Marshall & blowing rock north carolina
sports marketing - equestraian event - non-profit fundraising
James Fisher Memorial Foundation's Grand Prix Benefit Calcutta Raises over $100,000 for Charity
The Challenge
To celebrate their founding, the James Fisher Memorial Foundation sought to launch a signature event fundraiser to highlight their corporate partner’s communities in Western North Carolina. Their goals were multi-faceted: engage the local community, showcase their properties, raise funds for their local charity partner Bank MANNA FoodBank, and honor James’ passion for horses. Their target attendance, based on facility size, was 125-150 people. However, the event's venue, an equestrian center, posed challenges due to its remote location, limited staffing, scarce nearby accommodations, parking constraints, and permitting issues. The event's standard had to be upscale to appeal to the high-end clientele within the communities, while also embracing and supporting the local town of Marshall, NC.
JAMES FISHER MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
The Solution
The team conceptualized a Grand Prix Calcutta concept, in which 20 horses would compete in a show jumping Grand Prix. Prior to competing each horse and rider pairing would be presented for auction to the highest bidder, with all funds raised being allocated to the MANNA FoodBank. Prizes would go to the "buyers" of the winning horses. To heighten bidding interest, the focus shifted from material goods to experiential offerings such as Caribbean vacation rentals, golf packages and private experiences in the local area, which were donated by various sponsors. Prior to the auction, bidders had opportunities to meet equine ambassadors as well as the horse and rider teams, forging a personal connection with the horses up for auction.
Attracting top-tier riders was vital; they stood to win up to $25,000 from a purse donated by title sponsor, Preserve Communities. Potential riders were offered a top-tier exhibitor experience, centered around hospitality and convenience, evolving the event into an International Grand Prix class.
An extensive marketing campaign was launched, covering various mediums from digital to grassroots efforts. Event coordination was comprehensive, involving the orchestration of over 30 vendors, numerous volunteer organizations, securing permits, and constructing substantial temporary setups. Additionally, the team managed the auction and the show. Ensuring an exceptional guest experience was a priority, as well as a strategic focus of partnering with local vendors to strengthen local community ties.
JAMES FISHER MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
The Results
2017: Achieved an attendance of 158, surpassing the initial goal, and raised $44,000.
2018: Attendance grew to 206, with $51,000 raised. The success led to a realization that the venue had been outgrown, prompting a move to Blowing Rock, NC in 2019.
2019: Enhancements were made with increased prize money to $50,000, drawing participants from 6 foreign countries. A partnership with GiveSmart optimized ticketing and bidding experiences. The venue change allowed ticket diversification, offering varied guest experiences. The year culminated with 275 attendees and a significant $104,000 raised for MANNA Food and Hunger and Health Coalition.
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