After a long pause from public events, Senior Transportation Connection (STC) was ready to reintroduce themselves to the community. Like many nonprofits, they weren’t quite sure where to begin.
STC approached Palmer Event Solutions with a vision to re-engage their audience, but without the pressure of diving straight into fundraising. During an initial strategy session with our team, we explored ways to reconnect with their community authentically and intentionally. Our recommendation? Start with a “friend-raiser.” This kind of event is less about asking and more about inviting. “Friend-raisers” build trust, familiarity, and connection before focusing on the cultivation of long-term donor and attendee relationships.
Together, we brought to life STC’s Ice Cream Social & Open House — a low-pressure, high-impact event that focused on welcoming the community to their headquarters. Hosted right in the non-profit’s own parking lot, the event was simple, accessible, and budget-friendly; but it didn’t skimp on joy. Guests enjoyed complimentary ice cream, cotton candy, and popcorn, while mingling with STC staff and volunteers. They also met community resource partners like the Cleveland Sight Center and toured the headquarters for a behind-the-scenes look at the services that keep older adults mobile and connected.
What did the STC team learn?
Events don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Hosting on-site helped STC stay true to their mission, showcase their work, and build authentic connections.
"Friend-raisers" are a powerful first step for nonprofits looking to re-engage or grow their supporter base.
Experience matters. By guiding the STC team through thoughtful planning and purposeful engagement, our team helped make their return to public events a sweet success.
At Palmer Event Solutions, we believe every event should feel intentional, not intimidating. Sometimes, all that takes is ice cream, popcorn, and a parking lot to get the conversation started.
