Creativity raises party funds
By Rebecca L. Weber
D.C. Statehood Green Party

On the eve of the national convention, 50 Greens gathered in Milwaukee for what fundraising director Kara Mullen refers to as an experimental "high-ticket price" event. For $50, supporters tasted local microbrewed beers and a dessert from a local chef. People volunteered to mix drinks, play the guitar and auction a precious commodity.

A signed copy of the People Magazine featuring the 50 most eligible bachelors including high-profile Green mayor Jason West of New Paltz, N.Y., generated a bidding frenzy among men and women. Two copies of the magazines signed by the famous West raised $237, and the evening overall pulled in $3500.

Political platforms aside, an important distinguishing factor between the activist-led Green Party and corporate interestfunded major parties is access to cash. Supporters nationwide often contribute goods and services -- such as food and drink, organizing space and entertainment at fundraisers -- to support the Green movement.

Creative and savvy organizers also leverage donated goods and services to help raise funds. Local activists looking to put together an event should remember to plan for fun, too, Mullen said.

"Spaces at the tables are going fast for what will be the first ever Texas Hold'em Progressive Poker Party," began a recent e-mail invitation. Using the free tools at evite.com, co-hosts Chris Otten and Michael McGuire invited hundreds of Washington, D.C.-area Greens and progressives to an unusual fundraiser.

Anybody who RSVPd and paid the $25 entrance fee was assured a seat at the tournament. Those not as interested in playing cards watched radical films like "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" and snacked on food and drinks.

A number of donated prizes were available for the winners. The grand prize winner, Daniele Costa, chose a professional massage. Runner-up Jay Marx won professional website design services.

More than $300 was raised for the D.C. Statehood Green Party. In addition, the well-timed event provided an informal setting for people to talk to and about candidates and issues of the upcoming local elections.

Doug Malkan, who serves as the Green Party's accountant, explains that this type of event is distinct from a gambling event where people bet money; that would not be a legal fundraiser. Instead, people make a donation and then have the chance to win a prize.

"The [Federal Election Commission] said parties do raffles all the time and that there are no issues with doing this," said Malkan. "One exception that we always have is if the person gives an aggregate of $200 or more per year we need all the info on them, and with these donor/players that may be likely. Therefore the best way to handle this is to record full info on donor/players at the beginning of the event and input into the database."

Fundraising is something that needs to happen year-round -- even right after elections -- if the party is to have a steady cash flow. Mullen suggested activities that help organize and motivate people, such as parties to celebrate Green victories and register or re-register Green voters. While the two other parties are shaking off the settling dust of the election, Greens will be hosting Greenhouse parties nationwide Saturday, Nov. 6.

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