50 July | August 2015 CAtERsOuRCE

Working in the events industry can mean making a career of expecting the unexpected. Crazy weather, unanticipated guests, unreliable suppliersprofessionals in our business have learned to prepare for anything and tackle tricky situations

with grace. But sometimes life delivers unpleasant surprises that just cant be planned for or handled easily. Faced with natural disasters, accidents, or health emergencies, many industry professionals find that they are quickly running through cash reserves and facing uncomfortable options that put them on the brink of losing their livelihoods. We celebrate and hold parties for a living, so people in our industry sometimes think, How bad could it be? says Kelly White, SEARCH Foundation chairwoman. We know that even one medical emergency or weather-related incident can totally make or break a small business. And being out of work for sickness or injury is a disaster for those who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Thats why were here to help whenever and wherever we can.

By events professionals, for events professionalsAs the only nonprofit that directly funds events professionalsand that includes any event industry professional: caterers, lighting pros, design pros, florists, linen suppliers, and moreSEARCH Foundation was founded nearly 20 years ago to offer financial assistance during crisis. Relying on donations from individuals and corporations, the SEARCH Foundation grants as much as $5,000 in emergency funds to individuals who live anywhere in the world, and who work in any capacity in the events industry. Those who receive grants are not required to be a member of any professional organization.

White is passionate about the significant impact the organization has made

EvEnt SolutionS

By Julie Kendrick

A health crisis or natural

disaster can be devastating

to professionals in the events

industry. For nearly 20 years,

the SEARCH Foundation has

offered a helping hand to

peers in crisis

Helping colleagues

In need

Photo

: Ste

ph G

rant

SomE of thE board and Staff of thE

SEarch foundation. (lEft to right):

JErry hEllman, afr EvEnt furniShingS;

larry grEEn, rEntalS unlimitEd; danny

bErgold, about EntErtainmEnt; rick

turnEr, colortonE Staging & rEntalS;

Joann roth-oSEary, SomEonES in thE

kitchEn; corinnE Z. dudinE, SEarch

ExEcutivE adminiStrator; kElly WhitE,

fairE la fEtE EvEntS and SEarch

foundation chairWoman; and kim

romano, PEnton mEdia.

kElly WhitE, SEarch foundation chairWoman

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EvEntS (continuEd)

52 July | August 2015 CAtERsOuRCE

on many colleagues lives. Everyone

who serves on our all-volunteer

board of directors is aware of the

many challenges that can beset event

professionals. Were all experienced in

the industry, she says. We support

this organization as a way to give

back to an industry thats been so

good to us. If you earn your living in

special events, and you need financial

help because of a crisis, please apply.

Simple, online

application The four-page grant application,

which can be found on the

www.searchfoundation.org website,

asks for basic information about

the crisis that has occurred, how its

affecting business and personal life,

current resources such as insurance,

and long-term plans. Applicants

are asked to provide supporting

documentation, such as images of

property damage or copies of medical

bills. Many of our applicants are not

insured or are underinsured, White

says. That can really be a game-

changer in escalating a crisis.

The process is simple and

confidential. Pride can be a

stumbling block for many people,

so I really want to stress that all

application information is kept

completely anonymous, White

says. The only person who sees

applicant names is our foundation

administrator, and she blacks out

all identifying information before

anyone on the board ever sees the

application. Committee members

read each application and then

complete evaluation sheets. Based

on the evidence presented and the

completeness of the application,

an average score of 1 to 100 is

determined, White explains. That

final score is the percentage of the

$5,000 maximum the applicant will

receive. The funds are available

throughout the year, and applicants

may reapply annually.

Should you apply? I want to urge those who are in

need to contact us, White says.

The foundation has also made

accommodation for those in a crisis

situation who might not have the

resources to complete an application.

If youre dealing with the aftermath

of a natural disaster, for example, you

dont have time to sit at the computer

and complete an application, she

says.Thats why we allow someone

else to apply for a person in need.

And if you know someone in trouble

who isnt reaching out, ask if you can

apply on their behalf. It might make a

big difference in their lives.

Putting the fun in

fundraising SEARCH Foundation plays an active

role at many industry gatherings,

conducting fun events that generate

donations and raise awareness of its

mission. In addition, many industry

professionals who are asked to speak

at conferences will donate their engagement fees and stipends directly to the foundation. We try to keep our overhead very low, so the more money we bring in, the more we can give away, White says. Our hope is that eventually well have a full endowment, which will ensure our existence for the future. Right now, thats still a goal to be achieved, so every little bit helps.

Their biggest fundraiser happens annually in January. This year, we brought back the format known as Cabaret, which was a fun chance for folks to submit their acts for approval and perform on the main stage, White says.Our event chair, Danny Bergold, really outdid himself, and the event raised nearly $40,000, White says.

Interested in helping?The 14-member, all-volunteer board of directors serves two-year terms, with elections held every year. Anyone who makes a living in the events industry is welcome to get involved, White says. If youre dedicated to giving back to our industry with your time and effort, we encourage you to consider volunteering. We would love to develop strong relationships with every event association, so those who need help know about us.

For more information, or to view a video of award recipients talking about the impact of a SEARCH Foundation grant, go to www.searchfoundation.org.

our hope is that eventually well

have a full endowment, which will

ensure our existence for the future.

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