Events are the backbone of nonprofit organizations like the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), serving as a powerful tool for raising awareness, building community, and driving critical fundraising efforts. To gain deeper insight into how PR and marketing contribute to nonprofit event success, I sat down with Christine Greve, Pacific West Regional Manager for HDSA. With years of experience planning and executing impactful events, Christine shares her strategies, challenges, and the role PR and marketing play in advancing HDSA’s mission.

Role of Events in HDSA’s Mission

Catie: What role do events play in the Pacific West region’s strategy for raising awareness and funds for Huntington’s Disease?
Christine: Events are at the core of HDSA’s efforts. They bring communities together, raise funds for research, and provide support to families. Beyond fundraising, events like the Team Hope Walks are vital in raising awareness and educating people about Huntington’s Disease. It’s amazing to see the ripple effect—attendees become advocates, spreading the message even further.

Catie: Can you share an example of an event that highlights this impact?
Christine: The San Jose Hope Walk stands out. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of resilience and hope. The event raised significant funds and brought together families and individuals who might otherwise feel isolated. It’s a testament to the power of connection.

The Role of PR and Marketing

Catie: How do PR and marketing contribute to the success of nonprofit events?
Christine: PR and marketing are absolutely essential. They amplify the reach of our events, ensuring that more people hear about Huntington’s Disease and our mission. PR helps us tell compelling stories, like those of families impacted by the disease, while marketing ensures those stories reach the right audiences through social media, email campaigns, and partnerships.

Catie: How have you leveraged these tools to drive engagement?
Christine: Social media has been a game-changer. For example, during the San Jose Hope Walk, we used Instagram and Facebook to share real-time updates, which kept attendees engaged and inspired others to participate. PR also helped us secure local media coverage, bringing in new supporters who might not have otherwise known about HDSA.

Overcoming Challenges

Catie: What challenges do you face in planning and executing events?
Christine: Balancing creativity with budget constraints is always a challenge. We want every event to be impactful, but resources can be limited. Another challenge is keeping events fresh year after year, especially as people’s expectations for unique experiences grow.

Engaging Communities and Volunteers

Catie: How do you motivate volunteers and the local community to participate in and support events?
Christine: It’s all about showing the impact of their efforts. When volunteers see how their work directly supports families or contributes to research, it fuels their passion. Recognizing their contributions through thank-you notes, awards, or shoutouts at events also goes a long way in building long-term engagement.

Catie: Do you have any stories about individuals or groups who went above and beyond?
Christine: Absolutely! One memorable story is from a high school group in Sacramento. They organized their own fundraiser, raising $10,000 through bake sales, car washes, and a community dinner. Their dedication and creativity were inspiring and made a significant impact on our mission.

Advice for Aspiring Event Planners

Catie: What advice would you give to someone looking to create impactful nonprofit events?
Christine: Focus on storytelling. People connect with stories, so highlight the real impact of the cause you’re supporting. Also, build strong community partnerships with local businesses, influencers, or media outlets. These relationships amplify your efforts and make events more successful.

Catie: How can PR professionals best support nonprofit events?
Christine: PR professionals are invaluable in crafting narratives that resonate with the public. They help us share the why behind our events, which is crucial for engagement. They also help secure media coverage and create buzz, ensuring events reach and inspire new audiences.

A Personal Connection

Catie: What inspires you to continue your work with HDSA?
Christine: It’s the people. The Huntington’s Disease community is incredibly resilient and passionate. Seeing families support one another and fight for a cure keeps me motivated. Every event is a reminder of why we do this work.

Catie: Is there a moment from an event that stands out to you?
Christine: At one Team Hope Walk, a young girl shared her story of losing her father to Huntington’s Disease. Despite her grief, she spoke with hope and determination, inspiring everyone there. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of our mission.

Final Thoughts

Through my conversation with Christine Greve, it’s clear that PR and marketing drive the success of nonprofit events. They create the visibility and engagement necessary to fund research, support families, and build a stronger community. As I continue my work with HDSA, I’m inspired by leaders like Christine, who remind us of the transformative power of events—and the hope they bring to the fight against Huntington’s Disease.