Editor's Note: Laura Spalding, a retired attorney, knows a thing or two about charity galas, having chaired more than her share including last winter's Houston Ballet Ball. She's fed up with the critics who say the balls are bunk and a waste of money. She's turned to CultureMap to offer her take on the importance of the glitzy charity scene.
With the end of the gala season, it is time to address the question continually raised by bloggers and readers commenting on stories about charity benefits.
At the end of almost every write up that covers an elaborate fundraisers thrown for a Houston charity sits angry comments representing veritable class warfare. So let's address the question. Are galas really just stages for wealthy clothes horses and publicity hounds or are galas a forum in which the attendees make a real financial difference to a charity?
Full disclosure: I have chaired numerous galas and I want to be perfectly honest; I have a dog in this hunt. It is a lot of work. But I care deeply about each cause that these events serve. As a gala or benefit chair, I have seen bloggers and reader comments tirelessly suggesting that we all just write a check and stay home.
Would charities make more money if the same glitterati stayed home and just wrote the check? Unquestionably! The problem is that most of them won't feel the incentive to give or give as generously if there is not an event surrounding the ask for dollars or an honoree to be saluted. While fundraising is handled in many forms, the big galas serve as one of the mechanisms that charities employ to bring in the big bucks — money that only these events can deliver.
Further, numerous components go into the attempt to make fundraisers profitable. First, gala chairs attempt to get as much donated as possible. For auctions, retailers and individuals donate items. Likewise, gala supporters often offer their vacation homes. Travel opportunities can bring in the most money, especially if they are paired with first-class tickets donated by an airline or, better yet, private jet transport.
C’mon folks! Can we not as Americans (and supposedly not Socialist ones) be grateful that there are people who let others use their fabulous stuff to generate funds for a great cause?
Next, there is the issue of the publicity that these events generate. The write-ups depict glamorous settings, over-the-top decorations and a who’s who list of guests. Are there people attending in hope of having their picture published or their name mentioned?
Of course! Nonetheless, the gala coverage can perform wonders for the charity. These society write-ups raise awareness of the non-profit's mission. And they can entice more people to attend the following year and perhaps spend more money the next time around.
The hard fact remains that many folks want some bang for their buck. I have no problem with parties so enticing that they sell out because guests think it is going to be one heck of a night. I hold the philosophy that “If you build it, they will come.” I am counting dollars, not designer gowns . While I love it when guests feel strongly for the organization, I cannot afford to judge motivations that might be less than altruistic.
Basically, I care about the cause. I want the dazzling and not-so dazzling bodies present and giving their money.
Would it not be wonderful if everyone just gave freely without a party to attend? Cue the Snow White music. Sorry! Not everyone will.
While bloggers and commentators may rail against these events and the people attending them, most do not appreciate the hard work and personal generosity that actually go into the night and the funds that otherwise would not be raised.
The Wortham Theater Center was decorated to the hilt for the ballet ball in February.
