life isn't average. neither are we.
Let It Grow!
Kristina Chau - Friday, November 12, 2010
Hey party peeps!

In honour of Movember, I thought I would write a post on how to throw down a mo-riffic fundraiser - and yes, there will be plenty "mo" puns throughout this.  Movember is a world-wide moustache growing charity event held in November each year to bring awareness to men's health.  Here in Canada proceeds go directly to Prostate Cancer Canada.


First off, determine what your fundraising goal is and the budget you have to help achieve this.  You don't need a large budget, however do realize that you will likely need to spend some money, in order to raise some.



Next select a date and a mo-propriate venue to host your fundraiser.  It could be just throwing a house party at your own humble abode or perhaps the local bar down the street.  Wherever you select, try and ensure that you don't spend money on the venue as this will ensure that most of the proceeds raised, go towards the cause.  If you decide to go to a venue, barter with them to donate their space - offer them in-kind marketing and promotion and have them donate part of the proceeds at the bar so they receive a tax receipt.



Utilize the Movember website as a great resource for everything mo-tastic.  There's a link to acquire your own free Movember Party Pack that includes a variety of items such as a Man and Miss of Movember sash, posters, donations boxes, pins and stickers.  All of these Movember branded items are sure to be a hit at your event.



Now it's time to get creative!  Think of various ways to raise funds besides charging an admission price.  Here are a few ideas:
  • Approach local businesses to donate prizes and host a contest with various categories i.e.  the best mo sculpture; the best use of a fake mo; the best fu manchu mo; the options are endless!
  • Have a photo booth set up with various moustache props and charge a fee for everyone to get in on the fun.
  • Get local artists to donate a piece to a Movember exhibit and host a silent auction.
  • Set up a "Pin the Mo on Burt" (Reynolds that is) game and charge a nominal fee for people to play.
  • Make it easy for guests and have a laptop or two set up on the Movember web page so guests can make online donations with their credit cards.
So men, as you are the fundraiser make sure you are actively promoting your event and connecting with your network!  If you have an iPhone, download the Movember app and post photos of your mo's progress and ensure to include a link for event tickets or donation information when sharing on Facebook or Twitter.

And ladies just because Movember is about men's health, it doesn't mean you can't join in on the celebration and fun.  Now I'm not suggesting you need to go all hippie and let your mo grow in au natural, however there are tons of mo merch out there that you can sport that are super cute.  Here are a few:


Demistache have adorable moustache necklaces for sale and $8.00 of every purchase is donated to Movember!


Mo Love
Fuzzy Ink have also partnered up with Movember and will donate $5.00 of every purchase made.  Purchase one of these cute t's to show your support!



Or if you have a booboo, make it feel better with these amazing moustache band aids.  There are four different sizes and styles included in the pack which can be purchased online at Urban Oufitters.


As you can see there are plenty of ways to get in the Movember spirit and show your support!  If you like my ideas please like this on Facebook or Tweet about it with the links below and have yourself a mo-tastic day!

For the life of the party,




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T'is The Season!
Kristina Chau - Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Hi party peeps,

 I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving weekend!  I love this time of year.  The leaves are changing, it’s time to make yummy soups and stews, dress in cozy scarves and boots, and of course, it’s another opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.



Even though we have less than three weeks to go before Halloween, it really is time to start thinking about the biggest holiday season out there!   For corporate companies this means it’s time to start thinking about hosting your own “not your average party” for your employees.  


To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few unique corporate holiday party ideas that are ideal for various group sizes and range in various budgets:



 1. Party Like a Rock Star – Everyone has rented a karaoke machine or gone to a karaoke bar, but have you ever had the chance to rock out like a real star? 
Rock The Stars offers various packages to up the entertainment value at your holiday party.  You can “Play With The Band” where guests sing along a real live band or your can host “Battle of the Airbands” where guests dress up in full gear and battle it out airband style.  These fun interactive games are sure to create a memorable event for you and your staff. 




2. Mix It Up – Cooking classes are very popular interactive activities but they’ve been done before so why not take that idea and put a twist on it.  Take your staff to a venue that puts you behind the bar and create your company’s own signature cocktail.  Venues such as Ame or The Drake Hotel not only serve amazing food, but they also offer personalized mixology classes for small groups. 

Alternatively, if you prefer relaxing and being served at the bar, take your group out to a venue such as Bar Chef on Queen Street and delight your senses by trying one of their molecular cocktails and nosh on some yummy nibbles.



3. Holiday Cheer – Spread the holiday cheer around by selecting a charitable organization that aligns with your company’s community giving objectives and throw a great party that raises funds for them. 
  
Here are some examples of how to do this:

 Inspire staff to auction off their skills or special talents to their colleagues
 Engage your corporate clients in the fundraising, i.e. For every $1000 donation, an employee could dedicate a period of pro-bono work
 Host an online fundraiser using your social media networks


One example of a great not-for-profit organization who would be happy to assist you with putting together such an event is SKETCH.  SKETCH believes that everyone is creative but for many at-risk youths, the resources to be creative and express themselves are very hard to come by.  So, SKETCH provides the space, tools and workshops; in turn the young artists learn skills, become purpose driven and create culture. For further information on how to connect on this amazing opportunity, contact Dale Roy at 416-516-5428 (ex:34) or dale@sketch.ca.

4. An Afternoon to Remember – Perhaps you want an afternoon outing for the team but you still want them to have the VIP treatment.  Host an afternoon to remember by booking out the screening room at one of the newest venues in Toronto – The Thompson Hotel. 

The 41-seat capacity screening room allows you play whatever you film you want (a holiday classic would be perfect) and accompany this with their Champagne Break package which includes such delights as “Truffle Scented Fresh Popcorn, Cracker Jacks”, “Kobe Beef Sliders, Foie Gras, Fig Jam, Caramelized Shallots, Lavender Honey, Truffle Oil” and of course a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

I hope you've enjoyed these "not your average" ideas and please feel free sharing this post on Facebook or Twitter with the links below!  Should you wish to have this party guru help you plan your own company or private event, please fill out this contact form.

For the life of the party,




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Where has the summer gone?
Kristina Chau - Thursday, August 05, 2010
Hey party people!

I'm sooo sorry I've been MIA for so long!  June and July have passed by in a blink of an eye, leaving me no time to blog.  

But, now that I have some breathing space, here's the rundown of what's been going on in the party world and what's been keeping me so busy!



June 6, 2010 - simply divas.  Not Your Average Party was proud to support the 5th annual simply divas at the Berkeley Church.  This simply stellar fundraiser raised over $15,000 in support of Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME)! 





June 19, 2010 - Mitsubishi City Chase.  Not Your Average Party was contracted to be a Course Manager for this urban adventure race.  Teams of two competed by making their way to various Chase Points around the city by foot or on public transit.  It was super fun!



June 30 - July 2, 2010 - TD Victoria International Jazz Festival.  Festival execution is another one of Not Your Average Party's forte so when Armstrong Partnership asked me to head out to Victoria to ensure TD's sponsorship activation was in place, I jumped at the chance!  As you will see - I even got to spend Canada Day here!



July 3 - July 5, 2010 - TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.  The next leg of my west coast trip was to head over to Vancouver to once again be the point contact and oversee TD's sponsorship activation.  Have I mentioned I love my job?!



 July 9-11, 2010 - TD Sunfest.  This festival in Victoria Park in London, Ontario is one of the best cultural festivals I've been too!  I was once again the lead contact for TD's sponsorship activation which included a TD misting station, a Monster Mural for kids to paint, balloon giveaways and free eco-friendly bags from TD Friends of the Environment.  What a great weekend!

 
July 14, 2010 - A Commitment to Toronto - Karen Sun Campaign Fundraiser.  Not Your Average Party was proud to support Karen Sun, City Councillor candidate in Ward 19 for her fundraiser at Meta Gallery (pictured below).  This contemporary art gallery on Ossington Avenue between Dundas and Queen Street was a great space to house this event, as Karen being the recognized community leader she is, is passionate about supporting local businesses.

                    


 Franklin Templeton Investments Outlook and Opportunities Forum.

 As if all the above wasn't enough to keep me busy, during the    months  of June and July I worked alongside the awesome marketing  team at  Franklin Templeton Investments to ensure their annual forum  was a  huge success - and it was!  

 What makes this corporate event unique is it takes place in Roy  Thomson Hall instead of your typical convention centre.  This great  space normally houses musicians and artist of all genres, so it offered a  bright and creative environment for this annual event , giving it a "not  your average" touch!
 
 If you think your emotions are taking over your investment plan, you can see a replay of this special presentation and get investment advice from top Portfolio Managers by visiting BNN.


So there you have it!  Can you understand and forgive me now for not posting?  Anyhow this party guru is now working on an exciting fundraiser for SKETCH, which will be held on October 13 at Polson Pier. I will be posting updates here, on Twitter and on Facebook so keep checking back and enjoy the party.

For the life of the party,



*Note - I had to take out mention of a wedding client due to a pending publication on it in a high profile wedding magazine.  Hopefully it will make it in and you can read all about it there!

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