events that donors
and your DEVO TEAM love
Events are an excellent way to build your pipeline, introduce donors to the organization, and make a splash. We have experience planning all different kinds of non-profit events, from big, formal gala fundraisers to live performances to casual happy hour “friendraisers". You name a kind of event, we’ve planned it. And we’ve done them with an impeccable eye towards donor experience, smooth logistics, and the bottom line.
Here’s a select list of some of our past events and clients:
Montana Racial Equity Project, Bozeman and Missoula, MT
The Janes Screenings and Panel Discussions, 2023
Conceived, planned, and executed two sold-out screenings of The Janes documentary with panel discussions featuring original members of the Jane Collective from the 1970s, coinciding with the anniversary of the passage of Roe V. Wade. Collaborated with local nonprofits (BridgerCare, Montana Human Rights Project, Forward Montana, and Blue Mountain Clinic) to help promote the events and bring a holistic look at issues around abortion rights and bodily autonomy in Montana.
The Chicago Reader, Chicago, IL
50ish Anniversary Gala, 2022
Conceived and planned a 1000-person fiftieth-anniversary celebration at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Included a 150-person VIP reception hosted by Christie Heffner and celebrating Publisher Tracy Baim and more than a dozen site-specific performance art, theater, dance, and musical performances throughout the museum all night. Tickets and packages ranged from $10 - $25,000 and made more than 100K for the Reader’s parent organization.
The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Chicago, IL
Academy Night Live, 2021
Planned a two hour broadcast live from the Academy with a sixteen camera shoot, and performances and live art activities from six departments. Raised $400K from this virtual event.
Cherry Pre-School
Two Cherry Jam Gala events
The 25th Anniversary event at the Crystal Ballroom
Abortion Action Force, Brooklyn, NY
Chicago performance of Do Re #MeToo at Metro in Chicago
Weeklong Garbage Fire Festival in Milwaukee
Abobo-A-Go-Go! Pride Cabaret, Club Cumming, Lower East Side, New York City
House Parties in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Chicago
Trisha Brown Dance Company, New York, NY
TBDC Annual Gala at NeueHouse
Trisha Brown Memorial at the Whitney
Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago, IL
MB Financial Bank’s Bike the Drive
Served as the main solicitor for corporate sponsorship for Bike the Drive. Doubled sponsorship income over any previous year. Created a special VIP camping lounge for VIPs with REI.Summer Bike Commuter Challenge Wrap Party, Whole Foods Rooftop
Brought sponsors Whole Foods, REI, and Uber back to ATA for a bike commuter challenge rooftop partyWinter Bike Commuter Challenge receptions
Coordinated a series of “Commuter Happy Hours” to connect with companies and bikers competing in the Winter Bike Challenge
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
35th Anniversary Spotlight Gala, The Harris Theatre and Fairmont Chicago
Featuring a preview of One Thousand Pieces by Alejandro Cerrudo and honoring former Mayor Rahm EmmanuelAnnual Spotlight Gala, Fairmont Chicago
Honoring Mikhail BaryshnikovTwo Bold Moves for Bold Women, Baker McKenzie Law Offices
Annual celebration of women in the artsTwo Tastes, wine tasting events at Trio and Everest
Howard Brown Health Center
Lifeline Gala, Palmer House Hilton
Honoring Chaz Bono and celebrating the end of the Lifeline Campaign, which raised $1,000,000 over six months to help keep Howard Brown Health Center openGarden of Eve (lesbian gala), Carnival
The Midwest’s largest lesbian galaL.A.F.F. (Lesbians are Freakin’ Funny) Comedy Show, Mary’s Attic
The Breast Show Ever! burlesque show and breast cancer education event for queer women and transpeople with Bright Pink: Subterranean, Uncommon Ground Edgewater, Mary’s Attic
Community Renewal Society, Chicago, IL
125th Anniversary Luncheon, Chicago, IL
Annual Gala, Chicago Cultural Center
35 Under 35 Awards, DePaul Center
Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL
Mayfest/Manifest: Twice served as the point person and main planner for Columbia College Chicago’s urban arts festival with two stages in Grant Park featuring rock and students bands, a puppet parade, a site-specific performance art festival, six art shows and gallery openings, and industry meet and greets in each department.
Aaron Williamson Residency
Coordinated two week in-person residency with deaf performance artist Aaron WilliamsonMonthly Gallery Shows & Student Events
The Neo-Futurists, Chicago, IL
2 WXRT shows: 30 Bands in 60 Minutes at Metro Chicago
Squirrels on Parole! (Our Response to All Those Darned Cows!), The Neo-Futurarium
Wrecking Ball Gala, The Neo-Futurarium
Lesbian Community Cancer Project
Coming Out Against Cancer (the Midwest’s largest lesbian gala),
South Shore Cultural CenterCruising because we Care, Jazz Brunch Cruise, The Odyssey, Navy Pier
Ladyfest Midwest Chicago
Lesbian Theater Initiative, Bailiwick Theater
Winter and Spring All-Girl Revues
Monthlong Lesbian Theater Festival
Freelance and Board Service
Brooklyn Community Pride Center
Coordinated all events for Brooklyn Pride: Included the organization’s participation in the Brooklyn Pride Parade, a post-parade party at CityPoint in downtown Brooklyn, the organization’s annual gala, and an informational booth at the Fifth Avenue Pride Fair.
Links Hall’s THAW! A Hot Ballyhoo, Salvage One
Served as Co-Chair for THAW, planning more than 25 performances by local performances and dance artists
Beyondmedia Annual Fundraiser & Auction, SPACE Evanston
Chicago Abortion Fund, 25th Anniversary Gala, Marshall Fields/Macy’s Narcissus Room
Served as event planner for the event
Bridge Art Fair, The Terminal Building, New York City
Was a part of the team that launched Bridge’s first annual New York City Art Fair. Planned opening celebration, an homage to “Club Kids” and featuring guests drag queen/club kid Amanda Lepore and Village Voice gossip columnist Michael Musto. Coordinated PR & Marketing efforts.
Girlie-Q Burlesque & Dyke Mic
Curated & produced hundreds of live performances throughout Chicago and the Midwest at Mary’s Attic, HotHouse, Joie de Vine, Exit Chicago, Center on Halsted, Star Gaze, and Tweet/Big Chicks and many more