Activities/Proposals

Film screenings

Wikimedia NYC (&/or similar Wikipedia fundraiser activities) might include a daily film showing. Each daily film showing fundraiser &/or promotion should be different to match the crowd and news of the week. For example: this week the news is focused on the history of the actress Natalie Wood. Wikimedia NYC could charge tickets to show all her films/interviews, etc., over a one month period. Each event should vary in price to match the ability to pay of the crowd. Try to do a daily 'invitation only' to a select group of millionaires who know the founder of Wikipedia. Have their first invitation free so as to not turn them off to attending. He should meet with them one at a time, in case they don't want to be surprised by other guests. He should ask for their ideas on the above events - both what they think would help the events raise money, and the opposite - what not to do at these events. He should try to involve them in security details. Most wealthy/famous people probably want all the entrances/restrooms, etc. guarded by trustworthy guards. Considering hiring retired police/fire department staff. Consider having separate parties showing the same films for the police/fire department staff and their families. Try to lower costs and problems with drunk driving, etc., by limiting alcohol served to the bare minimum - none when any crowd includes people under the age of 21. Try to hold daily events for 'celebrity in and out of rehab' without any alcohol or jokes about drunks, etc. This kind of daily event might have saved the life of the musician Amy Winehouse (and the hundreds of musicians who have died like her). She might be alive today if someone like Jimmy had gotten her involved in (daily) charity fundraising, etc. Their is probably a better chance of getting these people to help Jimmy, if a dollar of each fundraising ticket goes to the celebrity's favorite charity. Otherwise they will probably get bored with fundraising for Wikipedia. Try to let the celebrities 'micro-manage' at least one event - this will probably help make the events more profitable. Tips for the above fundraisers: (If you can't use any of these ideas, pass on this page to similar organizations/individuals. And ask everyone who reads this to ad on their own ideas at the end of the list).

1. First fundraiser event should be free for the wealthy - or else they won't attend. Get each guest involved in every (amap) detail before the day of the event. This will motivate them to attend.
2. No surprises for the wealthy: meet with them alone. Let them plan security staff carefully.
3. Let the wealthy guests plan amap before the film showing. Let them control the details amap - this will motivate them to make the fundraisers a success.
4. Try to make each fundraiser event a 'win-win' for everyone attending. Most wealthy people have a charity they want others to give to. For each film fundraiser - plan ahead to have a percentage of each ticket go to their favorite charity. Say, at least one dollar per ticket goes to their favorite charity.
5. Try to make each film fundraiser a 'win-win' for everyone attending: get ideas from everyone before/after on how to make the events worth attending. Have optional 'meet and greet' time before/after the film showing. Have various speakers before/after the film showing. Try to make some of the events connected with college courses (Introduction to Film History; The History of Hollywood; U.S. History through films, etc., etc.) Consider having a daily film fundraiser focused on a famous person who has 'a birthday on this day.' This might attract thousands of customers who happen to have the same birthday. Idea: If customers can prove they have the same birthday, give them a free cupcake and announce their birthday to the crowd attending.
6. Ask everyone attending to (optional of course) fill out an anonymous questionnaire to be dropped in a big box near the exit door. Hand out souvenir pens they can take home with 'Natalie Wood' (whoever is in the news that week). On the forms give plenty of space to write in: 'how can we improve these events for future guests?' 'would you like to get involved with a film showing fundraiser for Wikipedia in the future?' Give each of the wealthy people a business card with an 800 phone number - to call 24/7 with their ideas on creating fund raiser events. Most actors etc., want to create publicity for their new films - do this by involving them in a fundraiser which helps promote their new films. Famous actors/musicians will probably not get involved unless they can control (every) detail. Try to let them do this amap.
7. Consider creating free events for the kids of the famous actors/musicians. Many of these parents won't attend because they can't get a nanny/baby-sitter in time for the event. Many of the rich/famous neglect their kids/teens - consider creating a series of free academic/fun tutorials for kids/teens of the famous actors/musicians. As they age into their 30's they will probably come back with their own kids to help in fundraisers, etc.
8. Trends change about every three months. Ask all your guests for new ideas for fundraisers on a daily basis. Even the poor guests might have fundraiser ideas that are helpful in bringing in crowds of paying customers. Try to copy aspects of events which attract big crowds: fashion shows by new (clothes/shoes/hair designers; 'battle of the bands' for teens, etc.; free/low cost classes by (famous) dance/voice teachers; teach basic voice music reading/writing (orchestra notes) to separate age groups. Use very easy songs to learn sheet music reading.