The specific strategies that will be used to further ensure this success are both fairly straightforward. Lists of likely and potential donors can be compiled from a variety of sources, including other non-profits that would be sympathetic to the cause, such as the Texas Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Texas National Guard Association. Marketing materials could be developed and printed at relatively minimal cost, and follow up phone calls to non-respondents could also help. Careful, polite, yet eager requests of AMR for in-kind donations will likely yield success if applied consistently, and thus both goals could be met through the application of steady and appropriate pressure.
The initial marketing materials will be the biggest initial expense, and unless AMR is willing to pick up the bill (and they might be) will represent an up-front risk of at least several hundred if not a thousand dollars. The cost of the event itself should be borne entirely by the payments of donors and attendees made in advance, though partial underwriting from AMR would also be sought. Expenses for the event itself will include the cost of food, catering staff, the rental of a facility (unless AMR can provide something appropriate), event...
The total expense for the event is likely to be around $25,000 with an expected crowd of approximately 300 attendees; even at a donation of only $100 per plate, the event would run a profit of approximately $5,000. A slight increase in the per-plate could lead to increased revenue without losing donors, and other specific events throughout the evening could be used to encourage further donations to the cause.
The feeling of the evening should reflect the sacrifice that the veterans gave for their country, and local veterans that would directly benefit from the program should be guests of honor at the dinner. At the same time, the overall feel of the evening needs to be entertaining and relatively light, such that it is something that will be enjoyed and anticipated the following year. Such a mood will also be conducive to greater levels of donation, which is of course the ultimate goal for the evening, and it is very possible to mix the respect and the entertainment that are both desired aspects of the event. The event director should be someone with proven experience in this area.
Reference:
http://www.ngat.org / http://www.texaspva.org / http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/wcg/index.asp
