Nonprofit Success Spotlight: Carmel Youth Assistance Program

At a Glance

The success of Carmel Youth Assistance Program lies in the power of community, and that community showed up in numbers for their annual Design Bright Futures Gala.

This year, the Indiana nonprofit shattered fundraising records, raising over $100,000 for youth in need.

We caught up with CYAP's Office Coordinator, Emily Timmins, to chat about the record-breaking event, how luxury travel ignited bidding, and why fundraising events are so important to the mission's success.

Meet Carmel Youth Assistance Program

At Carmel Youth Assistance Program, no child is left behind.?

Harnessing the strength of their community, this nonprofit helps youth find a path to success while empowering their parents and caregivers.

Powered by volunteers, CYAP serves as an early intervention advocate for youth aged 3-17 who are facing challenging life circumstances.

By taking a holistic approach, they coordinate the community’s vast array of talents and services to provide vital resources including mentoring, tutoring, mental health support, financial assistance, and more.?

Emphasizing the need for fundraising events

"Hosting the Gala allows us to showcase what we do, who we serve, and how we do it. It puts a spotlight on areas of our city that are in need, just under the surface." - Emily Timmins

Assisting the youth of Carmel takes a village, including the support of generous patrons and donors.

"Being a non-profit entity, the Carmel Gala is the single biggest fundraiser that we have all year," Timmins explained. "The funds raised at the Gala allow us to fund and continue the important work that we do."?

The Gala also allows CYAP to raise awareness of the need for Youth Assistance in Hamilton County.

"Our county, and specifically our city of Carmel, are seen as very affluent. Most people do not realize how many of our students are truly in need in Carmel. Hosting the Gala allows us to showcase what we do, who we serve, and how we do it. It puts a spotlight on areas of our city that are in need, just under the surface."?

Having fun while breaking fundraising records

"We hosted this year's 2024 Carmel Gala: Design Bright Futures at the Ritz Charles Event Center in Carmel, with an attendance of 300 people," Timmins shared.?

"We raised $100,017.98, marking our first time raising over $100,000!"

In addition to a silent auction, the nonprofit took full advantage of fundraising games to engage their donors and amplify funds.?

"This year we had a silent auction including five LuxGive trips, a Dessert Dash, a Boozy Ring Toss, a Wishing Well targeted ask, and a Pay To Play moment with the band to select the winning song."

The power of auction consignment in action

"The marketing materials were great to showcase the trips. We have never had that many trips bid on in a single event before." - Emily Timmins

With so much work going into pulling off a successful event, a helping hand can be invaluable.

"The agent that we worked with at LuxGive was very helpful," Timmins shared. "She guided me in selecting from the huge variety of trips that LuxGive offers."

"We opted to do a trip to Mexico, a golfing experience, a trip to Cuba, a winter retreat in Colorado, and a glamping trip to the Smoky Mountains."

"The wide variety of prices and event and trip types allowed us to appeal to a great variety of budgets and individuals. We sold 4 out of the 5 trips, with the Mexico trip having the most bids on it."

"The marketing materials were great to showcase the trips," she emphasized. "We have never had that many trips bid on in a single event before."

How will the funds raised help change lives?

"The funds raised from the Gala go directly towards programming and support for our clients," explained Timmins. "That can range from a week at camp, a sports scholarship, transportation for after-school activities, mental health appointments, tutoring, and more."?

Thanks to the funds raised via LuxGive alone, 50 more kids will get a chance at sports, 35 can access life-changing mental health services or 25 will experience the joy of camping for the first time.?

It's an investment that will not only change lives today but help build a healthier community for tomorrow.?

Congrats on the success of your fundraiser, Carmel Youth Assistance Program! ?

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