Coronavirus Florida: Virtual parties to replace traditional charity galas? - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) in Sarasota is throwing a virtual party on April 3 in lieu of its originally planned "physical" 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration Gala because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Sarasota-Manatee has always been teeming with glamorous, festive social events to raise funds for important charities. Soirees filled with folks in elegant evening wear sipping champagne and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres, or five-course luxury meals, are an important part of the local economy.

Now, though, with the coronavirus disaster grinding such events to to a halt, everything has changed including the way we raise funds . Now, it seems impossible, or at least unwise and irresponsible, to throw a party during the COVID-19 pandemic, during this time when social distancing is paramount.

At least one Sarasota organization has already gotten creative about how to raise funds and host a fun event.

SPARCC virtual party April 3

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is throwing a virtual party on April 3 in lieu of its originally planned 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration Gala at the Westin Sarasota. The virtual event will feature an online auction and livestream interaction on Facebook and Instagram, with no admission fee. So, yes, now everyone can attend.

The online auction will be open for bidding starting at 10. a.m. on April 3, with the livestream interaction taking place from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the time the original gala would have taken place.

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Guests to the virtual gala are encouraged to socialize with each other in a “chat room” environment and participate in the auction through mobile phone or computer, which aims to “provide a robust interaction equal to or above that of an in-person event.”

“This is our first time attempting to host a totally-virtual fundraising event and we are excited about the possibilities,” said SPARCC President & CEO Jessica Hays in a statement. “Together we are building a stronger community, and we are hopeful that many will join us for this fun, yet safe and responsible, virtual social-gathering to help support our 24-hour services.”

All of the exclusive auction packages have been donated by SPARCC supporters. Viewers’ presence, support and participation will raise critical funding to help SPARCC provide life-saving, free and confidential programs and services, 24-hours a day, for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children.

Interested?

The link to the auction and instructions will be updated on sparcc.net/events. Follow SPARCC Facebook and Instagram @SPARCC_Sarasota for more updated information.

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