Our fundraising had been tied to a gala that the public knew nothing about and where only club members and sponsors participated. We tried to stage a fun event in the heart of Sandy Springs, featuring German beer and food and live music, that the community could all participate in, while learning about Rotary service projects. This would promote awareness about Rotary, help membership, and show that Rotarians can have fun and do good at the same time. We also raised funds for Sandy Springs Rotary Foundation.
We learned a lot about the process and while we did not bring in the full amounts that we wanted, we did well for a second year project, and we did achieve our community awareness goals and have set the foundation for a much stronger 2020. We made the local press too!
The event raised a net of over $5000 that will go toward charitable projects of the club benefiting childhood education, teachers, seniors, veterans, and first responders in the Sandy Springs community.