Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a live event personalization fundraiser hosted by Caroline Turner Interiors (CTI) and Kline Interiors (formerly Haywoodmade) in support of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
The guest list included members of Chicago’s interior design community: creatives who understand the power of environment, experience, and thoughtful detail.
When CTI reached out to ask whether I would create a personalized takeaway for guests as a thank-you for attending and supporting ICIRR, my answer was immediate: an enthusiastic yes.
As a sponsor, I provided live foil personalization on magnetic bookmarks and clips for attendees to take home. What began as a small activation quickly became one of the most joyful parts of the evening. Guests were excited to watch their pieces come to life and even more excited to leave with something customized just for them.
One guest reached out after the event to order a personalized piece for her husband. A reminder that when you create meaningful experiences, the impact often extends beyond the event itself.
To further support ICIRR, I included a virtual tip jar directing all gratuities to the organization. Many guests contributed, turning small moments of interaction into additional funds for an important cause.
This event felt especially meaningful to me.
In a time that feels fraught for immigrant and refugee communities, working in events — a space centered on celebration and beauty can sometimes feel disconnected from meaningful change. But this evening was a powerful reminder that two things can be true at once.
Live activations can do more than entertain. They can:
- Deepen guest engagement
- Encourage generosity
- Create shared purpose
- And extend the life of a cause beyond a single night
If you’re planning a fundraiser or mission-driven gathering and are looking for ways to thoughtfully engage guests while amplifying your cause, I’d love to explore how a live activation can support your goals.
More to come on that.
