East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University

Suggested Events
1. Walk-together: like a traditional walk-a-thon, but
emphasizing the idea that “we are all in this together”
and that the EBCH needs the community’s help.
2. Sleep-Out: In a communal area in the East Bay,
participants sleep in their cars to demonstrate what
homelessness can be like. The event has visual and
emotional impact and could generate good publicity.
3. Giving-Back: Special dinner to top donors to say,
“Thank you” and to showcase what their donations
have made possible.
Good to Know
Consider an online event planning service
such as EventBrite.
• It’s free
• Can create customizable events
• Allows for online RSVPs, ticket purchases
and donations
• Can post invitations to the EBCH Facebook
page for increased exposure
• Can track event’s progress in real-time
4. Coordinate with local restaurants to sponsor nights
when 10%-to-20% of the proceeds go to the EBCH.
5. Foster on-campus events at local colleges. The events
will garner local press coverage and may generate new
volunteers and future donors.
6. Formal Gala. A year or two after implementing the
new marketing strategies the EBCH could hold a formal
gala: an upscale event to allow current and future
donors to meet the people their money benefits. It
will allow them to converse with board members and
staff of EBCH as well.
Event Planning Caveats from the Research
Survey responses from EBCH board members suggest that the EBCH should focus on a few signature events each
year – at least until additional staff assistance is available. Board member responses revealed that board members would
like to limit their planning and implementing of events to two or three per year and their attendance to two events
per year.
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