For the Love of Event Ideas

Love is in the air and there is nothing we love more than helping our volunteers plan and execute successful fundraising events. We understand, though, that it can be hard sometimes to come up with event ideas! So we've compiled a list of some event ideas we have found successful, just to get the ball rolling.

A Benefit Concert

Holding a benefit concert in your area is a great way to get a large crowd out to support you. This type of event is mutually beneficial for the cause and the band involved. You get a larger audience of people who like the band but do not know about HD, and the band gets a larger audience of people who want to the support the HD fundraiser but do not know the band. Adding a silent auction or a dinner will also increase your attendance even more. In no time you will be rocking your way to a successful fundraiser.

Seasonal Activities

Whether it is celebrating the return of spring, the warm days of summer, the colours of fall or the first winter snowfall, seasonal activities are events that everyone can relate to! Plan a gardening fundraiser in the spring, an outdoor funfair in the summer, a craft show in the fall or a sledding event in the winter. Whichever season you pick, the event should celebrate the weather in some way and you should offer seasonal goodies for attendees to enjoy. Everyone can get on board with celebrating the seasons, and you can raise money for HD in the process.

Information Session

Invite a guest speaker from your community to talk about HD-relevant topics and hold an information session. Individuals who are affected by HD will attend to learn about new research, best care practices and new therapies, while people from outside the HD community will have an opportunity to learn more about what HD is. Offer snacks, a question and answer period and charge an admission fee to raise funds.

May Awareness

All of May is HD Awareness Month. Most notably, this is the month that we try to #LightItUp4HD each and every day. The Light It Up campaign's purpose is to have monuments all over the world light up either purple or blue to raise awareness for Huntington disease and Juvenile Huntington disease. Communities also organize flag raisings and other awareness events. You can always plan your own May event and include a fundraising portion such as a BBQ, street fair, walk, etc. to raise funds as well as awareness.

Event ideas can range from silly to serious, small to large and easy to difficult, but there are several of them out there. This is only a short list of potential ideas that have proven successful in the past. If you would like to create one of these events or for more event ideas, contact events@huntingtonsociety.ca.

Tip Tuesday: Create a Facebook Event

Social media has become one of the best methods for event promotion in today's digital world. People are constantly checking their social networks, sharing information with their friends and looking for new, interesting content. When someone sees an event page on Facebook, they can reserve their attendance as "interested" or "going" and share the event with their friends. Wouldn't it be exciting for it to be your event that they are sharing? Here are 5 simple steps to creating your own Facebook event.

Step 1:
Go to your main home page on Facebook by signing in using your log in information. On the left hand side of your home page, you will see a menu with various options. Under the explore section, click on "events".

On the new screen, click "create event".

Here, you will be able to choose whether you would like your event private or public. For the purpose of getting people to share and talk about your event, you would want to choose "public".

Step 2:
In the new pop up screen that appears, you still have the opportunity to change the event from public to private if you change your mind. Where it says "event host", ensure that this is the Chapter Facebook Page if you have one. Otherwise you may leave it as yourself as the organizer. In this new pop up screen you will also need to input basic event details. Choose an event photo to represent the event, add a name to the event, include the location, start and end time and event details. The description of the event is one of the most important parts to possible attendees. This is how they decide if they want to attend that event. Choose up to three keywords that describe your event so that Facebook can recommend the event to people interested in those keywords. Next, decide who can edit or post in your event. Depending on the event, it may be wise to make a host approve the posts from others.

Step 3:
Create your event! If you do not want to post it yet because you are waiting for certain details or want someone to proofread it, you can save the event as a draft. If you would prefer your event to be created at a later date because maybe it is a Saturday that you are filling this out, but you do not want the event to go live until Monday, you can schedule the event creation for a future date and time.

Step 4:
Edit your event page. When you choose "create" it will automatically take you to your new event page. From this page you can write a post, add a photo/video or create a poll for event followers to see.

You can also edit your page, share the event page with your friends or boost the event. Boosting the event means creating a Facebook advertisement and this costs money.

This page will also show you the interest and tentative attendance for your event.

Facebook will also give you some event tips to better promote your event.

Step 5:
Enjoy your new hub for all things related to your event. Encourage people to share the event on their own accounts so the page reaches even more possible attendees. Make sure you monitor this page and answer any questions people may have.

In the world of technology, it is increasingly more easy to reach large audiences with event information. By creating an event page, you are creating a space where people can refer to for more information, questions and the option to share the event with their friends.

If you have more questions about creating a Facebook Event Page contact events@huntingtonsociety.ca.

Rocking for a Cure

The crowds are piling in and the building is full of anticipation. The lights start to dim and suddenly and there is a spotlight on stage. As the first chords of the opening act's song echo through the venue, the crowd goes wild.

Everyone is excited, everyone is having fun and everyone is united in finding a cure for Huntington disease (HD).

Does it sound too good to be true? Well it could be true by hosting a concert to benefit HD in your area, just as the London Chapter did in 2016 and as the Niagara Chapter is planning for this February.

Almost a year after their first official tour, "Let's Boogie for HD", Eli and the Straw Man continue to partner with Huntington Society Chapters to participate in benefit concerts for the cause. Trumpeter, percussionist and singer for the indie roots rock band, Tam Maiuri, is eager to continue this collaboration with chapters. "These concerts are mutually beneficial in that we reach an audience that may not otherwise hear our music, while creating awareness about HD among music fans that wouldn't otherwise know about the disease," says Maiuri. Maiuri's grandfather passed away with HD and now her mother is also showing symptoms, so the cause is close to her heart.

Eli and the Straw Man performed at their first chapter concert in London, Ontario in October of 2016.

Hosting a concert may sound like a large, overwhelming event to produce, but it is easier than you think. The planning of a concert event can easily be broken into smaller steps, and the band often helps with logistics. By following these basic steps, you will be on your way to rocking for a cure in no time:

1) Make contact with the band. Eli and the Straw Man can be reached through email (eliandthestrawman@gmail.com) or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/eliandthestrawman).

2) Work with the band to set an event date that works for your chapter, the band and the venue of your choice.

3) Contact the National Office at events@huntingtonsociety.ca  with event details so they can create tickets, posters, media advisories, e-blasts and more for the event.

4) Promote the event using social media, word of mouth and print materials. The band can help by promoting the event through their own outlets as well.

5) Sell tickets for the event, keep track of expenses and communicate your selling progress with the National Office regularly for selling tips and strategies.

6) Arrange with your venue what time you are able to set up on the concert day. On event day, prepare the venue, communicate with the band and ensure volunteers have all necessary resources.

7) HAVE FUN.

Rob Martin, organizer of the Niagara concert, recommends chapters who are considering planning a benefit concert to also plan early and include a silent auction component. "Two months was not a long time for us to plan an event. A lot of donors have a six month time frame before they even consider giving a donation," says Martin. Although the chapter did receive a lot of positive response for silent auction items for the show despite their tight timeline, they intend to utilize a longer preparation time if this becomes a yearly event.

See for yourself how easy and fun it is to plan an event filled with music, prizes and awareness by contacting events@huntingtonsociety.ca for more information or to start planning!

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Do you like music? Do you want to raise funds and awareness for HD? Are you in the Niagara area? Come out to Seneca Queen Theatre on Saturday, February 11 for the Eli and the Straw Man Concert and Silent Auction to Benefit HD with special guest Whitney Pea. Doors open at 7 p.m. and all proceeds will go directly to the Huntington Society of Canada to support families in Canada impacted by HD and Juvenile HD. Find more information here and follow this link to purchase tickets!

Home for the Holidays in Pincher Creek

After hearing the news of a new national initiative called the “Holiday Hustle for HD” long-time volunteer and friend of the Society Bev Everts started thinking about how she could bring the Holiday Hustle spirit to her community of Pincher Creek, Alberta. Bev alongside friends and family got to work planning a community walk and social called “Home for the Holidays Hustle” to happen on Boxing Day.

On December 26^th, over 75 people gathered in small town Pincher Creek to walk and snowshoe in support of long-time friend Cas Main Freeman. Cas has been living with HD for over 20 years, many in the community have been inspired by her and have learned so much about Huntington disease.

Singing happily, “We will walk with each other, we will walk, we believe.” everyone walked through the windy, snowy cold conditions. Event organizer Bev Everts said “A world free from HD looks like our winter windy, often weary, Pincher Creek. The road ahead may be hard to see, but it is in the power of togetherness and community that we remain ever hopeful. We see glimpses of what spirited people coming together can do when they believe. With a song in our hearts and hustle in our steps, there will be a world free from HD — we believe!”

The Pincher Creek “Home for the Holidays Hustle” raised over $5000.00 to help fund research and provide support services for those affected by HD. Pincher Creek is a great example of how your community can participate in the “Holiday Hustle for HD”. A big thank you goes out to Bev Everts and the community of Pincher Creek. Your spirit has left a warm feeling in our hearts this holiday season. 

Behind the Paul Paone Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament

From a young age, it was clear that basketball was Paul Paone’s favourite sport.  It was his favourite to watch and play. He was a member of the Westlane Secondary School basketball team, where he was a student from 1991 - 1996. In April 2005, at the young age of 27, Paul was diagnosed with Huntington disease (HD). Although the diagnosis meant things were about to change drastically for Paul and his family, he never lost his love of basketball.  

In 2009, members of the Niagara Falls Chapter were inspired by a story about another young man who had held a basketball fundraiser with great success.  The Chapter decided to host their own tournament, and given Paul’s love of basketball, it was the perfect fit. The tournament is at A. N. Meyer Secondary School each year, where students from across the Niagara Falls region fundraise to compete in the tournament.

“It’s a really important education opportunity,” said Judy Harding, Paul’s mother. “So few people know what Huntington disease is, let alone its effects. At the end of the tournament, if that group of young people have a better understanding of HD, then the event was a success.”

Paul shared his mother’s sentiments. He looked forward to attending the tournament every year, not only for the games, but for the opportunity to educate young people, who have little or no understanding of the disease.

Paul sadly passed away in 2015 from Huntington disease. This year’s tournament is in memory of Paul, his journey with HD and his love for basketball. If you would like to support the event, we invite you to make a donation in Paul’s name at www.huntingtonsociety.ca/yes-i-want-to-donate.

A group shot of the competitors with Paul at the 2014 Tournament

Paul with some friends at the 2014 Tournament

Jitter Bug: How Huntington disease and tattoos collided

Hedley Cullen’s (AKA Jitter Bug) regular visits to Incendiary Tattoos inspired a creative new fundraising idea! Hedley’s Tats for a Cure event started in 2014 with support from this tattoo shop and raised $2500. This year at Tats 2.0, they doubled their revenue, gave out 91 tattoos and served over 100 people at their BBQ.

Hedley served for 26 years in the Canadian Navy and retired due to his symptoms of Huntington disease (HD).  Upon his retirement, Hedley searched for a new community to be involved in and found Incendiary Tattoos where friendships were quickly formed. In past years, the shop artists have purchased awareness decals that Hedley was selling in support of Huntington disease. This sparked their support for the Huntington Society of Canada and their friend Hedley, who they affectionately refer to as “Jitter Bug”.

The owner Jim suggested holding an event at their shop and they connected with the South Vancouver Island Chapter to get involved. At this event, individuals donated $40-$60 and received a HD themed tattoo, whether it was the amaryllis flower, the HSC logo or new this year, the semi-colon. Patrons also enjoyed a BBQ that day!

Hedley shared his excitement about arriving for set-up that day to a line of people outside the shop, followed by another highlight: All of Hedley’s friends at the shop getting Jitter Bug tattoos in his honour. We are all so grateful for the friends at Incendiary Tattoos, who donated their space, time and talents for this event.

Hedley’s positive attitude and friendliness has inspired the shop to commit to a yearly Tats fundraiser! Tats 3.0 is being held May 13^th 2017, and the community is already excited!

To learn more about Tats 3.0 click here!

To see photos from this year’s event, click here!

Do you have a new and exciting event idea, tell us about it here! 

Our Heroes: The Exeter Hike

The theme of the Hero run/walk was introduced to the HD community this year by the staff in Chapter Development. This was promoted as a way to show our appreciation to those affected by HD and their strength while also being a fun family event through which we could reach people from the general community and grow the event. People are encouraged to dress up as heroes (whatever or whomever that may be to them) to come to the event. The first Hero themed run took place on June 4 and it was a HUGE success!

The Exeter Hike has been Exeter’s annual run/walk for 10 years and has been a staple in the HD community. Generously supported and organized by the Knights of Columbus, the Exeter Hike has historically brought in an average of $12,000 a year for the HD community. This year, due to promotion on social media and the new Hero theme, the Hike brought in a whopping $31,000!

Lindsay Groot, a key event volunteer, was a huge part of growing the Hike this year, getting sponsorships and setting up activities like the scavenger hunt, face painting, the bouncy castle, prize table, and HD swag sales while the BBQ and registration were still run by Knights of Columbus. These kids’ activities were added to create an opportunity to grow the event by bringing in families, both inside and outside those affected by HD. “I feel like people are getting ‘support fatigue’,” Lindsay shared, “I really pushed it being a family fun day”. Local heroes such as police and EMS, specifically fire and ambulance also came out to the event. Police even allowed kids and others to climb into and check out the vehicles

Lindsay created a real system for attracting sponsors by mapping the streets of Exeter and dividing into sections for volunteers to easily tackle while on a lunch break, after work, or on the weekends. Lindsay and her volunteers went through the Heroes sponsorship package that was put together by Lindsay and the staff in Chapter Development, and discussed how to “sell” it. They used their connections with businesses and tried to give ideas and options for the kinds of things the specific business could give if they did not wish to give cash. This led to over 35 prize sponsors, as well as around $3,500 in cash sponsorships.

Every time a sponsorship was received, the company logo would go up on the event Facebook page, and in return, the companies posted the event poster on their page. This was a great way to spread the word! “Facebook was key,” Lindsay shared, “lots of friends and family shared it, which brought out people from about 2 hours away!” Newspaper articles as well as radio broadcasts were also used to get the word out.

When speaking about the Hike and her wishes for it to grow, Lindsay commented, “My dream of the hike is that it will continue to be a family fun day where your endorphins are elevated from the moment you arrive until the time you get home! That there will be so many fun memories created people can't help but come back annually. I hope the following years will bring out more and more people who either want to support the HD cause or are looking for a fun day. Either way, it will lead to support, donations and awareness!”

Through the efforts of Lindsay and her fellow volunteers in putting together the success of the Huntington Heroes Hike in Exeter, they became heroes in the HD community. Thank you to all who were involved.