Abstract:
This creative project functions as an event planning guide, explaining all of the necessary
steps to coordinate a successful event, so that universities across the country can look to it when
planning their own women’s athletics fundraising events. All information provided in this
handbook is provided from the context of Arizona State University’s Wings of Gold Celebration
Event, which is an annual fundraising event for all 14 women’s athletics programs at Arizona
State University. The project explores an overview of the Wings of Gold Fund, the Wings of
Gold Celebration Event, why fundraising for women’s athletics is so critical, how the program
was developed at ASU, and important fundraising event management components. The
components of fundraising events explained include, determining strategic goals, defining
staffing needs, developing an event budget, creating a risk management plan, determining the
timing, location and event details, creating a schedule and program, determining the pricing
model and securing sponsorships, developing a marketing plan and creating corresponding
marketing materials, advertising the event, executing invitations, managing guests, executing the
actual event, following up after, and effectively evaluating the event. Additionally, this creative
project offers multiple appendices for institutions to utilize as a starting point when looking to
develop their own fundraising event for women’s athletics.
