Valley Outreach Achieves 140% of Fundraising Goal with the OneCause Fundraising Platform

Background

Background

Nestled in the heart of Stillwater, Minnesota, Valley Outreach has long been a lifeline for individuals and families in need. This community-powered nonprofit provides essential resources, including food, clothing, and personalized support, to people of all ages, fostering dignity and respect as they navigate life’s challenges. From helping families put meals on the table to offering guidance during difficult times, Valley Outreach is deeply committed to meeting people where they are and empowering them to move forward.

Opportunity

Valley Outreach had reached a defining moment in its journey. What began as a humble food shelf in a church basement had blossomed into a vital pillar of the Stillwater community. As the organization grew, it became clear that its fundraising strategies needed to evolve to match its expanding vision.  

To amplify their impact, broaden their reach, and elevate the success of the Vibrant Gala, their signature fundraiser, the organization required a dynamic and adaptable fundraising platform to keep pace with their ambitions.

Valley Outreach

Although their auction and event fundraising software, powered by OneCause, had served them well, Valley Outreach recognized the need for more flexibility—one that would support their unique goals, streamline event management, and create memorable donor experiences. They also sought a solution that was intuitive enough for their small team to navigate, with the ability to incorporate creative fundraising elements like a dessert dash, wine pulls, and fixed-price sales. 

Above all, Valley Outreach needed a trusted partner who understood their mission and was deeply invested in their success. Once again, they turned to OneCause.  

Solution

Solution

To meet the evolving needs of their organization, Valley Outreach transitioned from OneCause mobile bidding software to the OneCause Fundraising Platform. This modern, all-in-one solution offered the perfect blend of functionality and flexibility, enabling them to manage their events efficiently, craft unique, mission-driven donor experiences, and achieve a record-breaking year of fundraising success. 

The annual fundraiser exceeded its attendance goal and initial fundraising goal of $180,000, reaching a staggering $250,000 with post-event donations continuing to roll in.  

Setting the Stage for Success

The Vibrant Gala was poised for greatness, and the excitement was undeniable. Tickets sold out an unprecedented 2.5 weeks ahead of the event. With demand so high, Valley Outreach increased capacity multiple times, ultimately welcoming 260 attendees — the largest crowd in the event’s history. 

“Buying tickets was so easy,” shared Debbie Kanda, Development Associate.

“The prompts in the ticketing flow guided attendees seamlessly — whether it was purchasing a fixed-price item or making a donation during the process. That ease certainly made a difference in the guest experience and our revenue.”

Streamlined Event Management and Record-Breaking Revenue

OneCause provided powerful tools that transformed how Valley Outreach managed its event logistics and maximized revenue opportunities: 

  • Effortless Ticketing & Guest Management: The OneCause platform enabled the team to sell out early and expand capacity to host their largest audience ever.
    Enhanced Attendee Engagement: The platform’s custom event pages helped Valley Outreach personalize outreach, engage donors, and inspire giving through interactive experiences. 
  • Wine Pull Sales: The fixed-price functionality eliminated overselling and streamlined tracking, providing a seamless experience for both staff and donors.  

“Before, we were always overselling, and sometimes we’d have to refund people,” said Debbie. “With OneCause, the fixed-price option has made the wine pull so much better — we’re not leaving money on the table or disappointing donors.” 

With the transition to the OneCause Fundraising Platform, Valley Outreach transformed its event operations, streamlining ticketing, auctions, and donations. This allowed the team to shift their focus toward crafting truly memorable and impactful event experiences for their supporters. 

Exciting and Memorable Giving Moments

Dessert Dash

A standout moment of the event was the Dessert Dash, a lively and spirited competition where donations were pooled together by table number and calculated real-time. After dinner, the table with the highest combined total earned the first pick from the dessert table – all managed seamlessly by the OneCause Fundraising Platform.  

In a stunning display of generosity and enthusiasm, one table raised an impressive $8,000 in just minutes, adding excitement and a significant boost to the evening’s success. “The Dessert Dash is a favorite!” said Debbie.

“Participation was electric, with friendly competition between tables fueling the energy of the event.”

Mission Moment

Held on Día de Los Muertos, the Vibrant Gala embraced the theme of remembrance and celebration. Valley Outreach sought to create a personal moment where donors could honor loved ones through meaningful contributions. Turning this vision into reality required innovation and collaboration. 

“We had a dream for a remembrance moment that required specific functionality,” shared Debbie, who worked with her OneCause consultant to make it happen. “Together, we designed a custom experience that perfectly reflected our vision.” 

Guests had a special opportunity to honor someone who made a lasting impact on their lives. By scanning a QR code or using the link provided via text, they could make a gift of any amount in their loved one’s memory. 

As a tribute, each honored name was displayed on a big screen, creating a collective moment of reflection and gratitude. Using the OneCause Text2Give® feature, the process was seamless, allowing guests to participate easily by scanning, giving, and celebrating the legacy of those who inspired them.  

The result was an unforgettable moment. Donors were able to honor their loved ones in a heartfelt way, while simultaneously supporting Valley Outreach’s mission—a beautiful fusion of community, compassion, and purpose. 

Valley Outreach delivered a record-breaking evening. “This was our best year yet,” Debbie reflected.

“From ticketing to fixed-price items, live auctions, and text-to-give, we used OneCause for everything. It kept us organized and made the entire process so much easier.”

A Partnership Beyond Software

Transitioning to a new fundraising platform can be overwhelming, but with the support of OneCause, Valley Outreach’s experience was smooth and successful. OneCause University provided the team with a wealth of support resources, including training videos, live coaching, and best practices, empowering them to unlock the platform’s full potential. 

When it came time for the Vibrant Gala, OneCause event managers were onsite to provide real-time guidance. Their presence ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing staff and volunteers to focus on creating an exceptional experience for attendees. 

“We felt supported every step of the way,” shared Debbie. “The team at OneCause was more than just a vendor — they were true partners in our success.” 

With OneCause by their side, Valley Outreach not only transitioned seamlessly but also elevated the donor experience, having built a foundation for their most successful event to date. 

Results

Results

The Vibrant Gala not only shattered attendance records but also achieved an extraordinary 140% of their fundraising goal.  

 Key highlights included: 

  • Over $20,000 raised during the Dessert Dash 
  • 15% increase in mobile bidding engagement 
  • 30% reduction in staff time spent on event operations 

Valley Outreach’s partnership with OneCause continues to thrive, embracing innovation and advanced analytics to deepen donor engagement. With support from OneCause University and a dedicated success manager, they feel equipped to evolve with their community’s needs. “OneCause has given us the tools and support to elevate our mission. We’re excited for the future,” shared Debbie. 

Connect with a Cause

To learn more about Valley Outreach, please visit their website.

Wrapping Up!

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