Utah Valley University – Scholarship Drive-In Gala
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| Title | Scholarship Drive-In Gala |
| Institution | Utah Valley University |
| Submitted By | Samantha Thee Assistant Director of Donor Connection |
| Category | Stewardship Communications |
| Institution Type | College / University |
| What fiscal year did this effort occur? | 2020 |
| Description | Our President’s Scholarship Ball was creatively reimagined due to COVID-19. Our gala was turned into a COVID safe 1950’s drive-in movie themed event, where donors & guests enjoyed a night of entertainment, delicious delivered food, all to support UVU students through the presidential scholarship. |
| What makes this unique | In a few short months, our university was able to plan and execute a fundraising event that was not only COVID safe, but was also able to raise $500,000 for student scholarships. We were innovative in the way we engaged our donors, while also respecting them and providing them care & comfort for every level of concern. The program was broadcasted on giant screens & audio was broadcasted on car radios. Food was prepared by our culinary arts students and delivered in individual bags to each car to prevent exposure. Cars were parked 9 feet apart so that guests could sit outside of their cars to enjoy the program if they wanted. The program was a mix of pre-recorded impact videos and socially distanced performances on our stage. It was a huge university wide effort that paid off, not only in the number of donations we received, but also in the way we reconnected all of our external constituents. |
| Outcome | This COVID safe event resulted in raising over $500,000 for our presidential scholarship. Relationships between the university, donors, community members, and students were rekindled after a months of quarantining. Not a single person contracted COVID-19 from this event. |
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