When it came time to plan an annual fundraiser for Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development, an organization that focuses on affordable housing issues, there were a lot of options. It’s common for nonprofits to hold golf outings or black tie galas. But that didn’t seem right for HAND.
“We didn’t think those events necessarily fit with our mission and our demographic,” Outreach Coordinator Andrea Davis said.
Instead, the organization is asking people to stay home.
On Nov. 11, HAND will ask for $75 per person or $150 a household for fundraising – from home.
According to its Web site: “VIP reception will NOT start at 6 p.m. Doors will NOT open at 7 p.m. Dinner will NOT be served at 7:30 p.m. Program will NOT commence at 8 p.m.”
The goal is for participants to “enjoy the kind of comfort that we work to provide our neighbors.”
“When you think about the cost of a venue and dinner and other expenses, maybe only $75 of the $150 you spend for a fundraiser actually goes to the nonprofit,” Davis said. “So we thought it might be neat to have 100 percent of the money go to fundraising, and then our participants can have fun at home, which is something we’re trying to provide for our community: affordable housing.”
That doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. Davis said there will be an online component to connect people who are participating. Plus, there will be an online silent auction.
“We think it could be fun where people share on social media what they like doing at home,” she said. “I know our director is inviting people over to her home, and she’s going to talk a little about what HAND does. We hope everyone shares photos and videos from their fun evenings at home.”
Proceeds will support HAND’s housing development, home repair and community building programs.
HAND has invested nearly $17 million in Hamilton County housing since 2003, including the development of 96 affordable apartments for low-income residents.
To sign up, visit handincorporated.org/events/stay-home-for-hand/.
