Imagine the scene: vintage Cadillacs parked alongside modern Ferraris, women in feathered headpieces and men in tuxedos, all against the backdrop of the stunning Bella Vista Ranch polo field at sunset. But this wasn't a movie set—it was philanthropy reimagined through the lens of Old Hollywood glamour.
When United Boys & Girls Clubs approached us to elevate their annual Rally 4 Kids fundraiser, we knew this wasn't just about creating pretty centerpieces. This was about crafting an experience so compelling that checkbooks would open wider, hearts would connect deeper, and a record-breaking $450,000 would be raised in a single evening.
The Challenge: Fundraising Fatigue
Let's face it—Santa Barbara's philanthropic community attends dozens of galas each year. Another silent auction, another chicken dinner, another PowerPoint presentation showing impact statistics... even the most dedicated donors experience fundraising fatigue.
Our challenge: How do we transform a traditional fundraiser into an immersive experience that would not only sell out at 320 guests but create such demand that the event would need to relocate to accommodate 500+ attendees the following year?
The answer was hiding in plain sight—in the journey itself.
The Rally: From Pit Stop to Plot Point
The Rally 4 Kids isn't just a clever name—it's 68 exotic and classic cars driving 110 miles through Santa Barbara County's most stunning landscapes. Rather than treating this as merely pre-gala entertainment, we reimagined the entire rally as the first act of our immersive story.
Each pit stop—La Cumbre Peak, Sunstone Winery, Santa Barbara City College, and the Downtown Boys & Girls Club—became a chapter in our narrative. At each location, drivers didn't just participate in "challenges"—they experienced firsthand the types of activities that Club members engage in daily.
At the Downtown Club pit stop, for example, rally participants were paired with Club members who guided them through STEM activities similar to their after-school programs. This wasn't just about scoring points in a competition—it was about creating emotional connections between donors and the children they would be supporting.
"I've been to dozens of fundraisers," one first-time rally participant told me, "but I've never actually met the kids who benefit from my donation. Having Miguel show me his robotics project made everything real in a way that donation statistics never could."
The Transformation: Polo Field to Paramount Pictures
As the sun began to set, rally participants arrived at Bella Vista Ranch to find themselves transported to the golden age of Hollywood. Rather than traditional banquet decor, we created environmental storytelling through:
A red carpet entrance complete with "paparazzi" photographers (whose photos would later be available for purchase as an additional fundraising opportunity)
Vintage movie posters reimagined to feature Club members and their achievements
Signature cocktails named after famous Hollywood films with a twist that highlighted Club programs
Table centerpieces featuring gilded film reels interspersed with photos of Club members
A custom Hollywood sign installation that served as both decor and photo opportunity
But the true immersion came through the program itself.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
Traditional galas separate entertainment from fundraising—first you enjoy performances, then you open your wallet. We intentionally broke this fourth wall by weaving Club members into every aspect of the evening:
Rather than having servers pass appetizers, Club members (appropriately dressed for the theme) welcomed guests with trays of hors d'oeuvres, introducing themselves and sharing brief stories about their Club experiences
Instead of a standard slideshow, we created a "live trailer" where Club members performed vignettes highlighting different programs, moving throughout the dinner space rather than remaining confined to a stage
During dinner, each table had a "special guest"—a Club member who rotated between courses, ensuring every donor connected with multiple children
The most powerful moment came during the award presentation to philanthropists Donavan and Randie Judkins. Rather than having just the CEO present the Michael & Anne Towbes Award, three Club members whose scholarships had been directly funded by the Judkins joined him on stage, each sharing a personal story about how the Club had changed their trajectory.
When Randie Judkins urged the crowd to "dig deep, open your checkbooks, and support these kids," it wasn't an abstract request—it was personal. Guests weren't just supporting an organization; they were supporting Miguel, Sophia, and James, whose stories they'd just heard, whose hands they'd just shaken.
The Results: Beyond the Numbers
Yes, the event raised over $450,000—a record-breaking amount. Yes, it sold out with 320 attendees and created such demand that a larger venue was secured for the following year.
But the true measure of success came in the form of engagement that extended far beyond the event itself:
Multiple rally participants later volunteered to mentor Club members in their professional fields
Several companies represented at the gala initiated corporate partnership programs with the Clubs
The wait list for the following year's rally began forming before the evening had even concluded
As Michael Baker, CEO of UBGC, reflected: "This wasn't just our most successful fundraiser financially—it fundamentally changed how our donor community relates to our organization. People left feeling like part of our family, not just supporters of our cause."
The Takeaway: Immersion Creates Investment
The success of the Old Hollywood Rally 4 Kids reinforces what we've always believed at Felici Events: people remember how you make them feel. By creating an immersive experience that engaged all five senses and created genuine emotional connections, we didn't just host a successful event—we transformed supporters into advocates.
When philanthropy feels like participation rather than observation, the impact extends far beyond a single evening or donation. It creates a community of support that sustains organizations like the United Boys & Girls Clubs through challenges like the pandemic, when, as Michael Baker noted, "If it weren't for the generosity of the Judkins, I'm not sure how we would've made it through Covid."
As we prepare for next year's even larger Rally 4 Kids, we're reminded that the most powerful fundraising tool isn't the auction item or the paddle raise—it's the story you tell and how you make your guests feel while telling it.
Ready to transform your organization's next fundraiser from an obligation into an immersive experience? Let's talk about how storytelling, environment, and emotional connection can help you not just meet but exceed your fundraising goals.
Ciao for now - Zohe! (photographed below)
