The Un-Gala

The Ways and Means Committee is trying a fresh approach for spring fundraising – the UN-Gala.  Rather than producing a huge event requiring countless hours of preparation, we are getting to the heart of the matter … raising the most funds possible for the Woman’s Club of Louisville Charity Fund.  Let’s cut out the expenses, the search for volunteers, the exhaustion of the event and let’s instead dig deep and have a fundraising drive to fully fund our Small Charities Grants for 2025.

The Ways and Means Committee has planned numerous events over the past few years to raise money for both Club operations and for the Charity Fund – Bourbon and Chocolates in fall of 2022, Centennial  Dinner in fall of 2023, Bourbon and Bites in spring of 2024, and Boos and Bar-B-Ques in fall of 2024.  These were great events that raised over $50,000 for WCL.  But there were expenses and exhaustive effort involved in these.  By conducting a fundraising drive instead, we eliminate the expenses and instead reap the benefits from generous donors.  Thus, the idea of the UN-Gala.  Let’s UN-do the party and instead seek donations to raise money.  All donations will go directly to the WCL Charity Fund.  Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 to fully finance the Charity Fund and allow our Club to give away grants to small, local charities. If we surpass our goal, then more funds can go to community agencies to help those in need.   Remember that $39,000 was granted in 2024.  Donations will be sought from WCL members, outside contributors, and corporate sponsors.

Ponder carefully what you can give.  Your donation can be tax-deductible through the WCL Charity Fund which is already a 501-c-3 organization.  Consider how much you might spend to support a traditional gala:  $150 for two tickets, $25 for drink tickets, $50 to donate to a committee’s silent auction basket, $100 to buy your own silent auction basket at the event, and so on.  You’ve spent $325 for an evening.  Why not simply write a check for that amount and have the total amount go to the Charity Fund?  No more nickel-and-dime concerns.  You decide how much to give.  Plus, you don’t have to worry about volunteering for set-up and all of the other tasks associated with a more traditional fundraising event.

To participate, first consider carefully how much you would like to donate.  Gather information from the mailing coming your way in mid-February.  Then, between February 15 and March 28, make your donation.  You may use the envelope provided in the February mailing to send a check ­or make an online donation through the WCL website.  Make certain to write checks payable to WCL Charity Fund with UN-Gala in the memo line.  The more you give, the more impact you will help WCL make in our community.  When you visit the Clubhouse in the six-week window for donations, you will be able to see the progress being made toward the $20,000 goal.  Our final results will be announced at the April 2 luncheon. 

Please support this UN-traditional fundraising approach.  More conventional fundraisers will return during the next Club year, including Bourbon and Bites in October of 2025.  And remember to support fundraisers throughout the year and with committee events.  For this spring, however, participate in the UN-Gala.  Keep the dress on a hanger.  Donate from home instead.