National Ability Center

We just returned from Park City and the National Ability Center Auction.  I have not yet heard the final numbers, but I suspect that they may be ahead of last year.  As always it was a wonderful event, but there is no doubt in my mind that their focus on message explains their success.

The NAC helps people with disabilities to participate in the sports they love or learn to love.  This has a life-changing and life-affirming effect.

The event, named Red, White and Snow, brings over 20 wineries to Park City, Utah. There is the usual round of wine maker dinners and tastings, but the highlights of the weekend are the occasions where everyone, Vintners, Clients, Staff, Donors and Supporters get to interact on the slopes and socially.  Your heart would have to be made of stone not to be overwhelmed by the commitment, courage and dedication of everyone involved.

The night of the auction, Teague, one of the NAC atheletes who lost an arm and leg in a car accident as a child, introduces a video.  He starts by saying that he never expected to be an athelete, and the video ends with a clip of him completing the slalom course at an incredible speed.

My main challenge at the auction was simply to find a way to give the audience permission to make the donations they wished.  This is not an insignificant challenge in this time when “Frugality is the New Chic”.  I was definetly helped in this by the vintners who kept adding to their Lots.

The lesson from the weekend is that you have to fight for your organization.  The downturn in the economy has had a specific effect on potential wealthy supporters.  As a group they are attending fewer events.  Every organization is an a competition to make their event the most emotionally satisfying for their attendees to ensure long term success.