Starfish Initiative is celebrating 20 years! To mark this momentous occasion, we aim to raise $20,000 through a series of unique house parties—celebration bashes in honor of our scholars and mentors! We invite YOU to be a host and celebrate education equity and the ongoing fight for college and career success for academically motivated students from vulnerable populations in Indianapolis.
This celebration isn’t just about high-fives and helium balloons. It’s about honoring academic achievement, personal growth, and the ability of every student to reach their full potential through mentorship and support.
How You Can Make a Difference:
Host a Celebration Bash: Open your doors and gather your loved ones for a themed party. We’ll provide you with a Starfish Initiative party planning toolkit to help.
Choose a Monthly Recurring Gift Option, and Ask Your Guests to Do the Same: Encourage a lasting impact by opting for a monthly recurring gift—or, as we’re calling it, The Starfish Initiative Impact Club! This sustained support will help scholars.
Spread the Word: Invite friends, family, and anyone who shares your passion for education equity and mentorship to attend your bash or host their own—sharing why you support Starfish Initiative.
Your contribution through this campaign becomes more than just a donation; it becomes a powerful statement of support. By choosing a recurring gift, you ensure that Starfish Initiative can continue our work to pair college-educated mentors with high school students from vulnerable populations—which sees a 100% high school graduate rate!
Your contribution, big or small, will directly support:
Mentoring programs that empower students to achieve their academic goals
College readiness initiatives that prepare students for higher education
Career exploration programs that expose students to diverse professional opportunities
Character development activities that foster personal growth and leadership skills
Now more than ever, it’s important to stand together and support our youth in the face of educational challenges. Your support sends a powerful message of solidarity and ensures no motivated student is left behind in our community!
Host Toolkit
Use these resources to help you plan a fundraising party to celebrate 20 years of Starfish Initiative!
Looking for something else to help get the party started? Drop us a line.
Use these graphics to help promote your upcoming celebration!
Under the Sea:
- Decor: Nautical-themed decorations, seashells, starfish
- Food: Seafood-inspired dishes, ocean-themed cocktails
- Entertainment: Live music with a beach vibe, marine-themed performances
Decades of Impact:
- Decor: Retro-themed decorations, music posters, vintage photos
- Food: Food from different decades, nostalgic treats
- Entertainment: Music from each decade, costume contest
Starfish Scholar Showcase:
- Decor: Academic-themed decorations, diplomas, awards
- Food: Student-inspired dishes, academic-themed cocktails
- Entertainment: Presentations by Starfish scholars, academic trivia
Welcome and Introductions (10 minutes)
- Welcome from the host (board member or Starfish Initiative representative)
- Brief overview of Starfish Initiative’s mission and history
- Introduction of special guests (e.g., Starfish scholars, donors)
Optional Scholar Testimonials (10 minutes)
- Personal stories from current and former Starfish scholars
- Discuss how Starfish has helped them achieve their dreams
Fundraising Appeal (10 minutes)
- Emphasize the importance of raising $20,000 for Starfish Initiative’s ongoing programs—encourage recurring monthly gifts
- Highlight the impact of Starfish Initiative on its scholars and the community
- Spotlight specific initiatives that will benefit from the funds
Networking (90 minutes)
- Guests mingle and connect
Closing Remarks (5 minutes)
- Thank guests for their support
- Encourage guests to continue supporting Starfish Initiative
Personalize Your Appeal
- Share your own personal connection to Starfish Initiative. This will make your appeal more relatable and impactful.
- Highlight specific stories of scholars who have benefited from the organization’s programs.
Leverage Your Network
- Invite influential individuals in your community who are likely to support the cause.
- Connect with other hosts to coordinate efforts and maximize outreach.
Create a Memorable Experience
- Decorate your home with Starfish Initiative-themed decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
- Connect with local businesses to secure sponsorships or donations for the party.
Educate Your Guests
- Provide informative materials about Starfish Initiative’s mission, programs, and impact.
- Highlight the importance of recurring monthly donations to ensure long-term sustainability.
Emphasize the Impact
- Share compelling stories about Starfish Initiative scholars and their successes.
- Highlight the specific impact of donations on the organization’s programs and services.
Facilitate Giving
- Provide multiple payment options to make it easy for guests to donate, such as a dedicated donation station staffed by volunteers to assist guests.
- Consider offering matching gifts from generous donors to double the impact of contributions.
