2018 in Review: A Special Message from Darren Port

Happy holidays, everybody! I hope that you’ve had a positive and productive 2018 and are preparing to have a joyous and prosperous 2019. As we close the year here at Powered by Professionals, I wanted to take a moment to share what we’ve achieved this year in our non-profit fundraising and event management efforts:   ●       Closing-in on two decades:  We celebrated our 17th year in non-profit fundraising and event management, and we’re proud to see that 20-year milestone on the horizon. ●       Staff promotions and additions:   I am very excited to announce the promotion of long-time employee  Allison Geisinger  to Director of Development & Events.   We've added three fantastic new members to our team:  Scott Hickling ,  Amy M. Ferrone   and  David M. Smith . Combined, they bring more than 20 years of marketing, fundraising and events experience to PBP.    ●       Record-setting performance:  I’m supremely proud to say that we produced more events in 2018  than we have in any prior year.

2018 Event Highlights

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

PBP was thrilled to partner with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on their Light The Night Walks in New Jersey this past fall. The Light The Night Walks are enthusiastic celebrations in honor of our attendees’ year-long fundraising efforts. With food and beverage, entertainment for the family, a short program honoring all survivors and remembrance of loved ones lost, and a 1-mile walk illuminated by paper lanterns, all the events ended with either a fireworks or laser light show. The five walks over the course of three weekends, with a total of 10,000 attendees and over 100 vendors, raised 3.3 million dollars! Read more about LLS  here .

DIABETES RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

PBP was honored to work with the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation for their inaugural New York City, C3- Collaborate, Celebrate, Cure Gala which took place on World Diabetes Day, November 14th, 2018. Former NFL player and ESPN, BET and NBC analyst Don McPherson emceed this successful event which included more than 300 business leaders, scientists, clinicians, families and other concerned individuals who are committed to elevating the importance of cure-focused research. DRIF surpassed its fundraising goal, raising nearly $400,000 that will go towards diabetes research. Read more about the DRIF and this event  here .

MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

PBP was proud to once again work with the Melanoma Research Foundation on their annual “Wings of Hope” NYC Gala at Capitale, which raised over $1,000,000. Emcee’d by ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, the event raised funds for Melanoma research, education, and advocacy. In addition to working with MRF on their hallmark Gala, we were excited to support three of their “Miles for Melanoma” 5K Run/Walk events in Los Angeles, Chicago, and NYC. The three events raised almost half a million dollars together, and saw over 2,000 participants sign up to run and walk in support of the Melanoma Research Foundation. Read more about the MRF  here .

RUNWAY OF DREAMS FOUNDATION

PBP had the pleasure to continue our partnership with the Runway of Dreams Foundation for the 3rd Annual Gala & Fashion Show at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This year’s event brought together over 500 guests for an incredible night emceed by RJ Mitte of Breaking Bad, and honored the Zappos Adaptive Advisory Council, Target, Cat & Jack, and Jason Redman of the Combat Wounded Coalition. Guests enjoyed an inspiring runway show with models of all abilities showcasing fashions from Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Read more about the Runway of Dreams Foundation  here .

2019: We’ve Already Gotten Started!

We’re always looking and thinking ahead, which is crucial to our success in non-profit fundraising and event management. That is why we are already working on some upcoming events . We are especially excited about the R Baby Foundation and Michael's Mission Benefit Concert on April 4, 2019 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC; additional information can be found  here . If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in any capacity with the charities we work with, click  here . The  entire PBP team  wishes you a wonderful 2018 holiday season and all the best in 2019!

Darren Port  is the CEO and founder of Powered by Professionals.