The Noblesville Schools Education Foundation recently had their second fundraising event with the Harlem Wizards. INAPEF did a question-and-answer with NSEF President Nick Boland about the event:
What made the Harlem Wizards game night appealing to the foundation?
It gave us an event that would be entertaining for people of all ages and from all our schools.
What did the Harlem Wizards provide you to market the game?
Posters, videos (web and CD), and tickets. On game day the players divided up and visited all of our schools during the lunch hour. This created a tremendous enthusiasm for everyone and boosted our ticket sales at the door.
What did you need volunteers to do to make the event happen?
The days before the game mostly involved ticket pre-sales and getting the word out (posters, student communication, media). We set up a table at appropriate events with posters, video, and pre-game ticket sales.
Our game used one or more persons from each school that students would know and be motivated to see play. This was often the principal and one or more well known teachers. We had other organizations or volunteers handling ticket sales at the gate, concessions, parking, hospitality room for volunteers, and Wizard item sales.
Approximately how many people came to the event?
Our student enrollment K-12 is approximately 10,000. Our total ticket sales for parents and students was approximately 2,500.
How did the students get excited about the event?
Everyone who saw the Wizard player during their visit to the school was extremely excited.
Who played/made up your staff team?
Principal and teachers made up our teams. The teachers also formed a cheerleading squad.
Will you continue to do a Harlem Wizards event?
Yes, without question.
For more information, you can contact Shelley Helton with the Harlem Wizards at shelley@harlemwizards.com.
