Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

Name For Fundraiser Dinner And Silent Auction

Posted by akashic24 on 3/11/2010 at 5:18 PM ET 250 Points
Our organization is called Family Connections and is having its 2nd annual benefit dinner and silent auction. There will also be a live band and dancing. The organization provides various services to families. Last year the event name was "Joie de Famille" (Joy of Family) however this event is for adults only and the name is hard to pronounce. I would like to have a different memorable name although some our attached to the current name. It is being held at the end of summer and we are located in a small town in Wisconsin. Ideas on for new names and any feedback on the current name would be greatly appreciated!
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by michael on 3/11/2010 at 10:57 PM Member
    Gather2gether


    Michael
  • Posted by michael on 3/11/2010 at 11:00 PM Member
    Wait....do you have a sister city relationship in France? Is that the reason you went with "Joie de Famille"?

    Michael
  • Posted by thecynicalmarketer on 3/12/2010 at 12:05 AM Accepted
    Phil's suggestion is a winner.

    Also consider:

    Family Connections
    Celebration of Giving
    Dinner, Dance, and Silent Auction

    I hope it is a great success.
    Best of Luck, JohnnyB
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 3/12/2010 at 8:56 AM Member
    Circle of Love
    Celebrate the Family
  • Posted by akashic24 on 3/12/2010 at 9:24 AM Author
    Michael - No, we do not have any connections to France.

    Karen - We are looking for a catchy memorable name. Some of the other events in town have distinctive names for their event ie - the YMCA in town does "Passport to Paradise", boys and girls club does "wine and cheese and all that Jazz". So, ideally we are looking for a catchy name that will be associated with our organization. We are a small non profit and are doing this to raise money and to raise awareness about the organization. Last year's event went very well, we had a silent auction and raffle with over 100 items and people had a great time - we would like to convey fun and intrigue in the title if possible. Thanks!
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 3/12/2010 at 10:14 AM Member
    Does your event have a theme we can work around??
  • Posted by akashic24 on 3/12/2010 at 2:33 PM Author
    Carol
    We don't really have a theme. Joie de famille came about because the organization is about supporting families...bringing joy to them. It is an adult only event. We want people to come out and fun for the evening. We tried to get a variety of silent auction items to appeal to high end as well as the low price range so that everyone could partipcate. We have a cross section of people who attended last year. We enouraged some of our moms and dads to take a night out for themselves as well as professionals from the community. People enjoyed the music and dancing as well as had fun bidding. I hope this is helpful.
    I appreicate here taking time to help.
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 3/12/2010 at 2:54 PM Accepted
    Since it's established, be careful changing the name. When I go to a nonprofit gala that I found fun, I look for it again. Changing the name may confuse people.

    Just because the people in Wisconsin don't have French as their primary language doesn't mean a French name is in appropriate. People use French names for their businesses and events all the time. Everywhere.

    It also gives you something to build a theme around-- like an evening in Paris.

    So weigh hard the pros and cons-- a name that is hard to pronounce vs a name with a track record.

    Or just translate, Joy of Family Gala & Silent Auction.
    Joy of Family Silent Auction Ball.

    The names you gave in examples lead to a theme. Recent charity events I have been to (gala and silent auctions) were a "black & pink gala" -- a fundraiser for the Cherry blossum festival. A twist on the black & white parties. And a "Drink Red, Wear Red", red wine tasting. But I've been to many that just use the org's name, and Gala, etc.

    What do you think?
  • Posted by akashic24 on 3/13/2010 at 9:56 AM Author
    Carol
    Thank you for your feedback. For clarification - we only used the once which was last year. When I speak to people who attended most can't even remember the name. Most who attended (we had just over 100) were already connected to our organization through someone. Our goal is to broaden our reach thus having a memorable and easy to remember name is the goal.
  • Posted by DougM on 3/13/2010 at 12:39 PM Member
    Family Affair!

    It sounds good put into the context of...."Join us for Family Connections 5th annual Family Affair!"

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 3/14/2010 at 1:12 PM Member
    Dinner Connections Benefit
    The Family Bond Benefit
    Celebrating Families Dinner
  • Posted by steven.alker on 3/15/2010 at 4:05 AM Member
    Do you really believe that your clientele find "Joie de famille" is hard to pronounce or is it just somewhat hard to remember? It’s certainly regarded as “Classy” in the UK.

    If you really think that it is beyond your customer’s then Homer Simpson speak like “Duh Ball” would be catchy and memorable but might ruin your positioning as a class act.

    Personally, I’d stick with the existing name – it is complete and whilst it takes a bit to remember, might that not be worth it in the longer run?

    One of my acquaintances from FaceBook is running a set of “Royal” balls under the group heading “Nobless Oblige” I’m not at all sure that any of his US millionaire backers has a clue what Nobless or Oblige means but it doesn’t seem to put them off!

    Be brave – call it what you want and get your name recognised as a local charity brand!

    Best wishes


    Steve Alker
    Xspirt
  • Posted on 3/15/2010 at 1:21 PM Member
    Family Connection's Annual 'Family Dance', Dinner and Dancing fundraiser.
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 3/15/2010 at 1:25 PM Member
    Parents Night Out Ball & Silent Auction

    I personally agree with Steve, its a classy name.
  • Posted by akashic24 on 3/17/2010 at 3:42 PM Author
    Thank you to everyone for your responses. I appreciate your time. I will discuss these further with my committee. This is a challenging situation. Unfortunately, no particular idea hit on what we were looking for. Perhaps we can use these ideas as a jumping off point.
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Taglines/Names)