In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Jamila Trimuel, Founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue, an organization dedicated to empowering young girls in Chicago. They discuss the critical role of fundraising events within their overall strategy. Initially, their annual "Leading with Virtue Cocktail Reception" accounted for up to 50% of their budget, raising around $200,000 through corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and auctions. While still important, the event now contributes 10-20% of their budget, signaling a strategic shift in fundraising tactics.

Beyond the event itself, Ladies of Virtue emphasizes the significance of post-event donor engagement and stewardship. They maintain relationships through various means, including personal meetings, virtual events, and launching a monthly giving campaign. Their approach involves thanking and involving key stakeholders like the host committee and honorees, ensuring continued support and involvement beyond the event. This ongoing engagement has been instrumental in the organization's growth, with their budget expanding from $40,000 to $1.5 million.

Jamila highlights the evolution of their fundraising strategy, emphasizing the importance of long-term relationship-building over one-off events. She advises fundraisers to focus on profiting from events while also considering the broader impact and opportunities for engagement throughout the year. This podcast episode underscores the power of effective donor stewardship in sustaining and growing nonprofit organizations like Ladies of Virtue, offering valuable insights for fundraisers seeking to maximize their impact.