Nonprofits offer twice the fun for the price of one ticket

Two nonprofits are holding their fundraisers inside Stratton Hall on Friday night, May 6. Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block is hosting its Kentucky Derby-themed party in the Stratton’s new area, The Peyton, which opened in August, and La Paz Chattanooga’s’s annual Sangria on the Southside will be in Stratton’s main hall.

But instead of competing with each other, the two are partnering to offer a combo option to their guests. Buy one party’s ticket for $75 in advance or $100 at the door, or pay $150 and get in both parties.

It’s a savvy marketing ploy that gets each nonprofit’s message to twice as many folks while offering guests twice the fun at differently themed parties.

Haleigh Bennett, venue director of Stratton Hall, confirms this will be the first time two nonprofits have shared the venue. While it’s not uncommon for a wedding reception to be in one area of the hall and a nonprofit fundraiser in another, no two nonprofits have ever collaborated there.

Carmen Peace, finance director of Chattanooga Kids on the Block, says her nonprofit formerly held its Do The Derby party on the day of The Run For the Roses. CKOB tried in the past to partner with another nonprofit that throws a derby party, but that partnership never materialized.

This year, CKOB moved its benefit to the night before the Kentucky Derby, and renamed it Do the Pre-Derby. After learning that La Paz had booked its fundraiser the same night, staff from the two organizations met.

“It was serendipitous,” says Christian Patino, director of operations at La Paz. “When we realized what happened, we met to talk about how to best manage it. Instead of it being a barrier, we looked at how to make it a positive for both of us. A combo ticket was the answer. Cross-promotion is always better.”

It’s not the first time La Paz and CKOB have worked together, says Peace.

“What we find going into elementary schools to present our puppet shows is that we have to translate a lot of materials we send home with the (Spanish-speaking) children. We have asked for La Paz assistance in translating and proofing our information. We’re really excited about partnering with them and doing this party,” she says.

Peace says guests buying the combo ticket get a wristband that allows them admission to both parties. Guests must be 21 or older to attend the derby party; a minimum age is not a requirement for Sangria on the Southside, but guests will be carded, says Patino.

At Do the Pre-Derby, there will be lots of big hats, boots, blackjack and bourbon. Hors d’oeuvres will be served by Events With Taste, and Bob the DJ will spin music for dancing.

La Paz’s party is a celebration of Latino flavors and culture.

Authentic Latino cuisine will be provided by Miguel Morales of The Feed Co. Table & Tavern with sangria from Horizon Wine and Spirits. Entertainment will be presented by the Mariachi Aventurero Band, Dance Brasil Entertainment and Spanish guitarist Michael McCallie.

Proceeds from the Kentucky Derby party help CKOB continue to provide its programs free of charge to elementary schools in 16 area counties. Sangria on the Southside will help La Paz offer support services and programs to Chattanooga’s Latino community.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.