Hi Mary Anna! I am the Event Coordinator for the University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses in Oxford, Mississippi and work with a similar board for fundraising. For the last 7 or 8 years (no one can seem to decided on an official start date), the Friends of the Museum have hosted Harvest Supper in October. While it started as a small (100-ish guests) party in a board member's back yard, it has grown to a sold out throw-down for 500+ at Rowan Oak, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner.
Funds are raised primarily by selling sponsorships, starting at $500 for two tickets. This event has become so popular that we've sold out to sponsors for the last 3 or 4 years and have had no individual tickets to sell. Each year, we feature local chefs and musicians and auction art from local and regional artists. Initially, the auction was live but we switched to an online/silent format in 2018.
Harvest Supper gives about $100,000 - $125,000 annually to the museum after invoices are paid, $28k of which comes from the art auction.
While this theme doesn't necessarily translate to February, the format seems to work well for us. For more information/pictures, check out
museum.olemiss.edu/about-harvest-supper/.
If you want more info or to chat in general, let me know!
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Kate Wallace
Mmebership, Events, Communications Coordinator
University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses
University MS
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2019 09:05 AM
From: Mary Anna Murphy
Subject: Looking for FUN Museum Gala / Party Ideas
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is supported by a dedicated group of (mostly) women who raise funds for the museum's education programs. I'm a member as well as a museum professional.
Throughout the year, members organize fundraising gatherings, parties, events. I've been asked to co-chair an evening event in February and am coming to this creative group for fresh ideas and themes.
What event themes have been fun for you to attend / organize? AND raised funds?
Thanks!
Mary Anna Murphy
MAM Exhibit Design