As a company, and as the individuals involved, Track Seven Events is dedicated to community involvement and supporting important causes. This post’s “Charity Spotlight” is on Foundation For Mitochondrial Medicine (FFM), and in a few days we will be a part of their Hope Flies Catch the Cure Event.
FFM is an Atlanta-based organization that supports research and treatment efforts for mitochondrial disease. Mitochondrial disease is a group of disorders that are caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, which is the part of most human cells responsible for powering cell function. Because each person’s DNA and genomes vary, and depending on which cells are affected, mitochondrial disease looks different person-to-person. Symptoms can include almost anything from poor growth and muscle weakness to developmental delays and neurological issues. The causes of mitochondrial disease also vary, as some disorders are the result of genetic mutations while others can be caused by environmental factors. One person in every 2,500 is affected by mitochondrial disease. FFM was founded in 2005 (with a name change in 2010) by parents of patients as well as medical experts. Its efforts provide financial support to treatment-based research for disorders associated with mitochondrial disease, focusing on Institutional Review Board and FDA-approved drug treatments and studies. Through its Hope Flies fundraising program, FFM’s message is to celebrate hope while raising funds and awareness through creative and inspiring events. These events occur, and are encouraged, for organizers across the country, and include athletic programs such as 5 and 10Ks, as well as Family Days at professional sporting events. Many of the functions honor patients, many of them children, suffering from mitochondrial disease, aiming to lift their spirits and celebrate milestones. A quick general side note for event professionals about participating in charity events like these: When it’s possible, plan these events pro bono. Where the costs just aren’t feasible, we always at least donate fifty percent of our services to the organization. It’s a small way to give back to those organizations working to give it all. Additionally, encouraging your corporate clients to also partner up with non-profit organizations is a good way to promote a deeper sense of community in your area and field, creating a network of support that benefits everyone. For a list of Atlanta non-profits that you may like to get involved in, the Georgia Center for Nonprofits’ membership directory is a good place to start. The upcoming Hope Flies Catch the Cure event will include dinner, cocktails, and dancing, as well as a live auction and raffle. Details and tickets for the upcoming FMM event can be found on their website.
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Happy hours are supposed to live up to their name, right? The aim is to provide guests with hours of happiness. Originally, happy hours were a way for bars and restaurants to attract the after-work crowd with slashed prices and deals on drinks or food. Now these timeframes, and the relaxed mood they create, have evolved into a staple for corporate events as well.
Young companies, especially in the tech field, may employ individuals in-house to organize events that include monthly, or bi-weekly, mixers for employees. When Hulu was in its infancy (and thereafter), it hosted ‘wind-downs’ every other Friday, where CEOs and interns alike were able to interact and share stories, as well as ideas. This type of environment shaped what the company is today. More traditional corporations, as well as smaller companies without such resources, can take a cue from these companies and follow suit, or as it is, follow the non-suit crowd. Company happy hours help increase employee moral and promote an open corporate culture by providing a time and place for socialization away from desks. So how do you get people excited about hanging out with co-workers after the workday is over? Well, the simple answer is: free drinks. But there are plenty of things you can add to distinguish your company’s event to make those hours the happiest. Collaborating with local bars to hold a trivia night with specials for employees is one way to get people involved. Or even just forming a ‘sponsored’ team to join a league together. If you have the space, you can also have your own gathering at a company building. If you decide to host this type of event ‘in house’ - there are a few essential elements to take note of. First and foremost, make sure you account properly for the amount, as well as the variety, of drinks for everyone – it’s not likely employees will be participate in future gatherings if they show up to an event that ends prematurely due to lack of libations. On the other side of things, make sure to encourage employees to not only drink responsibly, but to travel that way too. Providing Uber vouchers or MARTA passes may be a great way to ensure people get home safe. The most important thing to remember when organizing, or hosting, a corporate happy hour is that it’s intended to give employees a break. The main objective is to have fun and relax. So however that’s achieved doesn’t exactly matter. Be creative, or be traditional, because in the end – the happy hour happiness is in the eye of the drink-holder. |
Behind-the-Scenes with an Event OrganizerAuthorTrack 7 Events Archives
September 2016
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