Last week I had the privilege of presenting to the entire Social Media Club of Kansas City. I shared the story of how myself and my friends took a homegrown, no-budget benefit party from a just dream + an idea …to reality + success. In just 2 years, we’ve thrown two sold-out parties and raised over $25,000 for our favorite local charity, Operation Breakthrough. Myself and my friends dedicate time each year to plan this party. We aren’t affiliated with any one organization – we’re just a group of friends who want to give back to our community.

Below is a video of the presentation I gave that was recorded and live-streamed. In the preso, I discussed how our event is social-media-fueled, and our efforts in promoting the party are purely digital. I also share “stupid simple tips” and lessons that we’ve learned.

I’m still pinching myself, thinking about how much we’ve already accomplished in giving back to Kansas City + Operation Breakthrough. However, the one thing I know is true …the best has yet to come.

…annnnnnd I hope you can make it this year. You are invited.
The party is on December 10th! You can buy tickets online now! (buy soon, it sells out every year!)

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I made this video blog to promote a super fun benefit party my friends and I created and throw every year, The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! We came up with the idea back in 2005 and at last year’s party raised over $7,000 which we donated to Operation Breakthrough.

2008 was the first year my friends and I turned what was just an annual house party into a full-fledged benefit. In addition to smashing our $$$ goal, we raised awareness about Operation Breakthrough and set a solid foundation for the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Our vision for the party is to make it the biggest and best annual holiday fundraiser in Kansas City!

Myself and 13 of my friends have made time to plan this party. We aren’t affiliated with any one organization- we just want to give back to our community. [cue Full House cheezy music] …what started as a dream, a vision, a “what if”, is now more than just a reality! It’s a powerful truth that has affirmed our belief that it’s important to have passion, patience and to dream big!

If you want to read more, I’ve blogged about it before here: 5 I’ve learned about planning a benefit party and here: photos + video from last year’s party. AND if you’re in the KC area, come to the party December 11th, you can purchase tickets online at www.kcsweaterparty.com.

FYI, a little “behind the scenes” on the video blog- both that got me choked up when I was filming it:

One of the random people I asked to dance with me in the video- after we finished filming the dance, she asked me why I was doing this. When I then told her about our party, she leaned over and gave me a big hug and had a huge smile on her face. She then told me with a big grin, “My son goes to Operation Breakthrough- thank you for what you and your friends are doing!”.

Also, during the scene when I was dancing in front of Tower Tavern, a couple made a point of it to tell me what a great cause + event we put together. Then they told me they met for the first time at our party …which is now their 1-year anniversary! And they’re going again this year to celebrate

Those two proof points reiterate one of our many goals with this party: affect positive change in our community right here in Kansas City. I still get chills thinking about how much of an impact we’ve already made. I also get excited and extremely motivated knowing how much more we can accomplish. *One thing is for certain, the best has yet to come.*
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This past weekend I attended HillOween, a local homegrown benefit here in Kansas City. I tell everyone that this is truly one of the two parties in KC you CAN’T miss. It benefits the Lee Ann Infant Development Center. I video blogged about it last year.

Check out the costume I wore this year… Insepctor Gadget! The entire thing is pieced together. I actually had a fun adventure at the hardware store trying to figure out how to make the “helicopter” hat (it’s just, PVC pipe, wood and electric tape). My date was Penny — you know Inspector Gadget’s niece?