For the first time in several years, Hope and Help of Central Florida's annual fundraising event, Headdress Ball, is effectively sold out weeks before the big night.
According to director of development Maggie King, 980 out of 990 seats are sold, leaving just a $5,000 table and single seats scattered over a few tables available.
“I can't remember the last time we sold out before the event,” she said. “It's certainly an unprecedented feat in this economy.”
King said their new event chairperson, Rob Domenico, has helped to attract a different crowd.
“Approximately 40% of the audience will be first time attendees,” she said.
Domenico has been a volunteer fundraiser for just two years.
“Even though I am only 35 years old, in middle management, not filthy rich nor connected to those who are, I am simple guy with a big heart and a big mouth with a lot of friends who allow me to stalk them for a greater good,” he said.
By “stalking,” Domenicao is referring to his use of social networking to advance his volunteer causes.
“Face Book has changed my life in so many ways,” he said. “It has reconnected me with friends and family members I was certain to never again hear from, provided me an avenue to come out of the closet with confidence to several people who knew me when I dated women and allowed me to give people a glimpse into my life in hopes of seeing we are all the same.”
Three years ago, Domenico had no connection to Hope and Help until he was asked, via Facebook, to join a friend's team for the organization's Orlando AIDS Walk. Domenico made emotional, educational posts requesting donations and found success beyond his imagination. The team went on to raise $18,000 for the event.
“When I started, I knew absolutely no one personally affected by HIV/AIDS, or so I thought,” he said. “Sadly, through becoming known as an advocate, many of my close friends have confided in me about their positive HIV status.”
Domenico said this made him “even more determined” to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. He moved up the ranks of Hope and Help when King asked him to serve as volunteer co-chairman for the organization's “2011 Seminole Stroll,” where he helped raise $66,000, more than doubling the event's goal of $30,000. That event's success led to his role as Headdress Ball chairperson.
“[Domenico's] a natural, totally gets it, and volunteers for all the right reasons,” King said. “It's obvious he genuinely cares and is very passionate about the cause.”
This year's Headdress Ball theme is “Under the Big Top.” Domenico said there is a partnership with Ringling Brothers, who are making a $650,000 in-kind donation resulting in a visual spectacle of more than 150 costume changes. Also fresh to this year's event is a new technology called Bid Pal which will allow guests to be interactive throughout the event from bidding on silent auctions to voting for their favorite Headdress in the all new “People’s Choice” category.
On the volunteer side, Domenico put together a team of 10 handpicked “Super Volunteers” chosen for their competitive personality and commitment to the cause. At a wine and cheese mixer at his home, he and King challenged them them to collectively raise $30,000 by hosting their own fundraiser and soliciting private donations. So far, they've raised $32,000.
Domenico's goal is to make the event the most financially successful to date, which would mean surpassing the $301,000 raised by the event in 2006.
This year is the 22nd Headdress Ball, Sept. 17 at the Hilton Orlando. More information at www.headdressball.org.
