Measures

Our Team’s goal was to collect a minimum of 250 books and a maximum of 750 books. Our actual book drive collection was close to 3,000 books. The monetary projection was a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $800. The actual monetary donation was $750.

Lessons Learned

Proper delegation allowed for empowerment of team members, increasing collaboration and strong results. An effective communication plan and weekly meetings allowed for timely progress and staying on track. We were able to talk through any problems or obstacles quickly and efficiently. Starting early and planning early alleviated scheduling concerns. We also learned the importance of marketing/awareness and using social media more for monetary donations. Technology (links/codes) not working was a risk we did not consider, but this risk should always be planned for. Testing of technology should be done in advance to ensure everything works properly.

 

Advice for Future Teams

Starting early and staying organized is what made our project successful. We would advise other teams with a similar project to set up clear communication expectations and hold regular team meetings.

Photos