Commission for Women discusses fundraisers, marketing and outreach amid plans to pause awards

Commissioners spent a sizable portion of the June 18 meeting discussing fundraising options and outreach plans to build the commission’s capacity while donation awards are paused through January 2027.

A commissioner who researched a Port‑A‑Pit (food vendor) option read vendor requirements that included a deposit and several extra fees (health fee, generator fee, permits and insurance) and recommended the group consider alternate, lower‑overhead fundraisers. Members discussed recruiting local chefs, including someone they referred to as "Chef Freddy J," and selling pre‑ordered meals or tickets to guarantee revenue. One commissioner said the Port‑A‑Pit vendor quoted a price described in the record as "635 each," though members noted vendor quotes included additional unclear fees and asked staff to verify exact costs before committing.

Commissioners favored a mixed strategy—ticket pre‑sales plus limited door sales—with suggestions that advance tickets be priced below on‑site sales to encourage preorders. They also proposed a fall women’s luncheon (late September or early October, one keynote and lunch) as a fundraising event and agreed to staff a table at the city’s Back‑to‑School Rally on Aug. 8 at Elston Middle Field to promote commission activities and sell items or tickets. The commission discussed marketing materials (a banner, trifold and business cards) and asked a commissioner to follow up with Repro Graphic Arts for quotes.

Why it matters: The fundraising choices will determine the commission’s ability to resume donations; members emphasized low‑overhead options and pre‑sale guarantees to protect the treasury.

Next steps: Commission leadership will verify vendor quotes and fees, refine ticketing logistics (preorder windows, pick‑up times), solicit sponsorships and develop a one‑page award criteria to guide future donations.