Hospital Foundation Raised $20,000 with a Single Event
In a mountain town with a close-knit community, the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District Foundation turned a holiday tradition into a powerful fundraising event. In just its second year, the Foundation’s Tree of Lights raised $20,000, doubling attendance and delivering both emotional connection and real financial impact.
Challenge
Raising major support for hospital needs with a small fundraising team
Located in a rural area, Bear Valley Community Healthcare District Foundation operates with a small staff and relies heavily on board leadership and volunteers. Foundation President Holly E. and Board Director Kay G. had a big goal: to grow their annual Tree of Lights ceremony into a signature community event that could raise meaningful support for hospital services.
Solution
Community-centered outreach powered by DonorPerfect
With help from DonorPerfect’s donor management and communication tools, the Foundation turned a touching local tradition into an efficient fundraising engine.
The team sent nearly 600 invites and coordinated outreach to major donors, community members, and local media. Their efforts led to press coverage, in-kind sponsorships, and strong early donations, including a $5,000 gift that jump-started the campaign.
When we did not have DonorPerfect, one or two people could not have pulled off this event. DonorPerfect made it so easy to reach our donors and prospective donors.
– Holly E., Foundation President
Event highlights and results
- Attendance doubled over the previous year
- $20,000 raised, with most expenses covered by sponsors
- Gifts in honor or memory were celebrated in a heartfelt tree-lighting ceremony
- Donors received both tax letters and personal thank-you notes, supported by DonorPerfect’s receipting features
The local community also rallied in unique ways, from cherry pickers to light the tree to a donated van for the hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility. The event not only raised funds but also created lasting emotional connections.
Transparency builds donor loyalty
The team made it a point to tell donors exactly where their money went. Once sponsor support covered major costs, all remaining proceeds went directly to the hospital.
That transparency, paired with the emotional connection of the event, helped turn first-time givers into long-term supporters.
Takeaway tips for nonprofits
Bear Valley Hospital District Foundation’s success offers practical inspiration for any nonprofit:
- Add a personal touch – Allow donors to honor loved ones in meaningful ways
- Use your CRM to scale outreach – Let your data and fundraising system help you reach more supporters
- Let others help – Local partnerships reduce costs and build community buy-in
- Say thank you – Send handwritten notes and tax receipts
- Show impact clearly – Donors love knowing what their gift made possible
We’re really proud of how this event has grown. It’s become something the community looks forward to, not just for the cause but for the connection.
– Holly E., Foundation President
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Related resources
Practivated Fundraising Conversation Practice
Major Gifts with Meaning Building Trust Through Human-Centered Fundraising
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