Gala Shakeups

The Plaza ballroom, before it is reset for its next party. The downturn is forcing gala planners back to the drawing board.

Galas are a part of American culture, and they're not going away in the downturn. But they are changing, which we think is all for the better. The New York Times warns today that difficulty finding honorees threatens "the entire fund-raising ecosystem" -- but we'd like to point out that the article's thesis is only true if organizations can't adapt and come up with new ways to sell tables. To be blunt, a move away from the honoree system feels long overdue.

On the somewhat perkier side of the news, there are signs that nonprofits are becoming more resourceful: The Washington Post reports today on how a number of Washington D.C. galas are cutting costs on decor and food -- without negative consequences. In New York City, this budget-conscious approach is panning out. Out & About reported last month on the success of cost-cutting for the Drawing Center, resulting in higher proceeds than last year. Vendors, by the way, are embracing the budget-cutting if it means keeping business. Great Performances, the catering company responsible for the food at the Plaza, Lincoln Center, and BAM events, to name just a few, published a list, "50 ideas on how to cut costs when planning a not-for-profit event," available at the bottom of this page as a PDF file.

Have you made what you consider risky, fresh, daring decisions on how to organize a gala this season? Did your choices pay off? What do you think the future holds? Please share your thoughts in a comment below.