I have represented nonprofits for almost a decade so I appreciate how difficult fundraising can be, especially in this economy. Although there are many ways to support an organization that don’t involve fundraising, such as advocacy and volunteering, funding is the most critical need. For this reason, and because I am a self-proclaimed marketing dork, I love celebrating creative fundraising and the folks who make it happen.
Meet the Beach Cities Friends. This organization was started in 2002 by a group of friends here in the South Bay, who had a desire to give back to the community. They began volunteering, raising money and advocating for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. Their fundraising started simple—dinner parties in their home that educated friends about the organization and asking them to get involved—and it has grown to include annual events that raise enough to sponsor homes. Since 2002, Beach Cities Friends has raised more than $800,000 to help build and renovate nine homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in greater Los Angeles, with the most recent home being completed in 2011 in Lawndale.
I have had the privilege of working and building alongside the great people from Beach Cities Friends for many years and they have inspired me to give back as well.
This Saturday, Beach Cities Friends will host its Second Annual Texas Hold 'Em Tournament and it’s open to the public. The fundraising event takes place at The Lakes in El Segundo on Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The buy-in is $200 and all profits will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. You can register online or at the door. For more details visit the website here.
And what L.A. charity event would be complete without Celebrities? Kate Linder (Young & The Restless), Glynn Turman (House of Lies), Ted Lange (The Love Boat) and Jim Pickens, Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy) have all registered to play. I just wonder if these famous faces have good poker faces.
Do you have a creative way of supporting a local organization or fundraising? If so, please share your great ideas with the rest of us geeky do-gooders!
