Special Events Campaigns of the Year: MIND Research Institute and Avow Hospice

Lamberton said the true success of this event, however, came from the fact that the organization's staff was re-energized as well, and the fun new concept engendered a renewed sense of teamwork and camaraderie that is continuing in the everyday culture of the organization. For the gala, MRI's engineering department (which writes the programs it uses to forward its mission of supporting math education in schools) became the in-house art department and collaborated with the development team on the copy for gala materials; its marketing and printing partner became active as a marketing and event decor advisor; 50 percent of the organization's home-office employees volunteered to staff the gala; and the board of directors supported the gala's auction with donations and high bids.