Four ways ECOSS made its fundraiser more community-centered

This September, ECOSS hosted its first in-person fundraiser since the beginning of the pandemic. The concept for this year’s event was to celebrate an exciting transition in the organization with a new Executive Director, highlight local BIPOC-owned businesses and groups, and be able to safely come together in an outdoor space as a community after two years apart. A goal during the planning of the fundraiser was to have more community involvement and equitable access to the event. ECOSS wanted an event that was welcoming to all of its supporters, rather than simply disproportionately valuing attendees who could financially give more.

ECOSS staff at the event. Photo by Meagan Dwyer

Here are four ways that ECOSS made its fundraiser more community-centered this year: 

1. Sliding price scale for tickets 

Cost can be a barrier to some communities attending these types of events, so ECOSS offered discounted $15 tickets, as well as $55 tickets for anyone who wanted to help cover the cost of a discounted ticket. The standard ticket price was $35, and regardless of the ticket cost, all attendees received 2 food tickets and one drink ticket.  


2. BIPOC Food Vendors and Performers 

ECOSS wanted to celebrate the communities that they serve, so the fundraising committee sought out local BIPOC-owned businesses like Rainbow Fresh, and Garzón Latinx Street Food, whose missions align with ECOSS’ values.

“Rainbow Fresh was born during the pandemic by a strong will to engage with the local community. We are a tight-knit team run by a group of enthusiastic women who love cooking and share this passion with others.”
– Rainbow Fresh 

“Our food is Latinx inspired, our chef is Ecuadorian born and raised. [Chef Garzón] also traveled the world playing music with many musical groups, where he found the inspiration for a lot of the dishes you’re eating today. All of our dishes have a story and a cultural background. We advise you to ask the chef for a quick story time.”
– Garzón 

Karinyo, a local musician, also performed at the event. Their music mixes cumbia, salsa, and punk rock and addresses themes of mental health, Diaspora, and reclaiming inner power. 


3. Raffle vs. Auction

At previous fundraisers, auctions have been a way to raise money in a fun and competitive atmosphere, but due to the fact that they function by outbidding others, the team decided that this form of programming needed an alternate approach to be more inclusive. After sourcing many items from various generous donors like REI, Ascent Outdoors, Patagonia, The Plant Store, Mountaineers Books, and Bikeworks, ECOSS had enough items to do a raffle at the event. Raffles are a more equitable form of fundraising since it is the same cost to enter, and with tickets priced at $5 each, multiple entries could be purchased at a fairly low cost. It was a hit at the event as well, and was a fun way to end the programming for the evening. Over $1000 was raised at the event from the raffle alone.


4. Happy Hour Format

In a major shift from previous years’ fundraisers, this year, ECOSS hosted a Happy Hour “come as you are” style event as an accessible way for folks to interface with the organization and as a shift towards community-centered fundraising. Jellyfish Brewing in Georgetown served as a fitting backdrop for the event since ECOSS has a long history of working with the communities in South Park and Georgetown. The beginning of the event held time for attendees to connect with each other and staff over food and drinks in an informal setting. A short program included remarks and community stories from Villa Comunitaria, members of ECOSS Board, and our new Executive Director, Dr. Chiyo Crawford, who shared her vision for ECOSS and the community moving forward, together.  

We are excited to grow community-driven programs grounded in the principles of environmental justice. When we talk about “empowering community,” we envision moving beyond education and outreach to promote the development of environmental leaders in our communities.  And when we talk about “sustainable solutions for all”, we see a future where the benefits of sustainable practices are not only tangible to but also defined by our communities.

Dr. Chiyo Crawford, ECOSS Executive Director
Photo by Char Davies

The traditional fundraising approach focuses on donors who can give large monetary gifts, catering to their interests and values, often to the detriment of those who do not have the capacity to donate as much. There is a fear that if the fundraiser does not center the “high-profile” donors, then the organization won’t raise enough money. But that did not come to fruition for ECOSS. The happy hour raised a comparable amount of funds to previous events while cultivating community among a broad base of supporters. Over 127 people attended the event and helped ECOSS reach $56,414 of its ambitious $65,000 goal. Thanks to a generous challenge donation by a group of board members, every gift received through the end of September was matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.

Want to amplify your impact further? Opt for a monthly gift to ECOSS and frontline communities throughout the Puget Sound region. To make a gift, visit ecoss.org/donate

Photos by Char Davies and Meagan Dwyer

🎉 Thank you for celebrating with us at PINKAPALOOZA! 🐟

Our deepest gratitude to you for joining us at our PINKAPALOOZA Block Party this year!

As we reflect on the inspiring night, we constantly return to the community of amazing people who gathered together to celebrate the return of pink salmon.

Collectively, we raised over $97,000 to support sustainable businesses, equitable communities and a thriving environment! This is an amazing achievement in its own right, by which we are humbled. It is also an opportunity for an even greater achievement.

We have a chance to make ECOSS history. Will you help push ECOSS over $100,000 in annual donations for the first time ever in its 25+ year history? Every dollar counts.

Help us shatter the donation record!

Check out some of the highlights from the night:

Photos were captured by our wonderful volunteer photographers Char Davies and Rachel Lee. Find more inspiring photos here on our Facebook page.

Group photo of current and former ECOSS staff.

Thank you again for your support! We hope you came away from the night inspired and we look forward to seeing you again at the next PINKAPALOOZA Block Party in 2021!

Sincerely,
Your ECOSS Family


#ThrowbackThursday: PINKAPALOOZA 2017

PINKAPALOOZA returns on September 14!

Named after the pink salmon that return to Washington rivers every other year, ECOSS’ biennial fundraiser celebrates the environmental sustainability of diverse communities and businesses. Check out these photos from the last event in 2017 to see just how unique the fundraiser is!

Don’t miss out on this multicultural celebration and opportunity to support environmental equity.

Buy tickets here

This celebration belongs to the entire community. To increase the event’s accessibility, we’re offering tickets on a sliding scale. Our hope is that attendees who can afford to contribute more will help sponsor those who cannot.

Can’t make it this year? You can still support ECOSS by making a tax-deductible donation.

Oh What A Night-PINKAPALOOZA 2017!

Pinkapalooza Guests

Guests in the spirit and wearing their pinks!

Nearly 200 ECOSS supporters shared an evening of inspiration, storytelling, music and dance at our inaugural PINKAPALOOZA event. The event celebrated the return of the pink salmon to Washington rivers and raised critical funds for ECOSS.

See highlights of this special evening captured by photographers Char Davies and Sam Le.

Together, we raised over $73,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales and Raise the Paddle, making it the most successful ECOSS event EVER!

We are incredibly grateful for this support which helps ECOSS continue to deliver environmentally sustainable and equitable solutions that address the needs of businesses, people and nature.

PINKAPALOOZA will return in 2019 along with the pink salmon. Sign up for our E-News to receive PINKAPALOOZA 2019 updates.

If you weren’t able to join us this year,  you can support ECOSS through a donation or cross something off our Amazon wish list.