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| Lessons Learned |
‘Lessons Learned’ is a forum for CCFC Chapters and volunteers to share experiences, so other Chapters can learn from them too. If your Chapter learned something that will be of use to other Chapters, email your story to focus@ccfc.ca.
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A Gathering Of Young Urban Guests To Mix, Mingle In Search Of A Cure, was held September 28 at 8 below – a hip happening, nightclub in downtown Toronto. |
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The organizing committee had everything planned: the $30 entrance fee included drinks, hors d'oeuvres and non-stop Top 40 dance music. They managed to get the venue and services of two great DJs (El.K and Agile) donated; and for the “balloon burst” they found 20 great items – also donated - that would appeal to this young, professional audience – things like personal training sessions, etc. All that was left to do was to get members of this new urban demographic to buy tickets.
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Online sales were immediately thought to be the best fit, so a web page was set up. However, as the weeks passed the committee realized it would be easier to also have tickets on hand when they approached someone, than only referring them to a website. The online route wasn’t translating into the sales they were expecting. Tickets were quickly printed and eventually only about 40% of tickets sold were purchased online. Kudos to the committee for changing their plan quickly and deftly.
Convinced they can be even more successful next time, they are considering making Loftball a biannual event, held in spring and fall. They plan to continue with selling tickets online – given the audience and the other associated advantages such as instant receipts and lower costs, but also plan to print tickets as well. |
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Bits and Bites
Racing for Crohn’s
The Great Canadian Death Race is not for the faint of heart – as one can gather from the name itself. But young Sky Freeman was determined to enter the 125 km race to raise funds for the CCFC in honour of his 14-year old sister and an aunt who both have Crohn’s disease. And on August 5 he did just that, running his 23 km leg of the race in total darkness. The terrain was rough with tree roots, loose rocks and steep ground but Sky ran on, finishing his leg in 2 hours and 13 minutes, guided only by a headlamp. Thank you Sky for raising $774 for IBD research. You’ve brought us closer to the cure. |
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A first!
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Judging by the evening’s success, one would have never guessed it was the first time the Winnipeg Chapter had organized a fashion show. But it was. In collaboration with Nygard International, it hosted the Crohn’s & Colitis Winnipeg Chapter Fall Fundraiser Fashion Show on September 28. Sam Katz, Mayor of the city of Winnipeg opened the evening to a sold out crowd of 198 attendees. With 24 door prizes, three amazing silent auction items and mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres and coffee – all of which were graciously donated, the organising committee and chair Diane Mauthe did a marvellous job, working hard through the summer months to pull it off. Some of the Committee, with family and friends modeled the Nygard clothing. By the end of the show, the event raised over $7,500. What a great start to what will surely be many more successful fashion show fundraisers for this Chapter! |
Songs of Sinatra
The RBC auditorium at The Living Arts Centre – Mississauga’s cultural hub – was almost filled to capacity on September 16 for the 2nd Songs of Sinatra concert. Feet tapped and people hummed along as Glenn Chipkar sang those golden favourites accompanied by the 18-piece Swing Shift Big Band. Diagnosed with IBD over 26 years ago while in pre-med school, illness forced Chipkar to give up his medical aspirations but didn’t stop him from living life to the fullest. Among other things, he’s written and recorded music, began marathon running to improve his lifestyle and organized the concert to raise funds for the CCFC. “I never thought I’d have the chance to do what I’m doing now with this charity concert,” he says. “I’m humbled that I’m well enough to not only go to a concert, but that I am actually able to perform one.” The romantic candlelight evening and cash bar helped raise over $1,560.
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