COMMUNITY
Local nonprofit tests a new type of fundraising
Alta Mira Specialized Family Services Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is throwing a new type of gala, one where there is no venue, no dress code and no actual event to attend.
Alta Mira Specialized Family Services Inc., a New Mexico nonprofit organization that provides early childhood services, is taking a new approach to fundraising: a gala that doesn't exist.
The nonprofit is calling this event a 鈥淣o Go Gala.鈥�
The No Go Gala is prompting supporters to donate money they would otherwise have spent on tickets, formal attire and babysitters directly toward the nonprofit's services.
鈥淚t's an event without an event; they are supporting us by quote unquote not doing anything,鈥� said Angelique Tafoya, the executive director of Alta Mira.
Sarah Pastore, the marketing and communications director for Alta Mira, said the idea for the No Go Gala came to her when she realized there are several other galas for worthy causes, but she felt they could be exclusionary due to their costliness.
鈥淭his gala is kind of our new way of trying to reimagine the difficulties of having events as a nonprofit,鈥� said Pastore.
The fundraiser will support Alta Mira鈥檚 mission of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For 40 years, the nonprofit has provided early childhood intervention for children from birth to 3 years of age, parenting programs, including parenting classes, family support Ssrvices and respite care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 6 children experience developmental delays or disabilities; with early childhood intervention, outcomes for those children can be significantly improved.
Nusenda Credit Union, HUB Southwest and B&D Industries are a few of the local businesses that have committed to sponsoring the No Go Gala.
鈥淯nlike traditional fundraising events, the No Go Gala minimizes event-related experiences and maximizes the impact of every dollar raised,鈥� said Pastore in a press release.
Isabella Campbell is a general assignment reporter for the sa国际传媒官网网页入口. She can be reached at icampbell@abqjournal.com.
