PACG's Annual Picnic and Pie Auction via Zoom Was a Success! - After Action Report
Sunday, October 4th
PACG held its 8th Annual Picnic and Pie Auction (and first done virtually) on Sunday, October 4th and it was a GREAT success!
In the spirit of keeping the picnic similar to what would happen at a live event, we were able to entertain participants with music, offer a meal, allow for social time, update members on PACG happenings and hold a pie auction. And we did it all virtually!
Participants picked up their Tamales for Hope enchilada meals ahead of time, and then signed on to Zoom to be entertained by really good music before the official program started. "Totes Magotes" musicians Christy Todtz, Jim Severe, John Kinser and Doug McCollum played and sang lively, popular songs. The official program started with members being put into Zoom Break Out rooms (randomly assigned small groups) to discuss "What is the best thing about the pandemic?" A spokesperson for each group shared with the larger Zoom meeting once we re-convened. It was encouraging to hear so many positive messages!
I updated the membership on the success of the Y15K fundraising initiative, which was held to celebrate PACG's 15th Anniversary. We were able to infuse $20,000 into the community to help those in need. Book Club and Forum Facilitators also gave updates about their recent activities, plans for the future and upcoming meeting dates.
Thirteen pies were auctioned off in grand VIRTUAL fashion, which allowed us to raise close to $500 for PACG. Finally, gift certificates from minority-owned businesses were distributed as door prizes.
Feedback indicates that the picnic was generally a success, with some technical difficulties. We realize that some people did not receive the Zoom links and we apologize for that. At our picnic debriefing meeting we figured out how to do better at future large events that we hold online. We appreciate your patience as we navigate these uncharted waters.
We are proud that we were able to hold our 8th Annual Picnic and Pie Auction, despite this crazy year! A big Thank You to all the folks who helped plan and execute the event, to the pie bakers, and to all of you who participated!
Allison Ambrose