Event Concept and Theme Brainstorm

1) EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT

Primary Goal: Raise $20K net to expand mobile pantry routes. Target Audience: Local supporters ages 30–65; HHI $40K–80K; small business owners, church groups, teachers; community-minded families. Success Metrics: Net revenue $20,000; Attendance 125–175 in-person; Sponsorships $7,500 from 4–6 local sponsors. Key Constraints: Timeline Spring 2025 (Apr/May); Pike County, Eastern Kentucky (rural); Budget under $5,000; Staff capacity limited (ED 5 hrs/wk; PT dev 8 hrs/wk; volunteer coord 5 hrs/wk; 15–20 event-week volunteers); Low risk, weather-resilient; Accessibility: wheelchair access, low-sensory space, Spanish interpretation, sliding-scale, all-ages; Format: in-person with optional hybrid livestream. Mission Context: Every $1 raised fuels the truck that delivers fresh produce and staples to hollers 20+ miles from a grocery. Competitive Note: Avoid church fish fries, 5Ks, and county fair weekends. Must-Include: Client storytellers, mobile pantry truck on-site/featured, local farmers invited. Assumptions noted: Indoor venues available at low or in-kind cost from churches/schools; local radio willing to support a brief telethon.

2) EVENT CONCEPT PORTFOLIO

1. Pack & Pledge Night: Mobile Pantry Open House - Tagline/Theme: Fill the Truck, Fuel the Hollers. - Mission Connection: Guests tour the truck, pack food boxes, and pledge monthly gifts to add new route stops. - Audience Fit: Hands-on, family-friendly service night appeals to church groups, teachers, and small businesses. - Experience: Guided truck tour, 45-minute packing shift, client storyteller, paddle-raise “Sponsor a Route.” - Venue/Season: Church gym or Extension Service warehouse; evening in April/May. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Ground-level loading, wheelchair-friendly packing tables, low-sensory corner; Spanish interpreter; sliding-scale tickets. - Differentiation Hook: Not a cook-off—an action night that tangibly advances routes. - Revenue Model: Tickets $25–35; paddle raise; “Fuel the Truck” sponsor tiles; route/mile sponsorships; program ads. - Cost Drivers: Insurance/security; AV for program; interpretation/accessibility. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—simple program, high volunteer enthusiasm.

2. Bluegrass & Biscuits Brunch Benefit - Tagline/Theme: Sunday brunch, Kentucky roots, neighbors fed. - Mission Connection: Menu built from pantry staples + local eggs/flour; client storyteller highlights pantry impact. - Audience Fit: Families and churchgoers seeking post-service brunch with music. - Experience: Biscuit bar, jam tasting from local farmers, short program + paddle raise, 3-song bluegrass set. - Venue/Season: Hospital conference center or community college hall; Sunday afternoon in May. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA seating, low-sensory table, interpreter headsets, kids’ corner; sliding-scale family packs. - Differentiation Hook: Affordable brunch vs. gala; staples-forward menu ties to mission. - Revenue Model: Tickets $30–40; sponsors for stages/tables; biscuit bar sponsor; raffle of “Week of Groceries” pledges. - Cost Drivers: Food (in-kind ask), AV, linens. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—food coordination, but streamlined program.

3. Pantry Basket Chef Throwdown - Tagline/Theme: Mystery Basket. Real Pantry. Real Impact. - Mission Connection: Local chefs create 20-minute dishes using pantry staples + seasonal produce; educates on stretch-cooking. - Audience Fit: Foodies and small business owners; teachers bring culinary students. - Experience: 3-round chef heats, tasting bites, judges + audience vote, mission moment. - Venue/Season: High school culinary kitchen/cafeteria or Extension demo kitchen; evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Wide aisles, chairs with arms, visual recipe screens; interpretation; sliding-scale limited seats. - Differentiation Hook: Not chili—fast, educational pantry challenge with local chefs. - Revenue Model: Tickets $35–40; VIP tasting $50; sponsor baskets, judge’s table, livestream sponsor. - Cost Drivers: Ingredient stipends, AV, prizes. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—program flow and chef coordination.

4. Holler Harvest Night Market & Tasting - Tagline/Theme: Meet the growers. Taste the region. Feed our neighbors. - Mission Connection: Farmers sell wares; portion of sales benefits routes; pantry staples recipe booth. - Audience Fit: Community families and church groups looking for budget-friendly night out. - Experience: 15–20 vendor booths, tasting lane, short program, kids “veggie passport.” - Venue/Season: Indoor rec center or church hall; Friday evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Wide aisles, seated rest zone, sensory-friendly hour; interpretation; pay-what-you-can entry. - Differentiation Hook: Indoor market in spring (pre-fair), with mission booths. - Revenue Model: Entry $10–15; tasting bracelets $25–30; vendor fees; sponsor the market aisle; raffle. - Cost Drivers: Venue/permits, table rentals, marketing. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—vendor management.

5. Story & Song: Appalachian Foodways Live (Hybrid) - Tagline/Theme: Voices from the hollers, music from the heart. - Mission Connection: Client storytellers + local musicians center food access narratives. - Audience Fit: Broad appeal to teachers, churchgoers, and families; low-cost night out. - Experience: 75-minute seated show, 15-minute paddle raise, recipe card merch. - Venue/Season: Public library auditorium or arts center; weeknight. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Reserved wheelchair seating, assistive listening, low-sensory area; interpreter; sliding-scale tickets. - Differentiation Hook: Storytelling-first fundraiser; hybrid livestream for home viewers. - Revenue Model: Tickets $25–35; livestream donate link; sponsor segments (Stories, Music, Accessibility). - Cost Drivers: Sound/lighting, modest artist honoraria, livestream tech. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—tight run-of-show.

6. Main Street Taste Trail (Scalable) - Tagline/Theme: 5 bites. 1 small town. Big impact. - Mission Connection: Each stop highlights a pantry staple twist; stamp card ties to “5 stops = feed 5 families.” - Audience Fit: Couples and friend groups; supports local businesses mid-spring slump. - Experience: Progressive small plates across 4–5 businesses, truck on display at final stop, short program + drawing. - Venue/Season: Downtown Pikeville partners; Thursday evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Walkable route with ADA map; seating at each stop; interpreter on call; sliding-scale tickets. - Differentiation Hook: Not a gala—community dine-around with mission stamps. - Revenue Model: Tickets $35–40; business underwriting; route sponsor; program ads. - Cost Drivers: Printing, volunteer t-shirts, insurance. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—businesses handle food.

7. Fuel the Truck: Radio-Livestream Telethon (Hybrid/Virtual) - Tagline/Theme: One hour. One truck. One community. - Mission Connection: Live from the truck; pledge “miles” and “stops.” - Audience Fit: Busy supporters and rural households; radio reach beyond town center. - Experience: 60-minute broadcast with client story, farmer call-in, match challenge; watch parties at churches. - Venue/Season: Partner radio station studio; weeknight. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Captions on livestream; bilingual phone bank volunteer; simple online giving; inclusive. - Differentiation Hook: Old-school radio energy with modern text-to-give. - Revenue Model: Sponsorship of segments; on-air match; peer-to-peer captains; no ticket. - Cost Drivers: Minimal—phone bank setup, streaming tools, promotion. Low-cost concept. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—prep scripts and partners. Scalable.

8. Pantry Lab Workshops Series (Scalable) - Tagline/Theme: Learn a skill, feed a neighbor. - Mission Connection: Classes on cooking with pantry staples, budgeting, and canning; each ticket feeds a family. - Audience Fit: Teachers, parents, and pragmatic supporters; practical, useful. - Experience: 3 weeknight workshops; final mini-showcase with box-packing. - Venue/Season: Extension Service kitchen/classroom; April. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA kitchen stations, visual aids, interpreter; scholarship seats. - Differentiation Hook: Education-first funder with service action finale. - Revenue Model: Class tickets $25 each or $60 series; sponsor a class; toolkit underwriter; mini-paddle raise at finale. - Cost Drivers: Supplies, instructor stipends, printing. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—multiple sessions but small groups.

9. Family Puzzle-Palooza Tournament (Low-Cost) - Tagline/Theme: Piece by piece, we end hunger. - Mission Connection: Team puzzle heats named for route counties; finish earns box sponsorship. - Audience Fit: Families and church teams; friendly competition indoors. - Experience: 45-minute puzzle rounds, snack table from pantry staples, mission quiz. - Venue/Season: School cafeteria or church hall; Saturday afternoon. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Tables at varied heights, quiet corner, interpreter; sliding-scale family tickets. - Differentiation Hook: Unique, low-cost, all-ages competition. - Revenue Model: Team entry $25–35; sponsor tables/counties; snack sponsor; raffle. - Cost Drivers: Puzzles, venue, prizes. Low-cost concept. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—simple to run, volunteers as judges.

10. Holler Home Table: Photo Exhibit & Recipe Card Sale (Low-Cost) - Tagline/Theme: The plates that shaped us. - Mission Connection: Portraits of clients, volunteers, and farmers with a favorite recipe; emphasizes dignity and culture. - Audience Fit: Teachers, arts-minded locals, families; reflective, meaningful. - Experience: Gallery walk, short program, recipe card packs and prints for sale. - Venue/Season: Public library gallery or hospital lobby; weeknight. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Clear signage, seating, low-sensory viewing times; bilingual captions; free entry; donate-what-you-can. - Differentiation Hook: Art-forward, not food-forward; dignified storytelling. - Revenue Model: Print/recipe sales; exhibit sponsor; donation wall; matching gift hour. - Cost Drivers: Printing/mounting (seek in-kind), frames, light refreshments. Low-cost concept. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—install and simple program.

3) COMPARISON MATRIX

| Concept # and Title | Mission Alignment (1–5) | Net Revenue Potential (1–5) | Audience Appeal (1–5) | Differentiation (1–5) | Feasibility/Capacity (1–5) | TOTAL SCORE | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:| | 1. Pack & Pledge Night | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 24 | | 2. Bluegrass & Biscuits Brunch | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 21 | | 3. Pantry Basket Chef Throwdown | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 20 | | 4. Holler Harvest Night Market | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 19 | | 5. Story & Song (Hybrid) | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 22 | | 6. Main Street Taste Trail (Scalable) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 | | 7. Fuel the Truck Telethon (Hybrid/Virtual) | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 23 | | 8. Pantry Lab Workshops (Scalable) | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 | | 9. Family Puzzle-Palooza (Low-Cost) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 20 | | 10. Holler Home Table Exhibit (Low-Cost) | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 20 |

Key: 5 = Excellent; 4 = Good; 3 = Adequate; 2 = Weak; 1 = Poor.

4) TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Pack & Pledge Night: Mobile Pantry Open House - Why This Concept: Maximum mission alignment, low cost, and a built-in paddle raise to hit $20K net. Hands-on activity appeals to churches, teachers, and families; highlights the truck and client storytellers. - Key Risks: Venue availability; box supply sourcing; paddle-raise underperforms. - Mitigations: Secure church gym hold by Week 2; confirm in-kind boxes/food with partners; pre-commit 2–3 match sponsors to anchor paddle raise. - Quick Win Potential: Pilot a 30-person micro-pack with board and champions to refine run-of-show and test pledge language.

2) Fuel the Truck: Radio-Livestream Telethon - Why This Concept: Low-cost, scalable reach via radio and social; complements an in-person night to close the gap to $20K net. Weather-proof and capacity-light. - Key Risks: Weak on-air engagement; tech glitches; sponsor reluctance. - Mitigations: Script compelling 3-minute client story; rehearse with station; secure a dollar-for-dollar match hour; pre-seed gifts to show momentum. - Quick Win Potential: Run a 20-minute “mini-telethon” Facebook Live test during a pantry day to validate engagement and giving tools.

3) Bluegrass & Biscuits Brunch Benefit - Why This Concept: Familiar, family-friendly format with clear ticket value; easy to sell $7.5K in sponsorships (table, biscuit bar, music). Indoors, weather-safe, accessible. - Key Risks: Food costs; Sunday schedule conflicts; volunteer food service load. - Mitigations: In-kind biscuit mix/eggs/jams from farmers and grocers; choose late-morning slot; use pre-portioning and self-serve stations to reduce volunteer strain. - Quick Win Potential: Host a taste test with one church group and a local band to capture photos/video and secure early table captains.

5) IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

Potential Partners/Hosts - Venues: Pike County Extension Service kitchen/classrooms; Appalachian Regional Healthcare conference space; Pikeville Public Library auditorium/gallery; local church gyms (e.g., First Baptist, Saint Francis); Big Sandy Community & Technical College culinary lab; City of Pikeville Event Center. - Program/Community: Cooperative Extension Service (workshops, venue); Pikeville Farmers Market (vendor recruiting); Appalachian Regional Healthcare (venue, health sponsors); local churches (pack night teams); High school FFA and culinary programs (chef throwdown support). - Media/In-Kind: WEKB/WEKU/WDHR local radio; Appalachian News-Express; community Facebook groups; Food City/Kroger/Save-A-Lot (in-kind staples); Pepsi/Buffalo Trace (non-alc beverage or sponsorship); local print shop.

Talent/MC Ideas - MC: Popular local radio host or school superintendent (trusted, calm presence). - Music: A local bluegrass trio (e.g., student ensembles from high school/college). - Speakers: Client storyteller (prepped/supportive), a route driver, and a farmer from Pikeville Farmers Market. - Auctioneer/Paddle-Raise Caller: Respected pastor or retired judge who commands the room.

Sponsorship Hooks - Naming Tiers: Presenting “Route Builder” ($5,000), “Fuel the Truck” ($2,500), “Harvest Partner” ($1,000), “Holler Friend” ($500). - Sponsored Segments: Accessibility Sponsor (ASL/Spanish/low-sensory setup), Route County Sponsors (named tables or stations), Biscuit Bar Sponsor, Chef Basket Sponsor, Livestream Sponsor, Matching Gift Sponsor. - Tangible Assets: Stage/podium branding, truck wrap decal strip for high-tier sponsors, tasting bracelet logos, program ads, social shout-outs, digital thermometers (miles funded).

Beneficiary/Volunteer Involvement - Authentic Roles: Client speakers co-develop stories; farmers host a “What’s in Season” table; volunteers lead packing lanes; route drivers narrate a 2-minute “day-in-the-life.” - Beyond Logistics: Host committee of 10–12 to secure tables and peer-to-peer pledges; church team captains; sponsor liaison volunteers; accessibility ambassadors to welcome guests and offer interpreter headsets.

6) NEXT STEPS & DECISION TIMELINE

Quick-Win Pilots - Micro Pack & Pledge: 30 people at the Extension gym; test 15-minute program + pledge cards; aim for $5,000 in pre-committed matches. - Mini Livestream: 20-minute Facebook/Radio cross-stream during a pantry stop; test text-to-give and match message.

Validation Plan (4–6 Questions for 10–12 Stakeholders) - Which concept excites you enough to invite friends or your church group? - What ticket price feels right for a 90-minute indoor fundraiser ($25, $30, $35, $40)? - Would your business sponsor a route mile, a table, or a match hour? At what level? - Preferred day/time in April–May (Thursday evening, Saturday afternoon, Sunday brunch)? - What accessibility features are most important to you/your family? - Would you volunteer to captain a table or peer-to-peer page?

Decision Timeline - Weeks 1–2: Gather input (calls to top donors/church leaders; quick online survey). - Week 3: Select primary concept (Pack & Pledge Night) + add Telethon and Brunch as revenue boosters. - Week 4: Kickoff planning; lock venue/date; launch sponsor outreach.

90-Day Pre-Approval Tasks - Venue holds and contingency back-up (ADA-verified). - Budget model with best/base/worst scenarios; expense cap <$5,000. - Sponsor prospect list (20–25) + packages and one-pagers. - Staffing/volunteer plan with defined roles (host committee, accessibility ambassadors, phone bank). - Accessibility plan (wheelchair layout, low-sensory corner, bilingual interpretation). - Risk/contingency (power/AV backup, inclement weather plan even if indoor). - Initial marketing timeline (save-the-date at T-8 weeks; sponsor announcements; client story teasers; radio cross-promotion).

Prepared by Maya Ortiz, Development Coordinator for Executive Director + Board Fundraising Committee on November 2, 2025

1) EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT Primary Goal: Engage 50 new major donor prospects and raise visibility with tech employers. Target Audience: Chicago tech professionals and managers ages 25–45 (HHI $90K+), HR/talent leaders at mid-to-large tech firms, and civic-minded investors. Success Metrics: Net $40,000 after expenses; Attendance 200–250 in person + 100 virtual; Sponsorships $60,000 from 5–7 sponsors (tech, staffing, cloud). Key Constraints: Late Summer 2025 (Aug/Sept), Chicago (urban core/River North/Fulton Market), $25,000–35,000 all-in; staff time limited; medium risk tolerance; must be ADA accessible with CART/ASL, gender-neutral restrooms, halal/veg options, sliding-scale tickets + free student passes; hybrid-capable stream + moderated chat. Mission Context: New funds and employer connections expand tech training cohorts and job placements for immigrants and refugees. Competitive Note: Summer meetups/hackathons abound; big galas in May—so we’ll avoid gala aesthetics and hit late summer. Must-Include: Alumni job stories, employer roundtable, and apprenticeship partner showcase. Assumptions: 1871 or sponsor provides in-kind/discounted venue; AV partner supports hybrid; sponsor appetite comparable to 2024.

2) EVENT CONCEPT PORTFOLIO

1. BridgeWorks: Rooftop Tech + Talent Night - Tagline/Theme: Where Chicago’s tech leaders meet the city’s newest builders—over skyline views. - Mission Connection: Alumni showcase real job skills; employer chats map to live openings; donations fund cohort seats. - Audience Fit: Social, high-energy night for tech managers and HR; easy invite for donors and partner execs. - Experience: Sunset rooftop reception, 6–8 “byte-sized” demos, a 20-minute mission moment, and employer roundtable breakout. - Venue/Season: Fulton Market or River North rooftop/loft with terrace (e.g., Morgan’s on Fulton, Venue West) in late Aug/Sept. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA elevator routes, CART/ASL for program, gender-neutral restrooms, quiet room, halal/veg buffets; sliding-scale + student passes. - Differentiation Hook: Not a gala—festival vibe with live code stations and immigrant-owned food vendors. - Revenue Model: Tickets $95–125; sponsor-branded demo pods, terrace lounge, bar; short “fund a career” pledge drive; employer packages. - Cost Drivers: Rooftop rental/AV, food & beverage, production. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—one venue, streamlined run-of-show.

2. Code Bridge Demo Crawl - Tagline/Theme: A progressive night across 3–4 spaces—each stop unlocks a career story. - Mission Connection: Demos highlight training-to-job pathways; each stop paired with an apprenticeship partner. - Audience Fit: Tech pros who love discovery; investors scouting inclusive talent; great for host committee invites. - Experience: Guided walking crawl with 20-minute sets per location; finale toast with speed intros between alumni and recruiters. - Venue/Season: Short-walk cluster in River North/Fulton Market (coworking floors, sponsor offices) early evening in Sept. - Accessibility/Inclusion: All stops ADA; clear route maps; CART/ASL at demo stops; halal/veg tastings; sliding-scale. - Differentiation Hook: Social + educational journey instead of seated program; immigrant-owned bites at each stop. - Revenue Model: Tickets $85–115; stop sponsorships; passport stamp raffle; pledge wall for apprenticeship seats. - Cost Drivers: Security/wayfinding, AV at multiple sites, small bites. - Capacity Intensity: HIGH—multi-site coordination; scalable to 2–3 stops if needed.

3. Hiring Sprints & Skills Showcase - Tagline/Theme: 90 minutes. 12 tables. 100+ curated matches. Real jobs. - Mission Connection: Converts training to interviews; employer commitments tracked; alumni placed. - Audience Fit: HR/talent leaders seeking vetted candidates; managers needing quick pipeline; donors see direct impact. - Experience: 10-minute “sprints” between employers and candidates; live skills stations; real-time matching board; debrief mixer. - Venue/Season: Accessible innovation venue (1871, TechNexus, mHUB) with open floor; late summer weekday afternoon/evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA layout, clear signage, quiet room, CART/ASL for plenary; halal/veg dinner boxes; free alumni/student passes. - Differentiation Hook: Tight, data-driven matching vs. meandering job fairs; commitments captured live. - Revenue Model: Employer packages ($1,000–$5,000), tickets for general attendance $75–95; sponsorship of matching board, skills stations, livestream. - Cost Drivers: AV/stream, data/matching platform support, catering. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—heavy pre-matching; in-room flow is simple.

4. Routes to Roots: Lightning Talks + Live Podcast (Hybrid, Low-Cost) - Tagline/Theme: Seven 7-minute talks from immigrant builders—and a live podcast taping. - Mission Connection: Alumni and mentors share job journeys; donations fund new cohorts. - Audience Fit: Tech pros love fast, polished talks; pod fans + donors enjoy storytelling. - Experience: 60-minute lightning talks, 30-minute podcast interview, brief pledge moment; high-quality live stream with chat. - Venue/Season: 1871 Auditorium or sponsor theater in River North; late Aug weekday evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: CART/ASL for full program, ADA seating, gender-neutral restrooms, sliding-scale + free student passes. - Differentiation Hook: Media-forward, snackable content; post-event podcast episodes extend reach. - Revenue Model: Tickets $75–95; podcast Presenting Sponsor; “Captioning/Accessibility Sponsor”; branded episode credits. - Cost Drivers: AV/stream, staging/lighting, light reception. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—one set, tight run-of-show.

5. Immigrant Innovators Pitch + Apprenticeship Marketplace - Tagline/Theme: Pitch for placements—employers commit seats on the spot. - Mission Connection: Alumni teams pitch real skills; employers pledge apprenticeship/internship slots and interview days. - Audience Fit: HR leaders and tech managers needing entry talent; donors get a compelling, accountable impact moment. - Experience: 5–6 short pitches, employer judge Q&A, marketplace with apprenticeship partners; live “commitment counter.” - Venue/Season: River North stage + adjacent hall (e.g., Convene, The Mart, or sponsor auditorium) in Sept. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA everything; CART/ASL for program; halal/veg service; sliding-scale; translated materials if needed. - Differentiation Hook: Instead of cash prizes, outcomes are seats and hiring days—publicly pledged. - Revenue Model: Employer pledge packages ($2,500–$10,000 with branding), tickets $95–125; “Commitment Counter” sponsor; pledge-matching donor. - Cost Drivers: Venue/AV, staging/producer, reception. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—program-heavy but single-room.

6. Neighborhood Data Walk + Story Stations (Low-Cost, Scalable) - Tagline/Theme: Walk the metrics—meet the people behind them. - Mission Connection: Data on economic mobility layered with alumni stories at street-level stops. - Audience Fit: Civic-minded tech folks; impact investors; teams seeking a purposeful outing. - Experience: 1.5-hour guided loop with QR code microsites, short live stories, and an outdoor finale with refreshments. - Venue/Season: River North/Loop sidewalks + plaza; late summer evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA route; portable seating; CART/ASL at story stops; halal/veg snacks; free student passes. - Differentiation Hook: Urban storytelling meets data viz; minimal production; great content asset capture. - Revenue Model: Tickets $75–85; station sponsors; peer-to-peer team fundraising; branded map. - Cost Drivers: Permits/security, portable sound/CART, capture/photography. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—lean production.

7. Code Bridge Civic Micro-Hack (Hybrid) - Tagline/Theme: 3-hour build sprint on tools that speed fair hiring. - Mission Connection: Teams prototype resume-screen equity checks, referral bots, or language-friendly onboarding flows. - Audience Fit: Builders who like hands-on; HR teams wanting practical tools; mentors. - Experience: Opening brief, 100-minute sprint, rapid demos, awards; stream judges’ feedback + highlights. - Venue/Season: mHUB/1871/open-plan sponsor office; Saturday morning/afternoon. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA layout, accessible power/spacing, CART/ASL for program; halal/veg lunch; sliding-scale. - Differentiation Hook: Short, focused sprint with product owners (alumni/employers) and immediate use cases. - Revenue Model: Team entries $250–500, tickets $75; sponsor: Dev Tools Stage, Cloud Credits, Accessibility Award. - Cost Drivers: AV/stream, food, awards. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—short but coordination-heavy.

8. Employer Roundtable & Talent Matching Salon (Low-Cost, Scalable) - Tagline/Theme: Off-the-record insights + curated introductions. - Mission Connection: Aligns curriculum to hiring needs; locks in upcoming interview days. - Audience Fit: HR, TA directors, and hiring managers who prefer candid, intimate settings. - Experience: 45-minute Chatham House rules roundtable, 45-minute curated matches, 30-minute mixer. - Venue/Season: Sponsor boardroom or lounge in Fulton Market; weekday morning or late afternoon. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA access; CART for roundtable; pronoun/visual lanyard options; halal/veg light fare; free alumni. - Differentiation Hook: Small, senior, outcomes-focused; follow-up commitments tracked publicly. - Revenue Model: Underwritten by 1–2 sponsors; optional employer seat fee; no/low public ticketing. - Cost Drivers: Minimal—catering, facilitation, note-taking. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—white-glove invite list.

9. BridgeFest: Food, Beats, and Byte-sized Demos - Tagline/Theme: Chicago night market meets tech talent fair. - Mission Connection: Alumni demo pods; partner apprenticeships as “market stalls”; donations fuel placements. - Audience Fit: Broad draw—tech teams, donors, investors; fun team outing. - Experience: DJ + cultural performances, tasting stations from immigrant chefs, demo pods, short mainstage program. - Venue/Season: Warehouse/loft (Morgan MFG, The Geraghty lite footprint) in Sept. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA flow; CART/ASL for program; quiet room; prayer space; halal/veg abundant; sliding-scale. - Differentiation Hook: Market vibe, not gala; culinary storytelling tied to career journeys. - Revenue Model: Tickets $95–125; booth sponsors; “Chef + Tech” stage; branded tasting passports; pledge drive. - Cost Drivers: Venue/AV, food vendors, entertainment/production. - Capacity Intensity: HIGH—many moving parts.

10. Virtual Studio: Alumni Job Stories Live (Virtual, Low-Cost) - Tagline/Theme: One hour, four stories, one clear ask—streamed nationwide. - Mission Connection: Spotlights training-to-job outcomes; CTA funds new cohorts. - Audience Fit: Busy execs and remote employers; good for pipeline warming. - Experience: High-quality multi-cam stream, moderated Q&A/chat, instant-donate overlays; ASL picture-in-picture. - Venue/Season: Small studio at 1871 or sponsor media room; flexible timing. - Accessibility/Inclusion: CART + ASL, transcripts, screen-reader friendly landing page; free access. - Differentiation Hook: Tight storytelling and TV-quality production vs. webinar fatigue. - Revenue Model: Free stream; sponsor lower-thirds and interstitials; donate buttons; match challenge. - Cost Drivers: Studio/crew, captioning/ASL, platform. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—lean team, strong content.

11. Progressive Pop-up Tour: From Arrival to Impact - Tagline/Theme: A guided arc through coworking labs, immigrant-owned shops, and a rooftop finale. - Mission Connection: Each stop maps a step in the training-to-placement journey with alumni narrators. - Audience Fit: Investors and donors who value context; tech teams seeking meaningful exposure. - Experience: Small-group tours with audio guides, tactile demos, final toast and pledge. - Venue/Season: River North/Fulton Market cluster; late summer weekend late afternoon–evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA route/plans communicated ahead; CART/ASL at content stops; halal/veg; sliding-scale. - Differentiation Hook: Immersive “museum” of economic mobility across real venues. - Revenue Model: Tickets $95–115; stop sponsors; curated VIP group underwriters; pledge moments at finale. - Cost Drivers: Coordination, docents/audio tech, small bites at each stop. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM–HIGH—logistics across sites.

12. Bridge Builder Awards Breakfast (Not-a-Gala) - Tagline/Theme: Coffee, commitments, and celebrations—out the door by 9:30. - Mission Connection: Honors employer partners and alumni mentors; invites new hiring pledges. - Audience Fit: Corporate leaders prefer mornings; donors appreciate concise programs. - Experience: 75-minute seated breakfast, two awards, a short alumni keynote, and on-stage hiring commitments. - Venue/Season: Hotel or Convene-style meeting venue in River North; September weekday morning. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA seating, CART/ASL, pronoun badges, halal/veg breakfast; sliding-scale tables for nonprofits. - Differentiation Hook: Crisp, content-rich morning—no black tie, no auctions. - Revenue Model: Tables $1,250–$2,500; tickets $95–115; Presenting + Accessibility sponsors; matching gift challenge. - Cost Drivers: Venue AV, breakfast, stage design. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—traditional logistics with tight program.

3) COMPARISON MATRIX

| Concept # and Title | Mission Alignment (1–5) | Net Revenue Potential (1–5) | Audience Appeal (1–5) | Differentiation (1–5) | Feasibility/Capacity (1–5) | TOTAL SCORE | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:| | 1. Rooftop Tech + Talent Night | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 21 | | 2. Demo Crawl | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 18 | | 3. Hiring Sprints & Skills Showcase | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 22 | | 4. Lightning Talks + Live Podcast | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 20 | | 5. Pitch + Apprenticeship Marketplace | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 23 | | 6. Data Walk + Story Stations | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 20 | | 7. Civic Micro-Hack | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 19 | | 8. Employer Roundtable Salon | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 21 | | 9. BridgeFest | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 21 | | 10. Virtual Studio Stories | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 19 | | 11. Progressive Pop-up Tour | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 19 | | 12. Awards Breakfast | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 19 |

Key: 5 = Excellent; 4 = Good; 3 = Adequate; 2 = Weak; 1 = Poor.

4) TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Immigrant Innovators Pitch + Apprenticeship Marketplace - Why This Concept: Directly advances placements and employer visibility while creating sponsor-able, high-energy content. Strong path to $60K sponsorship via “Commitment Counter,” Apprenticeship Zone, and Presenting tiers. - Key Risks: Employer hesitation to pledge publicly; program runs long; AV complexity. - Mitigations: Pre-secure 2–3 anchor pledges; script to 75 minutes; experienced producer; tech checks; visible timers. - Quick Win Potential: Pilot a mini pitch at a Lunch & Learn to test flow and commitment framing.

2) Hiring Sprints & Skills Showcase - Why This Concept: Converts relationships to interviews fast; monetizable employer packages; measurable outcomes that wow donors and board. - Key Risks: Matching quality; no-shows; employer fatigue. - Mitigations: Pre-event screening + scheduling; waitlist mechanics; 1:1 concierge for VIP employers; 7-minute sprints with buffers. - Quick Win Potential: Run a 60-minute micro-sprint with 5 employers at 1871 to refine format and data capture.

3) BridgeWorks: Rooftop Tech + Talent Night - Why This Concept: Broad appeal for 200–250 guests, easy donor hosting, festival vibe without gala costs. Strong ticket sales + branded demo pods drive net revenue. - Key Risks: Weather/backup plan; F&B costs; noise management for accessibility. - Mitigations: Choose indoor/terrace venue; negotiated F&B minimums; directional audio + captioned screens; quiet room. - Quick Win Potential: Host-committee “rooftop preview” with 40 guests to test demos, signage, and pledge moment.

5) IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

Potential Partners/Hosts - Venues: 1871 (Merchandise Mart), TechNexus (225 W Wacker), mHUB (N Milwaukee Ave), Morgan MFG, Venue West, Convene (333 N Green), The Mart conference floors, sponsor offices in Fulton Market (Google, Salesforce Tower lounges, Motor Row options). - Community/Program Partners: 1871, ChiTech Academy, ICIRR, City Colleges of Chicago, P33, i.c.stars, World Relief Chicago, Erie Neighborhood House, Chicago Refugee Coalition, local dev meetup groups (ChicagoJS, ChiHackNight). - Media/In-kind: Built In Chicago, Chicago Inno/Crain’s, WBEZ/Vocalo, Technori, The TRiiBE; AV partners (Sound Investment, Meeting Tomorrow); printing (Cushing); captioning/ASL vendors (CART Providers Chicago, Deaf Communication by Innovations).

Talent/MC Ideas - Betsy Ziegler (CEO, 1871) as host/interviewer. - Neal Sales-Griffin (tech educator/founder) for lightning talks moderation. - Sandee Kastrul (i.c.stars) as awards presenter or roundtable co-facilitator. - Adam Burke (Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!—Chicago-based comic and immigrant) as light-touch MC with mission tie-in. - Alumni storytellers representing varied countries/tech tracks; employer champions from Grubhub, Relativity, Salesforce, Thoughtworks.

Sponsorship Hooks - Naming Tiers: Presenting ($25K), Impact ($15K), Community Champion ($10K), Accessibility ($7.5K), Talent Matching ($5K), Demo Pod ($2.5K). - Sponsored Segments: Employer Roundtable, Commitment Counter, Accessibility (CART/ASL), Livestream Studio, Apprenticeship Marketplace, Quiet Room, Culinary Story Stations. - Tangible Assets: Stage/digital branding, stream lower-thirds, badge/lanyard branding (with pronoun indicators), tasting passports, demo pod wraps, program ads, VIP green room.

Beneficiary/Volunteer Involvement - Alumni roles: demo leads, storytellers, pitch teams, advisory reviewers for employer criteria, on-stage co-hosts. - Volunteers: host committee as table captains/peer fundraisers; tech-community ambassadors to staff demo pods; virtual chat moderators; employer concierge team; data capture for commitments.

6) NEXT STEPS & DECISION TIMELINE

Quick-Win Pilots - Mini Pitch + Commitment Counter: 45-minute segment at a Lunch & Learn with 2 alumni teams and 3 employers to validate pledge framing. - Micro Sprint: 60-minute hiring sprint with 5 employers at 1871 to test matching workflow and room flow.

Validation Plan (4–6 Questions) - Which format best fits your late-summer schedule: rooftop night, pitch marketplace, or hiring sprints? - What would make you bring 2–3 colleagues? (food/music, exclusive access, curated intros, CE credits) - For employers: what commitment can you make onsite? (apprenticeship seats, interview day, mentorship hours) - Ticket comfort range ($75–$125) and what perks matter most? - Must-have accessibility needs for you/your team? - Which sponsorship assets feel most valuable to your brand goals?

Decision Timeline - Weeks 1–2: Stakeholder calls (board, top sponsors, employer champions), quick surveys to 2024 attendees. - Week 3: Select primary concept + reserve backup concept; approve budget. - Week 4: Kickoff—lock venue holds, launch sponsor outreach, book production.

90-Day Pre-Approval Tasks - Venue Holds: Secure two date options; confirm hybrid AV specs and ADA routes; weather contingency if rooftop. - Budget Model: Build three scenarios (base/optimistic/stretch) with ticket, sponsor, employer package ladders. - Sponsor Prospecting: 40-account list; tailored decks with named assets; confirm 2–3 early anchors. - Staffing/Volunteer Plan: RACI for Dev Dir, Events Mgr, Marketing, host committee; recruit 20 event-day volunteers. - Accessibility Plan: Contract CART/ASL; design quiet room; halal/veg vendors; pronoun-inclusive lanyards; inclusive signage. - Risk/Contingency: Weather backup, COVID/health guidance, tech redundancy for stream, no-show protocol. - Marketing Timeline: 12-week cadence—save-the-date (T-12), sponsor reveal (T-10), speaker drip (T-8 onward), employer commitment teasers (T-6), price increase (T-4), final push (T-1). - Measurement: Define KPIs (new major prospects, employer pledges, interviews booked, net revenue); set up live dashboard.

Prepared by Devin Patel, Director of Development for Executive Director + Board Development Committee on November 2, 2025

1) EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT - Primary Goal: Secure $500K in commitments from major donors and corporate partners for 2025–2026 projects. - Target Audience: HNWI philanthropists, corporate sustainability leaders, and real estate executives; ages 35–70; bilingual (English/Spanish). - Success Metrics: Net revenue $750,000 after expenses; 450–550 in-person; 1,000 livestream viewers; $250,000+ from 8–12 sponsors (banks, insurers, developers with ESG commitments). - Key Constraints: Winter 2026 (Jan/Feb, avoid Art Basel & holidays); coastal Miami-Dade venues; $250,000–300,000 all-in; staffing bandwidth defined; risk tolerance Low–Medium; non-negotiable accessibility (wheelchair access, ASL and Spanish/Creole interpretation, quiet room, large-print/digital programs, fragrance-free zones); hybrid format with broadcast-quality production and remote donor concierge. - Mission Context: Mobilize investment in wetlands restoration, equitable resilience planning, and policy wins that keep vulnerable Miami neighborhoods above water. - Competitive Note: Differentiate from Art Basel, boat shows, and hospital galas; avoid standard gala template. - Must-Include: Frontline neighborhood leaders, policy call-to-action, preview of new Biscayne Bay restoration site.

2) EVENT CONCEPT PORTFOLIO

1. Blue Tides Impact Supper at Frost Science - Tagline/Theme: Where Miami’s Future Meets the Waterline. - Mission Connection: Immersive storytelling connects donor pledges to funded mangrove acres, policy milestones, and neighborhood resilience hubs. - Audience Fit: Exclusive, data-rich, bilingual program with networking among ESG peers; tangible impact menu. - Experience: Museum terraces cocktail; oceanarium dinner; 12-minute “Mission Moment”; live pledge paddle; adopt-a-acre AR wall. - Venue/Season: Frost Science Museum terraces and Gulf Stream Tank; late January. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Step-free seating; ASL + Spanish/Creole; quiet room; large-print/digital; fragrance-free zones; sponsored tables. - Differentiation Hook: Immersive science setting vs. hotel ballroom; auction-lite focused on impact. - Revenue Model: $450–$600 tickets; patron tables $5K–$25K; pledge drive; matching gifts; presenting sponsor; named “Impact Menu.” - Cost Drivers: Catering, production/AV, venue buyout. - Capacity Intensity: HIGH—premium production and VIP stewardship.

2. Biscayne Bay Site Reveal + AR Tour (Hybrid) - Tagline/Theme: See Tomorrow’s Shoreline Today. - Mission Connection: Live preview of the new restoration site with AR overlays of tide, mangroves, and flood protection benefits. - Audience Fit: Real estate and corporate leaders value tangible, place-based investments; high donor excitement. - Experience: Hard-hat walkthrough; AR headset/phone-guided tour; remarks by neighborhood leaders; on-site pledge kiosks; livestream drone footage. - Venue/Season: Restoration shoreline (with permits) or Deering Estate waterfront; mid-January morning. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA paths/temporary mats; ASL + Spanish/Creole; quiet tent; fragrance-free; loaner devices with captions; free community slots. - Differentiation Hook: First-look, data-visualized shoreline vs. generic groundbreakings. - Revenue Model: $350 field-pass; $600 patron briefing; site naming opportunities; “fund-a-feature” (boardwalk, mangrove plots). - Cost Drivers: Site logistics/safety, AR/stream production, security/permits. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—logistics-heavy but contained timeline.

3. Resilience Deal Room: Capital Commitments Marketplace - Tagline/Theme: Accelerating Capital to Climate Solutions—Now. - Mission Connection: Curated “term sheets” for projects (mangrove acres, policy campaigns, community hubs) presented for immediate soft commitments. - Audience Fit: HNWIs and corporates appreciate structured, time-bound commitments with due diligence. - Experience: 90-minute closed-door pitches; facilitated commitments; deal tracker board; follow-up concierge. - Venue/Season: PAMM boardroom or Class-A waterfront HQ; late afternoon, late January. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Step-free rooming; ASL + Spanish/Creole; fragrance-free; large-print decks; reserved accessible seating; no-fee community observer slots. - Differentiation Hook: Private equity-style specificity vs. ceremonial fundraising. - Revenue Model: Invite-only; sponsor the “Deal Room,” underwriting each project lane; outcomes-based matching. - Cost Drivers: Minimal production, hospitality, diligence materials. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—high-yield stewardship with focused prep.

4. Mangrove Moonlight: Plant + Pledge Supper (Scalable) - Tagline/Theme: Hands in the Mud, Eyes on the Horizon. - Mission Connection: Guests plant mangroves at dusk, then dine shoreside hearing from local leaders and scientists. - Audience Fit: Values-based philanthropists; corporate ESG teams; memorable stewardship. - Experience: 60-minute guided planting; twilight chefs’ tasting; short policy call-to-action; toast. - Venue/Season: Virginia Key or Matheson Hammock; full moon January evening if possible. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Accessible viewing and symbolic planting stations; ASL + Spanish/Creole; quiet area; fragrance-free; free community tables. - Differentiation Hook: Blends volunteerism with an elegant, short-format supper. - Revenue Model: $400–$550; corporate team packages; “adopt-a-grove”; sustainability sponsor. - Cost Drivers: Catering, site lighting/logistics, permits/insurance. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—site coordination and environmental compliance.

5. Policy + Philanthropy Summit (Hybrid) - Tagline/Theme: The 2030 Resilience Playbook for Miami-Dade. - Mission Connection: Frames legislative priorities and equitable planning wins donors can underwrite. - Audience Fit: Executives seeking substance and reputational value; bilingual panels. - Experience: Half-day keynotes; neighborhood leaders’ lightning talks; sponsor-hosted roundtables; pledge text-to-give; live Q&A. - Venue/Season: University of Miami Rosenstiel auditorium; late January weekday. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA seating; ASL + Spanish/Creole; quiet room; captions; fragrance-free; sliding scale with sponsored community passes. - Differentiation Hook: Not a trade show—curated policy commitments with donor pathways. - Revenue Model: $350 standard/$500 patron; sponsorship of tracks; digital ads; virtual passes. - Cost Drivers: AV/streaming, staging, F&B. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—program-rich, manageable production.

6. Bayfront Penthouse Salon Series + Livestream (Scalable, Low-Cost) - Tagline/Theme: Five Rooms, One Rising Tide. - Mission Connection: Intimate donor salons featuring frontline storytellers and investable project briefs. - Audience Fit: HNWIs prefer peer-hosted settings; bilingual concierge touch. - Experience: Simultaneous salons (5–7 hosts); 20-minute synchronized live segment; local chef bites; pledge cards; shared donor dashboard. - Venue/Season: Host homes/penthouses with bay views; Thursday evening, January. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Pre-screen for elevator access; ASL/Spanish interpreters assigned; fragrance-free invite notes; large-print materials; community-hosted salon option. - Differentiation Hook: Distributed, synchronized giving experience vs. one ballroom night. - Revenue Model: $500 suggested; host underwriting; sponsor “Salon Network”; matching pools. - Cost Drivers: Minimal production, catering stipends, livestream coordination. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—decentralized with host leadership.

7. Corporate ESG Resilience Challenge (Low-Cost, Scalable) - Tagline/Theme: Compete for the Coast. - Mission Connection: Multi-week company teams raise funds and volunteer hours for wetlands and preparedness projects. - Audience Fit: Corporate sustainability leaders; healthy internal engagement; public leaderboard. - Experience: Team challenges (planting days, policy postcard drive); weekly standings; finale reception with awards. - Venue/Season: Workplace sites + bayfront finale at Rusty Pelican terrace; January–February. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Accessible volunteer options; ASL/Spanish/Creole for finale; fragrance-free; inclusive prize categories. - Differentiation Hook: Corporate rivalry with measurable resilience outputs, not a 5K. - Revenue Model: Team entry fees; peer-to-peer fundraising; sponsor “Challenge Cup” and category awards. - Cost Drivers: Platform fees, finale reception, signage. - Capacity Intensity: LOW—marketing-led with volunteer support.

8. Resilience Innovation Prize (Hybrid) - Tagline/Theme: Ideas That Hold the Line. - Mission Connection: Funds innovations in flood mitigation, green infrastructure, and community engagement. - Audience Fit: Real estate, insurers, and HNWIs eager to back scalable solutions; bilingual. - Experience: Finalist pitches; judge Q&A; audience choice text vote; pledge the prize pool. - Venue/Season: UM Rosenstiel or Miami Dade College Wolfson; late January evening. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA; ASL + Spanish/Creole; captions; fragrance-free; discounted student/community seats. - Differentiation Hook: Cross-sector jury with immediate catalytic funding. - Revenue Model: $350–$500 tickets; presenting sponsor; named prize funds; IP showcase booths. - Cost Drivers: Production/AV, finalist travel/support, staging. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—curation and production.

9. Art x Science Light Walk - Tagline/Theme: Illuminating the Water’s Edge. - Mission Connection: Projection mapping shows sea-level scenarios and restoration benefits along a waterfront path. - Audience Fit: Broad appeal with donor VIP lounge; media-friendly; bilingual. - Experience: Guided 45-minute walk; audio narration; pop-up talks; VIP harbor lounge with pledge kiosks. - Venue/Season: Baywalk/Park near PAMM; late January dusk. - Accessibility/Inclusion: Fully step-free route; ASL-guided tours; Spanish/Creole audio; quiet start times; fragrance-free; free community slots with VIP upgrade options. - Differentiation Hook: Experiential science art vs. gallery gala. - Revenue Model: $50 community / $400 VIP; lounge sponsorship; projection naming; merch. - Cost Drivers: Projection design, permits/security, lounge F&B. - Capacity Intensity: MEDIUM—permits and tech coordination.

10. Sea-Level Soundscape Benefit at New World Center - Tagline/Theme: The Music of a Living Coast. - Mission Connection: Curated program blends ocean soundscapes with testimony from neighborhoods at risk; funds restoration and policy fights. - Audience Fit: Culture-forward donors and executives; bilingual narration; high prestige. - Experience: 70-minute concert; mission interludes; post-show investor circle. - Venue/Season: New World Center or SoundScape Park; early February weekday. - Accessibility/Inclusion: ADA seating; ASL + Spanish/Creole; assistive listening; quiet room; fragrance-free; sponsored access. - Differentiation Hook: Artistic interpretation tied to concrete pledges—not a generic gala. - Revenue Model: $150 community balcony / $600 patron; sponsor the stage, accessibility, and “mission movements”; pledge moment. - Cost Drivers: Venue/talent fees, production/AV, reception. - Capacity Intensity: HIGH—talent contracting and production.

3) COMPARISON MATRIX

Key: 5 = Excellent; 4 = Good; 3 = Adequate; 2 = Weak; 1 = Poor.

| Concept # and Title | Mission Alignment | Net Revenue Potential | Audience Appeal | Differentiation | Feasibility/Capacity | TOTAL SCORE | |---------------------------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------|-----------------|-----------------|----------------------|-------------| | 1. Blue Tides Impact Supper | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 22 | | 2. Biscayne Bay Site Reveal + AR Tour | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 23 | | 3. Resilience Deal Room | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 23 | | 4. Mangrove Moonlight | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 20 | | 5. Policy + Philanthropy Summit | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 20 | | 6. Penthouse Salon Series + Livestream | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 21 | | 7. Corporate ESG Resilience Challenge | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 21 | | 8. Resilience Innovation Prize | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 | | 9. Art x Science Light Walk | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 19 | | 10. Sea-Level Soundscape Benefit | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 19 |

4) TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Biscayne Bay Site Reveal + AR Tour - Why This Concept: Delivers the “preview new restoration site” must-have, creates urgency for 2025–2026 funding, and offers compelling hybrid content for 1,000+ viewers. Strong differentiation, sponsorable AR/tech assets, and manageable costs align with budget and staffing. - Key Risks: Permitting/weather; AR tech reliability; site accessibility. - Mitigations: Hold indoor rain site at nearby museum; pre-test AR with offline fallback; install ADA mats and viewing platforms. - Quick Win Potential: Pilot a 30-minute donor-only “AR teaser” at Frost Science to validate engagement and tech.

2) Resilience Deal Room - Why This Concept: High-probability path to $500K commitments with low production cost; excellent fit for HNWIs and corporates seeking diligence-driven giving. Uses staff time for pre-vetting projects instead of event theatrics. - Key Risks: Insufficient pipeline or unclear “deal terms”; competitive commitments fatigue. - Mitigations: Curate 6–8 investable tranches with ROI/impact cards; secure 1–2 anchor match sponsors; pre-brief invitees with soft-ask ranges. - Quick Win Potential: Convene a 60-minute virtual “Deal Huddle” with top 10 prospects to test the format.

3) Blue Tides Impact Supper at Frost Science - Why This Concept: Premium anchor draws 450–550 with strong sponsorship inventory, broadcast-quality hybrid, and a proven donor environment. Pairs emotional storytelling with paddle-raise for $750K net goal. - Key Risks: High production cost; calendar conflicts; donor fatigue with gala formats. - Mitigations: Lock date holds immediately; auction-lite focused on impact; integrate frontline speakers and AR “Impact Menu” to freshen format. - Quick Win Potential: Host a micro 40-person “menu tasting + mission moment” to refine program and secure early table captains.

5) IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

Potential Partners/Hosts - Venues: Frost Science Museum; Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM); University of Miami Rosenstiel School; Deering Estate; Rusty Pelican (Key Biscayne); New World Center/SoundScape Park; Miami Beach Convention Center terrace; Vizcaya (outdoor). - Community/Content Partners: Miami-Dade Office of Resilience; neighborhood associations (Little Haiti, Overtown, Homestead); Everglades Foundation; The Nature Conservancy–Florida; Biscayne Bay Coalition. - Media/In-Kind: Miami Herald; WLRN; NBC 6; Telemundo 51; Univision 23; Yelp for community promotions; Bacardi/Diageo (beverage); FPL/Florida Blue (sustainability/health); local AV firms; marine logistics companies.

Talent/MC Ideas - Bilingual MCs: Jackie Nespral (NBC 6); Giselle Fernández (event-experienced journalist); WLRN climate reporter Jenny Staletovich (moderator). - Mission Voices: Jane Gilbert (Miami-Dade Chief Heat Officer); UM Rosenstiel scientist; frontline neighborhood leaders from Little Haiti and Homestead. - Cultural/Taste: Chef Michelle Bernstein (sustainable menu); local Afro-Caribbean ensemble for cultural resonance.

Sponsorship Hooks - Naming tiers: Presenting; Impact; Coastal Guardian; Community Champion; Accessibility Sponsor. - Sponsored segments: AR Site Reveal; Mission Moment; Deal Room; Accessibility (ASL/interpreters); Livestream Studio; VIP Investor Circle; Data Visualization Wall. - Tangible assets: Stage/step-and-repeat; branded AR app; donor concierge desk; sustainability reporting; matching gift challenges; branded mangrove plots.

Beneficiary/Volunteer Involvement - Authentic Roles: Frontline leaders co-author scripts; community storytellers on stage and in AR narration; youth docents. - Volunteer Ambassadors: Host committees; table captains; pledge concierges; accessibility guides; peer fundraising captains for Corporate Challenge.

6) NEXT STEPS & DECISION TIMELINE

Quick-Win Pilots - 30–40 person Frost Science tasting + 12-minute mission program with paddle-raise to test narrative and pricing. - 45-minute virtual Deal Huddle with top 10 prospects to pressure-test investment tranches.

Validation Plan (ask via short calls/surveys) - Which concept would you prioritize attending/supporting and why? - What sponsorship assets feel most valuable to your brand? - Preferred date window (two choices) and format (evening vs. breakfast)? - What commitment ranges feel appropriate for the Deal Room tranches? - What accessibility accommodations do you need or value? - Does the AR Site Reveal increase your confidence in funding the project?

Decision Timeline - Weeks 1–2: Stakeholder input (board, top sponsors, community partners). - Week 3: Select primary concept + two support activations; confirm date holds. - Week 4: Kickoff with cross-team workplan and sponsor outreach.

90-Day Pre-Approval Tasks - Secure venue holds (primary + weather backup); draft run-of-show outlines. - Build budget models for Top 3; scenario with 10% contingency and weather plan. - Sponsor prospecting list (banks, insurers, developers, utilities) + tiered packages and asset inventory. - Staffing/volunteer matrix (roles, shifts, language skills, accessibility guides). - Accessibility plan (ASL/Spanish/Creole, ADA routes/seating, quiet room, fragrance-free comms, large-print/digital). - Risk/contingency (weather, tech redundancy, insurance/permits, marine safety). - Marketing timeline (save-the-date, bilingual assets, PR/media pitches, livestream strategy and donor concierge plan).

Prepared by Elena Márquez, VP of Advancement for CEO, Board Executive Committee, and Major Gifts Team on November 2, 2025