The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization that strives to see more healthy babies by funding the research of birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. On Nov. 10, the March of Dimes held a Signature Chefs Auction at Monona Terrace in Madison, WI to help raise money for these causes.
Jodi Goldbeck, a Fundamentals of Green Meetings instructor at Madison Area Technical College got her students involved in the Signature Chefs Auction event by contributing volunteer hours, offering sustainability ideas that were implemented in the actual event, and providing a hands-on experience as to how much work goes into planning an event. Goldbeck stated that once and her and her students found out what the March of Dimes cause is, they were even more excited to assist with the event.
The students of the Green Meetings class were involved with the Signature Chefs Auction event from the beginning stages of the planning process. Jennifer Stelse, March of Dimes division director, contacted Goldbeck regarding volunteer opportunities. Although Goldbeck’s students were involved with volunteering on the day of, their involvement was much more substantial than solely volunteering.
Early on, two March of Dimes representatives spoke to the class about their mission, goals, and what would happen at the actual event. Then, students attended a logistical meeting where their input was valued. For the actual event, their duties included volunteering with the setting up, registration, overseeing the silent auction, assisting with the live auction and food stations, and cleaning up afterwards.
“The class was happy to help out the day of the event,” Goldbeck said, “but what we helped do at the logistics meeting was provide information about how the event itself could be more environmentally friendly, which is the goal of this particular class. In the end, they were able to give some really great ideas, which were utilized.”
One of the ideas provided by a Green Meetings student was to use sponsored canvas bags instead of plastic bags for attendees to receive their silent auction items in. Plastic bags are harmful to the environment, and this particular student recognized that, spoke up, and her idea was utilized.
This event included chef stations where guests were able to sample cuisine from local chefs. It also included entertainment, such as a local singer/guitarist and formal dance routines. During the live auction, attendees were able to place bids for a chance to learn the dance routines at a later date. A silent auction with donated items also took place, with items such as spa packages and makeup assortments.
“It really was a hands-on experience for the students,” Goldbeck said. “You’re not able to experience that in a classroom. …I think that’s what’s most valuable for our students. We accomplished that.”
The goal of the Signature Chefs Auction event was to raise $95,000 to $100,000. They exceeded that figure by coming out with $103,000. Goldbeck confirmed that a substantial percentage of the money raised by the March of Dimes actually goes towards research and the programs that they serve, not administrative costs.
Participating companies for the Signature Chefs Auction could purchase tables for $1,500. Individuals were also able to purchase tickets for $150. Some of the companies in attendance included local magazine representatives, and hospital employees. Sponsorship opportunities besides table sponsorships were also available, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
Goldbeck feels that this was a good experience for students, because it provided them with more than what can be taught in a classroom.
“This was a really good way to get students involved in hands-on activities and see how it all comes together,” Goldbeck said. “I don’t think you can get that from sitting in a classroom. I think that really getting involved in this type of a way is important so that they understand that it’s a lot harder work, but it’s rewarding work too. That was the main goal of getting students involved.”