Whether we like it or not, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health precautions are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Many businesses and organizations have taken this as an opportunity to pursue nontraditional virtual events using social media platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and YouTube.
Samaritan House “Let’s Talk Healing Livestream & Televised Fundraising Event
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samaritan House, an Strategic Solutions by Tricia, LLC client, saw a dramatic increase for its services to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking. They jumped at the opportunity to host an alternative event to raise awareness and funds.
On August 30, Samaritan House hosted a talk show and televised fundraising event on WTKR Channel 3 titled, “Let’s Talk Healing” with Drea Kelly, choreographer, actress, domestic violence awareness advocate, and ex-wife of infamous R.K. The virtual event was also televised through Facebook Live and donations were encouraged via phone, website, or text. The televised event was created as an alternative to several in-person fundraising events that the Samaritan House traditionally produces each year.
“Let’s Talk Healing” not only spread valuable information throughout the Hampton Roads area and beyond, but did so in a safe way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The d’Art Center Hosts Virtual National Juried Exhibition Awards Receptions & Ceremonies
Another one of SST’s clients, the d’Art Center, adjusted how they held their national juried art exhibition receptions and awards ceremonies by hosting several meaningful events virtually using both Facebook Live and YouTube. After initially rescheduling the first reception to be held after the COVID-19 outbreak, d’Art Center, d’Art modified the entire format to minimize crowds, yet still create a lively atmosphere and promote participation.
In June, they held their first national juried exhibition reception since the outbreak for Eccentric, an exhibition of surreal artworks and unconventional materials. Artists, jurors, and viewers alike were encouraged to make reservations to keep the in-person reception and awards ceremony attendance within guidelines, or participate through the live stream released on Facebook.
The d’Art Center expanded the national juried art exhibition format for their next three exhibits: Tiny But Mighty II featuring small three-dimensional works in August, Divulge featuring works promoting mental health awareness in September, and Material II featuring fiber works in October.
D’Art continued to minimize crowds by announcing winners via Facebook Live, and they also posted the full awards presentations on the d’Art Center’s YouTube Channel. After the events, an online shop with artwork from the exhibit was also released for purchase.
Hosting events safely, whether they be fundraising, awards receptions, announcements, or awareness campaigns can be done in a meaningful way that engages the community.
For more guidance on fundraising in the COVID-Era, please call our office at 757-536-9937 or reach out to Strategic Solutions by Tricia, LLC via Facebook.