I always find it interesting to find out what other nonprofits are doing for their annual events. I’m especially curious to see how others are making their events unique because doing the same old thing just won’t work as well in this economy. I found 10 events, big and small, that seem to have the right idea (and maybe will prompt some brainstorming for your nonprofit event):

Chain of Lakes Golf Splash

Nonprofit Benefiting
Ridge Art and Main Street Winter Haven

Location
Winter Haven, Florida

Date
May 21, 2011

Details
The event will kick off with a Pre-Golf Splash Party 6:30 to 10 p.m. May 20 at a residence on Lake Eloise. The party will include water activities, cash bar and live entertainment by Band Haven. Tickets for the party are $25. The $500 registration free for a team of four players plus one boat driver includes a ditty bag, kick off drink ticket and d’oeuvres, breakfast, barbecue and awards following the event.

More Info
http://www.ridgeart.org/Splash%20pdf.pdf
http://www.newschief.com/article/20110512/NEWS/105125046/1081/entertainment?p=1&tc=pg

Taste of the Nation at Montage Laguna Beach 2011

Nonprofit Benefiting
Community Action Partnership of Orange County, Second Harvest Orange County Food Bank and Father Serra’s Food Pantry at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano

Location
Montage Laguna Beach

Date
May 22, 2011

Details
features food and drink from the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists. Tickets are on sale now in nearly 40 cities and 100% of ticket sales support our efforts to end childhood hunger. Taste of the Nation Celebrity Chef Tasting from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m – $150; VIP “Meet The Chefs” Reception 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m $250. VIP Guests enjoy valet parking, post event gift and enjoy an after party from 7pm-9pm, where they can mix and mingle with the chefs, partake in additional fare and enjoy a sunset toast.

More Info
http://www.strength.org/lagunabeach/

American cancer Society 2011 Relay For Life of Springfield/Burke, VA

Nonprofit Benefiting
American Cancer Society – Springfield/Burke, VA

Location
West Springfield High School

Date
May 13, 2011

Details
810 participants / 76 teams / $131,238.77 raised so far. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. $10 registration/commitment fee (per person) that is due upon registration. After that, anything you can raise through individual, team, or online fundraising is graciously accepted.

More Info
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=33324&pg=entry

The Shot in the Dark golf tournament

Nonprofit Benefiting
Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce

Location
Raven Nest Golf Club

Date
May 20, 2011

Details
golfers are given some help with the nighttime chaos in the form of glow necklaces and glow-in-the-dark golf balls. During the golf ball drop, a helicopter will land on the course. Balls are numbered, and the one that makes it into the intended hole or the closest to it wins a prize.There are four team spots open, Green said, at $400 each. The registration fee covers everything needed to play, including dinner, golf balls and accessories, a golf cart, T-shirts, hats and Koozies and the opportunity to participate in the putting green contest.

More Info
http://itemonline.com/local/x528362256/Golf-tournament-fundraiser-provides-shot-in-the-dark

Jubilee Association of Maryland’s 2011 8th annual event

Nonprofit Benefiting
Jubilee Association of Maryland provides support for adults with developmental disabilities

Location
Rockville, MD

Date
May 4, 2011

Details
Montgomery County Council President Valerie Ervin, whose district includes Silver Spring, Wheaton, Kensington and Takoma Park, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, will be the honoree—and subject of a roast; More than 350 people are expected to attend, making this year’s event the largest Jubilee has held. A reception is scheduled for 6 p.m., dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and the roast will start at approximately 8 p.m.

More Info
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Council/PressReleas /PR_details.asp?PrID=7560

Platt Tech’s second annual International Chili Society Cook-Off Nonprofit

Benefiting
Platt Tech’s Parent-Faculty Organization (PFO) / Platt Technical High School

Location
on the school campus, Milford, CT

Date
Saturday, May 14, 2011

Details
the winners will be eligible to compete for the World Championship in Manchester, NH, this fall; Last year’s inaugural Platt Tech chili cook-off brought in approximately $25,000.

More Info
http://milford.patch.com/articles/chili-cook-off-saturday-supports-platt-tech

Scavenger Run and Walk at The Common Ground in Sayville

Nonprofit Benefiting
maintain the grounds and gardens and to provide events at The Common Ground

Location
Sayville, NY

Date
May 14th, 2011 from 10:00 am to noon.

Details
Runners and walkers will be given a list of clues to search for various locations throughout Sayville and West Sayville. A digital camera or camera phone is required to capture themselves in front of some of the locations. Individuals and teams with the highest point totals will win special prizes. The cost to preregister is $15 per person or $20 (on day of run) and $25 per team or $30 (on the day of the run)

More Info
http://www.sayville.com/news.asp?news=1111

http://www.thecommonground.com/

Globetrotter Ambassadors Basketball fundraiser

Nonprofit Benefiting
partnered with The Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) and the Yes Partnership to help raise funds for youth programs

Location
Tuolumne County, CA – Columbia College

Date
May 19, 2011

Details
$15 for ticket or family 4-pack for $50The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines.The Ambassadors feature non-stop laughs and deliver a positive message for kids.

More Info
http://infonettc.net/2011/04/the-harlem-abassadors-are-coming-to-town/

2011 Fundraiser for Cervical Cancer, The Brides Ball

Nonprofit Benefiting
Cervical Cancer Awareness & Screening for Women in Need

Location
New Bern, NC

Date
September 16, 2011

Details
We invite you to wear your wedding dress or tuxedo again & re-live the wonderful memories of your wedding day, whether it was recent or years ago! Almost every woman wants to wear her wedding dress again. The Brides Ball offers the perfect opportunity for women and men to experience a night they’ll always remember, and support a great cause. Brides get the chance to re-live the magic & memories without the stress. Rather not wear your wedding gown, no problem. Any formal or semi-formal dress will be perfect! There will be door prizes, auction items, entertainment and on-site portraits! For an additional fee, you and your sweetheart can even renew your vows! Tickets are $65 to $75 and $100 additional to renew vows.

More Info
http://thebridesball.blogspot.com/

Ghoulwill Ball fundraising party celebrates the ’80s

Nonprofit Benefiting
Goodwill Industries Austin

Location
Austin, TX

Date
October 28, 2011

Details
The Ghoulwill Ball is the premier event for singles, couples, friends, and colleagues to have fun for a good cause. Proceeds benefit Goodwill’s job-related programs and services with a simple mission of changing lives through the power of work. Click here for more information on our mission. Open to the public 21 and up, come resurrect the 80′s for a night of costumes, live music and tasty treats. Dance to your favorite new wave hits, play classic 80′s arcade games and win bodacious prizes in the silent auction. Don’t miss the most totally rad event of the year!The event will be held 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St. Tickets are $125. There will be a costume contest, body painting, silent auction, tarot card reading and music by ’80s cover band Newsboyz.

More info
http://www.ghoulwillball.org/
http://www.ghoulwillball.org/2010/info.html

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