Friends of Lake Keowee Society Annual Banquet & Fundraiser
The Friends of Lake Keowee Society Annual Banquet, held on December 19, 2024, was a celebration devoted to the preservation and enjoyment of Lake Keowee. The event convened 100 passionate attendees committed to environmental stewardship. The highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address by Ken Roper, Pickens County Administrator, who illuminated ongoing conservation efforts and emphasized the crucial role each individual plays in safeguarding our natural resources.
As we gathered to present the Outstanding Leadership Award, we honored the visionary individuals whose significant contributions have positively impacted our community. The banquet celebrated exemplary leaders whose dedication and innovation have sparked transformative change and uplifted those around them. Attendees were immersed in heartfelt stories and meaningful recognition, fostering connections with fellow advocates for progress.
Guests enjoyed a delectable dinner while participating in an engaging raffle featuring local treasures and experiences. Fueled by collective enthusiasm, we raised over $1,600 to support our cause, a 33.3% increase from last year’s event.
The recent event has proven to be a resounding success, uniting individuals from various backgrounds and fields to engage in meaningful dialogue and exploration. The energy in the room was palpable, fueled by the shared commitment to drive change and innovation.
For more information about the event, check out this article on UpstateToday.com.
Graphic used to promote event on social media.
Graphic used to promote event through email marketing.
Gift Bags
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Gift Bags *
Each guest at the annual event received a gift bag. These bags were custom boat totes filled with a beach towel and stylish hat. Custom mint tins adorn the tables for attendees’ convenience. The organization's brand new logo, a fresh embodiment of its core values and vision, adorned all the items.
In the realm of marketing and branding, gift bags serve as a tangible representation of your story. They're not merely containers for items; they are extensions of your brand narrative. Just as a well-thought-out logo encapsulates your organization’s essence, the design and contents of your gift bags embody the values and themes you want to communicate.
When curating the items for our "day at the lake" theme, we carefully selected colors and textures that embody the serene beauty of Lake Keowee. Soft blues and earthy greens evoke the tranquil waters and lush surroundings, creating a visual narrative that invites the recipient to immerse themselves in nature.
The chosen items include eco-friendly materials, such as biodegradable packaging and sustainably sourced products, to reinforce our dedication to preserving Lake Keowee. The gifts—a boat tote bag, a hat, and a beach towel—serve as the perfect essentials for any day out on the lake. Each item is carefully curated to reflect a blend of functionality and style, ensuring our audience feels both prepared and fashionable.
Name Tags, Sponsors Banner & Program
All guests received personalized name tags. As attendees interacted, the name tags encouraged discussions, acting as both IDs and collaborative spaces.
This banner, prominently displayed during the banquet, showcased our three esteemed sponsors.
The event program designed to showcase the non-profit’s brand new logo highlighted the rich history of the organization, tracing its evolution and milestones that marked significant achievements. A heartfelt thank you was extended to our sponsors, advertisers, corporate, and business partners.
The bios of board members and advisors who played crucial roles in guiding the organization’s mission were also mentioned within the program. Attendees engaged with the detailed event schedule and details about efforts that support the non-profit’s mission, which facilitated connections and learning opportunities.
Summaries showcased the insightful contributions of award recipients, who inspired the audience with their impactful work. The program ended with a call for volunteer positions underscored the ongoing need for community involvement to continue accomplishing our mission.
Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients
During the banquet, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients! Captured in these photos, each leader stands proudly next to FOLKS' president, Dale Wide, holding their custom metal awards—symbols of their unwavering commitment to enhancing our local community. Through innovative initiatives and inspiring dedication, these exceptional individuals have made a significant impact, showcasing the power of grassroots leadership. Their stories of service and partnership continue to motivate others to join in the pursuit of a brighter future for all.
Raffle
During the recent event, guests participated enthusiastically in our raffle, purchasing tickets for a chance to win exciting prizes, including gift cards to popular local businesses, luxurious wine baskets, and stunning metal decorative signs.
To maximize engagement for the raffle, a series of reminder emails were strategically dispatched in the days leading up to the event. These emails not only created anticipation but also emphasized the unique prizes and the charitable purpose of the raffle, ensuring that every recipient felt inclined to participate.
On-site, custom table tents were placed at key locations throughout the venue, capturing the attention of attendees and providing essential information about the raffle. These eye-catching displays featured vibrant graphics and compelling messaging designed to pique interest and encourage ticket purchases. By integrating digital outreach with physical promotions, we created a cohesive strategy that amplified awareness and drove participation, ultimately enhancing the event experience for all involved.
The raffle proved to be a remarkable success, raising over $1,600 to support vital conservation efforts. This was a 33.3% increase from the previous year’s raffle earnings. Thanks to the generous contributions of our community, FOLKS is well-equipped to continue its mission of preserving our natural heritage.
