Bite-Sized Case Study: NZSO Gala Soiree

The Cause

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is New Zealand's national orchestra, bringing world class music to audiences for 70 years, making it one of the world's oldest national orchestras. Kiwis constantly shine on the global stage, delivering excellence in sport, business, science and the arts. And the NZSO is no exception. Whether it's our Grammy nominated musicianship or the world's best conductors and soloists we play with, an NZSO concert is an experience as good as anything anywhere in the world.”

The Purpose

The NZSO needed to raise funds to purchase a world famous Kim Webby harp. Crafted in New Zealand, Kim Webby harps are renowned for their beauty in both aesthetic and sound.

The Event

A Gala Soiree at the magnificent St Mathew-in-the-City in Auckland. It was a stunning venue for the fundraiser. Guests were treated to a four-course meal complete with matching wines courtesy of Craggy Range vineyard and French wine providore Maison Vauron. Members of the NZSO played a different piece of music to accompany each course.

The Fundraiser

The evening comprised a live and silent auction. Some of the incredible prizes included a Weta Workshop experience (the folks who brought Middle Earth to life in the Lord of the Rings films) and five nights for two people anywhere in the world! A remarkable diamond pendant was also available as part of the live auction and was modelled on the night.. The NZSO sourced a truly exceptional range of prizes for both the silent and live auctions that were highly sought after and attracted plenty of bids.

Additional Touches

The NSZO made sure the orchestra was an integral part of the event. In addition to accompanying the meal, a trumpeter was on hand to signal each time a live auction lot was sold! The evening's finale saw each member of the orchestra emerge, one by one, from a section of the church to come together and play a rendition of Ravel's Bolero. It was a moving and impressive way to close the event.

Things We Loved

1. The level of thought and detail that went into the event. A Gala Soiree's event organisers made sure that guests experienced a night to remember.
2. The orchestra's presence throughout the event gave focus on the cause and its importance. The integration of the orchestra showed the NZSO to be versatile, fun and innovative (as well as being a collection of supremely talented musicians!).
3. We were delighted that the orchestra more than doubled its fundraising target for the night.

Takeaways 

1. Creating a memorable event that strengthens the connection between your cause and your supporters is an important way to thank them for their on-going support and donations.
2. Making the cause an integral part of the event helps focus guests on the importance of the fundraiser.

What They Said

“GalaBid was fantastic. They took all of the stress and workload out of hosting and running an auction. The platform is easy to use by both in the back end and for the participant. Is is an extremely professionally presented platform. I would never do an auction any other way again.”