In 2020, as the world adapted to new ways of connecting and giving, the Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children & Youth (KYUMH) partnered with Mission Story to create a one-of-a-kind online fundraising event. With traditional in-person events off the table, we embraced the challenge to design an engaging, entertaining, and impactful virtual experience—and it was a resounding success!

Through innovative planning, storytelling, and community involvement, the event raised over $28,000 for KYUMH’s mission to provide hope and healing to children and families in need. Here’s how we made it happen.

The Challenge: Going Virtual in a Pandemic

The pandemic in 2020 disrupted traditional fundraising events, leaving nonprofits to rethink their strategies. KYUMH approached Mission Story to ask if we had any ideas on how to fundraise during the pandemic. We came back with a bold idea: to create a livestream event that wasn’t just functional but fun, engaging, and memorable- an old school live fundraising special TV program experience! The goal was to inspire the community to rally around KYUMH’s mission while creating an experience worth tuning in for.

A Recipe for Success: The Livestream Program

The final concept? A dynamic, multi-faceted livestream event that blended entertainment with purpose. Here’s what the program included:

1. Cooking Show & Tips:

Hosted by local culinary talent like Chef Ouita Michel and CJ from J. Alexander’s Restaurant – Lexington, the event featured live cooking demonstrations, delicious recipes, and practical tips for viewers to try at home. This interactive element kept audiences engaged while tying into the theme of comfort and connection.

2. Raffles & Online Auction:

The event offered exciting raffle prizes and a vibrant online auction where supporters could bid on items ranging from gift baskets to exclusive experiences. This helped drive donations while giving participants an active role in the event.

3. Heartfelt Storytelling:

Between the fun and festivities, the livestream highlighted KYUMH’s mission with powerful stories video packages of the children and families they serve. These moments reminded viewers of the impact their generosity would make.

4. Community Participation:

Through live chats and social media, the audience could interact, ask questions, and share their own experiences. This fostered a sense of community and celebration, even from a distance.

Lessons Learned: What Made the Event Work

Here are the key takeaways that made this virtual fundraiser such a success:

1. Creativity Drives Engagement: By combining entertainment (a cooking show) with mission-focused storytelling, the event captured and held viewers’ attention.

2. Make It Interactive: The raffles, auction, and live chats gave participants multiple ways to engage and contribute.

3. Leverage Technology: The livestream format expanded KYUMH’s reach, allowing supporters to join from the comfort of their homes.

4. Storytelling is Key: Sharing personal stories from KYUMH added an emotional connection that inspired generosity.

Looking Ahead: Virtual Events for the Future

This fundraiser proved that virtual events can be just as impactful—and fun—as traditional in-person galas. For nonprofits looking to engage supporters in innovative ways, livestreams offer endless possibilities to combine creativity, storytelling, and connection.

At Mission Story, we’re passionate about helping nonprofits like KYUMH create memorable campaigns that make a difference. If your organization is ready to think outside the box, we’d love to help you craft an event that inspires and delivers results.

Contact us to explore your next virtual or in-person fundraising event!