Gunnison Tough Committees

Making a difference!

Gunnison Tough Committees focus their work on special issues to help Gunnison Tough serve the Gunnison Valley more efficiently. They provide insight, make connections, and gather information that help us put on amazing events, work with our sponsors, and maintain financial health. Read more below about each of our committees.  If you are interested in volunteering for a committee, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Gunnison Tough Committee Descriptions

 

Events Committee

Events Committee Info

Sponsorship Committee

Sponsorship Committee Info

Finance Committee

Finance Committee Info

Events Committee Details

Here are the items this committee will be working on:

Key points about the events committee:

  • Focus on fundraising:
  • The primary goal is usually to raise money through the event, so they focus on strategies to maximize donations and engagement from attendees. 
  • Multifaceted responsibilities:
  • This committee handles all aspects of an event, from concept development to post-event follow-up, including marketing, logistics, budgeting, and volunteer coordination. 
  • Subcommittees possible:
  • Depending on the event size, an events committee might have smaller subcommittees focused on specific tasks like catering, entertainment, decorations, or registration. 

Auction Procurement 

  • Generating leads for item procurement.
  • Creating an item donation form (online or print) to record what’s been committed and who donated it.
  • Bundling donated items into packages/lots.
  • Photographing items and designing signage.
  • Displaying auction packages at the venue.
  • Printing bid sheets or uploading auction packages to a mobile bidding platform.
  • Managing online or mobile bidding and sending text message alerts.
  • If not using an automated or mobile bidding platform: Tracking sales at the event and entering them into event software or other database.
  • If not using an automated or mobile bidding platform: Printing or emailing receipts to guests with a list of purchases and total sale prices.
  • Arranging items at item pickup by bidder number for a quick and easy checkout.
  • Printing and mailing thank-you letters with tax deductible 

Registration, Checkout and Guest Experience

  • Collecting all guest names and contact information.
  • Generating guest lists and assigning bidder numbers.
  • Buying bidder number cards and printing auction catalogs.
  • Assigning guests to tables and creating a seating chart.
  • Training volunteers to work check-in and registration.
  • Using event software to gather guest payments and streamline checkout.

Entertainment & Program

  • Hiring an Emcee and/or Professional Auctioneer.
  • Soliciting a guest speaker.
  • Deciding the order of events, such as cocktail hour, dinner, dessert, and any auction games that might be happening throughout the night.
  • Creating and printing event night programs.
  • Hiring entertainment, such as a live band or other performer.
  • Working in tandem with sound and lighting crews.
  • Timing auction closings with the order of events.

Media and Public Relations

  • Deciding how to promote the event (TV, radio, news, email, social media, etc.)
  • Creating media packages—which typically include video, pictures, a press release, and more to provide to news and radio outlets.
  • Working with sponsors or other local businesses specializing in media to reach as many potential attendees as possible.
  • Keeping all information about the event on the website updated, including details about speakers, ticketing options, sponsorships and sponsorship recognitions, and photos to get people interested in learning more about your event.

Decor 

  • Deciding on a theme and corresponding decor in advance.
  • Placing orders for tablecloths, chair covers, centerpieces, and any other decor that the event will require in bulk.
  • Creating table placards and place settings.
  • Designing centerpieces.
  • Arranging and displaying auction items at the event in conjunction with the Auction Committee.
  • Arriving on the morning of the event to begin decorating!

Volunteers

  • Assess Volunteer Needs
  • Recruit volunteers
  • Train volunteers based on their assignments
  • Sends out communications to all volunteers
  • Makes sure volunteers have needed supplies (pens, clipboards, food, water)

Sponsorship Committee Details

Here are items this committee works on:

  • Generating sponsor leads from businesses in our nonprofit’s cause area, those with personal connections to our organization or board members, or simply businesses who share our values.
  • Creating sponsor levels with giving thresholds (or associated in-kind donations). Include the number of tables or other benefits included with that sponsorship level.
  • Soliciting sponsors over the phone or in-person to be a part of our event and assist our mission. Note that in-person solicitations tend to feel more personal, and can be more effective!
  • Tracking sponsorships throughout the solicitation process, from lead to completion.
  • Getting sponsor guest names and contact information and entering them in the database.
  • Creating table and seating arrangements in the ballroom for sponsors and their guests.
  • Designing VIP experiences for sponsors and their guests.
  • Handling sponsors at registration and managing relationships throughout the event.

Finance Committee Details

The finance committee oversees the organization’s financial health and operations: 

  • Budgeting: Reviews and approves the annual budget and capital expenditure budgets.
  • Cash flow: Monitors cash flow and expenditures 
  • Debt: Monitors debt and debt payback. 
  • Financial reporting: Ensures Gunnison Tough fulfills financial reporting requirements. 
  • Investment policy: Develops an investment policy and retains investment advisors. 
  • Audits: Oversees audits, reviews the auditors’ report, and presents the audited financial statements to the board 
  • Financial practices: Guides financial practices. 
  • Financial analysis: Provides financial analysis and advice 
  • Accountability: Ensures the organization is financially accountable. 
  • Mission alignment: Ensures that budgeting and spending align with the organization’s mission. 
  • Overseeing financial reporting, including the annual IRS Form 990 and all required tax filings.
  • Ensuring the organization has the cash reserves and investments necessary for long-term success.

I’d Like to Volunteer!

Please fill in this form if you would like to volunteer for a Gunnison Tough committee. We’ll contact you after we receive your information.