Since 2016, the Palmer Event Solutions team has enjoyed the privilege of partnering with the Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) of Northeast Ohio, helping their team continually reimagine their annual events to grow with their non-profit's evolving vision. What began as a small gathering to celebrate 110 years of interest free lending has evolved over the years. Now in 2025, HFLA takes a fresh approach at what it means to host a community-immersive experience this September…
From Small Mid-Week Fundraiser to Elegant Weekend Gala
HFLA’s journey of annual gatherings began humbly in the social hall of Temple Emanu El. As the event gained momentum, we introduced the idea for a bold transformation. In 2018, we assisted in the strategic relocation of their fundraiser to the refined Silver Grille at The Ritz‑Carlton in downtown Cleveland. This venue change did more than elevate the aesthetic. It created room for attendance to grow by more than 25%, setting the stage for years of growth and fundraising success.
A Shift Toward Advocacy: Annual Luncheon
In 2020, HFLA shifted their annual events to focus on telling the story of their borrowers and highlighting the financial barriers they face. Over the course of five years, HFLA’s Annual Luncheon featured speakers like Mehrsa Baradaran, Dr. Andre M. Perry and Jonathan Morduch, in both virtual and in-person settings. This update to their events model allowed their team to emphasize advocacy and provide a platform to share their mission and impact in a more direct, community‑centric way.
A Fresh Chapter at CentroVilla25 in 2025
This year, we are thrilled to help HFLA once again reinvent their annual fundraiser. Set for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, their Collective Interest event reflects HFLA’s commitment to both innovation and community engagement. The event will take place in an exciting new venue, CentroVilla25, located in Cleveland’s vibrant Clark‑Fulton neighborhood.
CentroVilla25 provides a dynamic, cultural backdrop – a lively shift from traditional formality to a setting that mirrors HFLA’s inclusive, community-first spirit. While some non-profits would be nervous to change event concepts many times over and over again, HFLA trusts the Palmer Event Solutions team’s many years of experience and depth of expertise to bring this new event to life in a brand-new location.
Why This Evolution Matters
Evolving with Purpose: Non-profits don’t have to stick with the same format. At Palmer Event Solutions, we believe your event should evolve alongside your mission. For HFLA, each step has pushed the boundaries of fundraising into new, meaningful territory.
Strategic Shifts Yield Results: Moving to venues like The Ritz-Carlton helped lift attendance and fundraising potential. Now, embracing a venue like CentroVilla25 brings cultural resonance, deeper community connection, and a fresh narrative for supporters and sponsors alike.
Flexible, Future-Forward Design: From temple halls, to gala dinners, to advocacy-focused luncheons, each iteration of the event shows HFLA’s willingness to adapt, plus our role in helping make transitions seamless, successful, and strategic.
In assisting HFLA with the evolution of their annual fundraiser, we have ensured smooth transitions that help keep donors engaged while elevating mission-driven storytelling. Each event has been designed to honor HFLA’s legacy while reflecting its forward-looking vision. With that eye towards the future, we cannot wait to continue growing with this incredible, Northeast Ohio-based organization.
