2025 Catalyst Annual Fundraiser Event

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The 2025 Theme: Denim & Diamonds was meant as a nod to the larger agricultural based local community and offered attendees the change to dress up or down as they saw fit. The mood of the evening was tongue-in-cheek, evening casual, and meant to downplay the “Gala” aspect of the event after feedback that an evening formal affair felt “stuffy” and unapproachable.

My marketing strategy focused on balancing the casual, fun theme with a sense of sophistication. We opted for an approachable, casual design that blended both elements of Denim & Diamonds — offering versatility in the event’s promotional materials. Through social media campaigns, email marketing, and printed materials, the branding aimed to highlight the event’s relaxed yet meaningful atmosphere, encouraging community participation. I designed social graphics and event invitations featuring a mix of playful tones and elegant accents, reflecting the event’s unique combination of humor and generosity.

I developed a comprehensive marketing strategy that focused on reinforcing community engagement while positioning the event as both welcoming and meaningful. The visual branding was carefully curated to bridge the gap between the playful “Denim & Diamonds” theme and the fundraiser’s serious mission, ensuring the tone stayed light, but the purpose remained clear.

The overall campaign assets including social media graphics, email marketing content, signage, and printed invitations were aligned through consistent use of color palettes, typography, and imagery. The materials were crafted to enhance brand recognition, maintain a strong visual identity, and create a cohesive experience across both print and digital platforms.

A significant component of the marketing strategy involved audience targeting and messaging personalization. By softening the formal “Gala” branding and showcasing student and community artwork, the event positioned itself as more accessible to a broader demographic, including families, younger attendees, and local businesses. This authentic storytelling approach allowed us to strengthen emotional connections and increase both attendance and participation rates.

To maximize community outreach, I designed marketing collateral that gave substantial visibility to local sponsors and business partners. Sponsor logos and supporter acknowledgments were intentionally featured across print materials, digital promotions, and event-day signage, enhancing sponsor satisfaction and encouraging long-term partnerships.

Digital marketing efforts included a mobile-responsive landing page for ticket sales, a content-driven email sequence, digital event program, and an organic social media strategy on three channels. On social platforms, I implemented a multi-phase content rollout featuring countdown graphics, teaser videos, sponsor spotlights, and behind-the-scenes peeks—all aimed at building anticipation, maintaining top-of-mind awareness, and driving last-minute RSVPs.

On the day of the event, I created a seamless attendee experience through strategic signage and an event slideshow. Every marketing touchpoint—from initial invite to in-person materials—was designed to be user-friendly, visually engaging, and mission-driven.

Overall, the marketing approach for the 2025 Catalyst Fundraiser blended traditional fundraising communications with contemporary, audience-first strategies. Through consistent branding, community-centered content, multi-channel promotion, and strategic sponsor integration, the event successfully achieved a balance between fun and philanthropy, helping to drive higher engagement, build local goodwill, and reinforce the Catalyst brand identity and ultimately raised over $76,000; a 17% increase in dollars raised and a 27% increase in attendance from the previous year.

2025 Digital Program

Live Auction Slideshow