Photos courtesty of Salem Leadership Foundation Perhaps there is no activity more important to a non-profit than fundraising. Fundraising can make or break an organization and determine whether it can continue its mission in the future. When asked what's most important when choosing a venue for a fundraiser, most event planners tell us that space, flexibility, and value are their top priorities. Many local organizations host their fundraising events at The Salem Convention Center because we offer various space options that will accommodate nearly any size group they need, while saving them money on outside expenses they would otherwise have to budget for. The event pros at the Salem Convention Center have helped many Salem, Oregon non-profits take their fundraising event to a whole new level. We're proud to say that local organizations like Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion & Polk Counties, The Salem Art Association (SAA), Family Building Blocks, Rotary Club of Salem, Catholic Community Services, Oregon Artists Series Foundation, Salem Health Foundation and Liberty House have all benefited from our award-winning services. One of the earliest non-profits to trust us was the Salem Leadership Foundation (SLF), a local organization that serves at-risk kids, families and neighborhoods in the mid-Willamette Valley. SLF brings local faith-based and community organizations together to serve the health and well-being of kids, families and neighborhoods – especially those considered at-risk. Thousands of residents and families in the Salem, Oregon region have benefited from their Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers Programs, as well as programs that support the homeless and those in recovery, church-school partnerships, foster care partnerships, after-school, literacy and mentoring, Community Partnership Teams (CPTs) and neighborhood revitalization programs. Most of SLF's funding comes from donations from individuals, families and small local businesses. Their annual “Fancy Dessert” event, one of their top fundraisers, has grown to be one of the most anticipated story-telling and inspirational events of the year. SLF hosted the “Fancy Dessert” event in various local venues, before moving it here in our early days. We're delighted to say they've come back time and time again. Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, we were unable to accommodate them due to COVID-19, and the organization had to take their annual event virtual, but we look forward to seeing them back when restrictions are lifted. “SLF and a close partner, Family Building Blocks, we decided to be the first two nonprofits to utilize the space for its size and efficiency,” says SLF Executive Director / North Salem Lightning Rod Sam Skillern about the Salem Convention Center. “Some thought this was risky. Why would nonprofits pay for such a nice place? Well, our hunch was vindicated, the venue is invaluable to nonprofits and the community at large.” What makes The Salem Convention Center different from other venues? When you host a fundraiser or any other event here at the Salem Convention Center, you get more than just a beautiful space. You get our signature “all-under-one-roof” approach, so many event planners have come to appreciate and depend on through the years. This means access to our on-site event coordinator, full on-site catering facilities and services, delicious customized menus, tables, chairs, centerpieces, linens, a professional banquet staff to set up and tear down the room, large dance floors, entertainment staging, complete audio-visual services and more. Your donors may also appreciate additional perks like our decor and museum-quality throughout the facility, convenient downtown location, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, complimentary on-site covered parking and overnight lodging options at the adjoining Grand Hotel in Salem, just to name a few. We even have hassle-free hybrid event packages that are perfect solutions for organizations who want to resume in-person activity, but gradually ease back into “normal”. In conclusion, leave it to The Salem Convention Center to make your fundraising event a resounding success. Whatever your needs are, we have a dedicated staff, unmatched amenities, and a range of options to host the perfect event-small or large. Ready to get started? We are now booking events through 2022! Start now by completing our Request for Proposal form or calling us at 1-866-614-1900. You can also email us for more information.
