Wrightfully Social Fundraising

Last week I was super busy wrapping my head around two fundraisers...back to back! The first event was a silent auction on Thursday to benefit the Greater Westside Community Coalition at Cog Hill Country Club. The auction block was outside so we had to be careful with the placement of the auction items, especially since it rained! Supporters signed up for bid numbers so people wouldn't know who they were bidding against. The winning bids were announced at the end of the event. The fundraiser also represents my first official client!
We received donations from Southwest Airlines, Chicago Bulls' Derek Rose and Ben Gordon, and Flirty Girl Fitness among others.

I also arranged a fundraiser for P.U.M.P.S. on Friday at Sensual Steps Shoe Salon. I didn't have to do too much work because the venue is sooo beautiful! I used pink tablecloths and sprinkled silk rose petals atop glass tables. Joann Tate, one of Chicago's Cooking Divas cooked up vegetarian appetizers while Wings of Flavor provided organic chicken wings. We also received popcorn from Queenie's Court, absolutely the best popcorn I've ever had!
The party eventually turned into a shopping party! Party-goers admired the shoes so much, the owner had to come back (Nicole Jones pictured below, right)!

Sorry for the delay...

I have been very busy assisting with this silent auction next Thursday, I will post a special party theme later today. Definitely worth the wait...

Sodoku Game Night

I don't know about you, but I always look forward to the sudoku puzzles in the paper. It's a great way to sharpen your brain and strategy skills. According to Wikipedia, sudoku, which translates to "single number," was perfected and popularized in Japan during the 80's, but originates from Parisian 19th century puzzles!

If you have a group of friends that are into strategic games, you might consider having a alternative game night like a sudoku themed party. Consider hosting a sudoku tournament, starting with easy puzzles progressing to harder puzzles. The players that finish with the shortest time wins the round. The last players left can do a larger puzzle. These puzzles take some time ( harder ones can take hours), so I would do three rounds. That leaves you time to create a noteworthy social.
You can find free downloadable puzzles online. Give contestants these pencils from Oriental Trading Co. to reinforce the game's Japanese roots.You can also incorporate the game's Japanese origins into the appetizers and drinks. Serve sushi on sushi platters. Serve with saki complemented by lychee martinees. Want an alternative to raw fish? Check Disney's sweet alternative, here. Give guests another surprise with fortune cookies, you can buy in bulk from Oriental Trading Co. Pack them in these assorted takeout boxes from Plum Party.
Musical Inspiration:
Feist "1 2 3 4"
Justice "D.A.N.C.E."
Pitball "You Want Me"
Prince & The New Generation "Girl 6"