dinner time!

Tonight our development team is recognizing leaders in annual giving to the college. So before I head off to enjoy the music, the meal, and the mingling, let's look at why it's a good idea to host a tribute dinner:

1. Show off
When you host friends for dinner, you bring out your best recipes, serveware, and dishes. When you host donors for a tribute dinner, you have the opportunity to show them how their dollars are hard at work. In preparing for tonight, our events team has made sure we're using one of our most impressive venues at the college, featuring student speakers, and highlighting an amazing campus choir. Plus, donors are being seated with students so they see firsthand the lives they're affecting!

2. Remind them of the cause
You have a captive audience with happy stomachs. It's time to bring out your best speakers to drive home your messaging. Direct mailers, form letters, and e-mail campaigns can't match the influence you have at a live event.

3. The role of recognition
Philanthropists can be selfless, giving, altruistic. But like it or not, everyone's ego craves a boost now and then. At the very least, a recognition event shows donors in a tangible way that you value their support.

4. Sense of community
At a tribute dinner, donors see they're not pulling weight of the cause on their own. Their tablemates enforce the sense that we're all in this together, and donors are less likely to leave a community they feel connected to.


And one more thing... Consider leaving your guests with a physical reminder of your cause. Personalized favors like mint tins, mugs, or magnets advertise your cause long after donors finish dessert.