There are a lot of things to consider when planning an event.
First, you need a venue. And a caterer. Also, awards – are we doing that? Will there be a bar? Do we need centerpieces? How many people will attend? Where will they park?
It's a headache-inducing process, which is why local electronic waste recycler Tech Dump decided to go a very different route with their first fundraiser gala.
"We frequently joke that we are introverts and would rather stay home from stuff like this," Tech Dump CEO Amanda LaGrange told Minne Inno. "But what if that was actually a thing? It was fun to think about how we could disrupt the traditional event structure."
Next week, the company will host Thank You for Not Coming, an event that organizers hope will bring in cash for Tech Dump's mission while reducing waste commonly associated with fundraising events.
There's no dressing up, no cheesy swag bags and no live auction. When the event starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12, "attendees" will receive a link via email to a private video. The virtual event will be hosted by local comedian Tane Danger, and consist of some of the traditional gala fare: flashy tables, centerpieces, interviews with organization leaders and more. But of course, no one will be in the audience.
It's a very different approach to fundraising, but so far, Tech Dump's non-event seems to be resonating with the community. The organization has secured a half-dozen sponsors and raised $7,000.
"For an event that no one has to come to, we're pretty proud of that number," LaGrange said. "And we think there are even more people out there that are going to step it up."
She added that Tech Dump hopes to raise $15,000 in total from the event. Tickets cost $40 to $400 and 100% of the profits will benefit Tech Dump.
Tech Dump recycles unwanted electronics from individuals and local businesses. It also provides jobs and training to people with barriers to employment, such as incarceration or substance abuse. The social enterprise also runs Tech Discounts, a store that sells refurbished electronics. Since it was founded in 2011, Tech Dump has recycled more than 25 million tons of electronic waste.
Within the last year, the company more than doubled in size with an expansion to its St. Paul facility. It also made its first acquisition, scooping up Scrubb.IT, a mail-in electronics recycling program.
Over the next four years, LaGrange said that Tech Dump hopes to double its size once more. But in order to do so, it needs more funding, more electronics and more employees.
"So many times I've heard that to break even on an event like this in the first year is a success," LaGrange said. "I thought 'We can do this differently.' It's a bit of a social experiment. We're inviting people to prove out this concept while embracing minimalism and downtime."
