Raise more, help many

Prior to 2008, fundraising staff and volunteers handled all aspects of registration, auction management, check-out and so forth. It was a challenge for the organization to handle logistics while also tending to its more than 400 guests. Switching to AES offered a seamless registration process, enabled fundraising staff to focus on guest relations and eased the close-out of the 75-item silent auction, live auction and special appeal. Throughout the years, the organization has also appreciated its assigned event manager’s willingness to help them make decisions regarding new ways to manage the event. For example, a few years back, AES recommended managing the special appeal like the live auction — with the raise of a paddle. Prior to that, guests completed a card and made their donations privately. Since making this switch, our client has raised significantly more money in its special appeal.

Chief Development Officer Valerie Chilewski consistently receives positive comments from her guests about AES’s process, professionalism and technology and offers high praise. “AES’s team before, during and after the event is top-notch, well-trained and skilled in guest relations. We can’t imagine doing our Hope Gala without them.”