Following the 7 easy steps below to ensure that your event will run smoothly and generate the most amount of revenue for the Ekuus Foundation.

Step 1: Form a Working Group or Host Committee

You don't have to do it alone! Some of the most successful events include a group of people who represent a wide range of ideas and expertise. Reach out to your friends, family and community members that might be interested in helping you celebrate by raising awareness and generating dollars to Ekuus to fight against sexual assaultand its consequences.

Once you have formed a working group, call a meeting to formulate an event-planning checklist, assign roles and delegate responsibilities. Regroup periodically to ensure

Step 2: Choose a Location

Keep it simple! Fancy and elaborate does not equate a greater generating capacity. The easiest place to have your event might be the best place including,

• Your house or apartment or a friend or family member's place
• A local community center or church
• A coffee chop, bowling alley, or club
• Any place that is fun, convenient and free!

Keep in mind the nature of your event, the ages/interests of your guests, and your budget when choosing a location.

Step 3: Pick a Date

Choose a date that works for you, your chosen location, and the majority of the people you are planning to invite.

Step 4: Create your Invitations and Develop an Invitation List

This is your opportunity to be truly creative! The design is all your own, from an evite to a hand crafted invitation, but be sure to include all the pertinent information in the context, including:

• Date
• Start/End Time
• Location
• Description of event/theme and activities
• Cost (if applicable)
• Working Group Members and Contact Information
• Brief summary of Ekuus and language indicating that your event is to benefit the Ekuus Foundation
• RSVP deadline and contact information (if applicable)

Utilize the network of your working group to devise a list of people who may be interested in helping raising money to open a therapy center for young sexual abused victims. Intend on inviting twice as many people as you expect to attend, as some will likely not be able to make it.

Step 5: Generating Donations and Dollars

In thinking about the best way to raise money at your event, be sure to consider the people that you are inviting as well as the type of event you are having and associated costs. Here are a couple of things to consider:

• Would most of your guests be able to make a contribution at the door?
• Are you providing food or an activity that has a cash value (bowling, etc)?

Provide several opportunities for people to give via a cover charge, raffle, personal ask, donation form, silent auction...

Step 6: Final Event Check List

Throughout the event planning process you've been adding to and crossing out "to do's" on your list and now is the time to verify that all necessary tasks have been completed. Send an event reminder to all potential attendees

Step 7: Post Event Follow Up

Congratulations! Your event was a tremendous success, but there are a few things that still need to be completed, including sending "thank yous" to your working group, attendees, venue, etc. and accurately organizing funds to be donated to the Ekuus Foundation. Please do not send cash rather write a check or send a money order. In addition, send a complete list of all attendees and their contact information so the Ekuus Foundation can send thanks for their contribution and taxe credit receipt.