Recent Events
8th & 9th Annual Building Blocks Breakfasts // PUSH Buffalo
2018 was a year of transition for PUSH Buffalo. At the end of 2017, PUSH founder and Executive Director, Aaron Bartley, announced he’d be stepping down from his role. In July, Deputy Director, Rahwa Ghirmatzion officially took the reigns, fully prepared and ready to take off with her vision for the future.
One of the first tasks she had to address was the need for someone to manage from start to finish PUSH’s one and only fundraising event of the year- the 8th Annual Building Blocks Breakfast. Three months before the event, LIVE INSPIRED Event Management jumped in to work with PUSH’s Development Committee and ensure that this signature event would go off without a hitch.
The result: Over 300 attendees (max capacity at the venue) and $130,000 raised for PUSH Buffalo. The schedule ran precisely on time, with doors opening at 7:30am, program beginning at 8am, and ending in time for folks to be out the door at 9am and on their way to work. After 8-years, many attendees (including previous Executive Director and Founder, Aaron Bartley) commented that it seemed to be the smoothest run, most educational and impactful, and attractive breakfast yet.
Solar Celebration ‘18 & ‘19 // Let There Be Light International
Having just uprooted her personal life and entire organization from another state, Executive Director of Let There Be Light International, Sarah Baird, was trying to think through how she could spread the word about her organization and garner new supporters in Buffalo, NY.
Cue the brilliant idea from an awesome volunteer turned Board Member (Jamie Perry) to host a summer event! With two months to the cocktail party in a brand new rustic restaurant surrounded by the historical and massive silos of Buffalo, Sarah and Jamie needed a hand pulling it all together. We’re so glad they called on us!
The result: Nearly 180 event attendees (far surpassing the goal of 100), and $10,000 raised for Let There Be Light International. It was truly an evening to remember - the perfect warm sunset illuminated the giant silos as folks enjoyed the silent auction, authentic African food, and sipping their Chardonnay and craft beers while learning more about how this small organization was making a major impact on global health. It’s an event folks now look forward to annually, especially us!
Trimania ‘18 // Buffalo Arts Studio
Lead by the small but fearless team of staff at Buffalo Arts Studio, this massive event that attracts thousands of people to the historical TriMain Building in Buffalo, NY, comes around once every 3 years. It just so happened that the team got one person smaller only a few months before their event in April 2018. And loosing those extra hands was not something they could afford.
With over 60 acts ranging from jazz bands to fire spinners, and drag queens to a ukulele troop of senior citizens, BAS needed help with performer communications and management. They also needed someone to manage logistical things like securing food trucks, directing and supporting bartenders at the 7 bars before and during the event, and poster and flyer distribution. We stepped in to help with all of those things, and did some ad sales for the program booklet, as well.
Whatever they needed, we jumped in to make it help.
The result: Even with an ice storm and travel advisory (IN APRIL! Thanks, Buffalo.) 3,500 people showed up to raise an incredible $100,000 for Buffalo Arts Studio and another grand through bar tips to support hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.