Create a summer donor engagement experience that would strengthen supporter relationships while increasing awareness of the organization’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work.
Venue & Community Partners
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Designed and executed a donor experience aboard the historic St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboat, combining wildlife education, hospitality, and conversation within a distinctive natural setting.
Guests enjoyed a three-hour cruise along the Fox River featuring appetizers, beverages, and informal interaction with wildlife specialists, organizational leadership, and fellow supporters.
As the boat traveled the river, wildlife staff highlighted nests, dams, waterfowl, native birds, and other species while sharing insight into the Fox River ecosystem, regional conservation efforts, and the challenges facing local wildlife.
The relaxed setting created opportunities for supporters to learn directly from wildlife experts while experiencing the landscapes and habitats discussed throughout the program.
Cruise the Fox strengthened relationships among supporters, wildlife staff, and community stakeholders while increasing awareness of local wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
The event generated more than $6,000 in fundraising revenue, secured sponsorship support for future initiatives, and helped cultivate several new monthly donors.
Several attendees became recurring supporters, and sponsors returned to support future programs, demonstrating the value of smaller-scale cultivation experiences built around education, place, and shared discovery.
