Community Fundraising Success Stories

Junior League of Martin County

Parallel Missions

The Junior League of Martin County (JLMC) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities. Sound familiar? When she first heard about LUNAFEST and its similar philanthropic mission, Heidi Monsour recognized its potential right away as a venue for raising funds and promoting the work of the JLMC. Although she was very new to the organization, Monsour suggested the League give it a try. Today, the JLMC is about to host its third LUNAFEST and Heidi is now JLMC president.

A Tremendous Success

“We’ve held the event the past two years, and both times it has been a tremendous success,” says Monsour. The JLMC found the media, advertising and printed materials provided by LUNA especially useful, as they enabled the organization to showcase its event as part of a national touring film festival. “These kinds of professional resources would otherwise be outside our budget,” adds Monsour. “At the same time, LUNA is great about allowing hosts to customize the event ‘trimmings’ to fit their unique needs.”

Getting Women Fired Up

The JLMC has incorporated a silent auction and cocktail reception into its LUNAFEST, as well as a “Women’s Expo” that features booths staffed by local non-profits that serve women and children. “This gives organizations in our community an opportunity to promote their services and find new volunteers and donors,” says Monsour. “The films are so powerful, and when an attendee comes out of the event fired up about an issue, we really want to provide a connection for immediate action.”

It’s All About the Films

Monsour says the JLMC’s main focus with LUNAFEST is always the films and how they honor and inspire women. “When hosting a fundraising event, it’s easy to get caught up in a lot of extras,” she says. “But after the food, drink and goody bags are long gone, there will be a film that really touched someone at the core of their being, and that’s what they never forget.”