Event: An Evening in Good Taste (Annual Fundraiser)
Partners: CommuniKate Media, LLC (Marketing & Hospitality Expertise - Kate Schlientz)
ESP Creative (Event Production Expertise - David Milowitz)
Timeline: Three-Year Transformation (Approx. 2021-2024, based on achieving results by early 2025)
Challenge: To significantly increase revenue, elevate brand perception, and enhance the guest experience for Feeding Westchester’s primary fundraising event.
Results: Fundraising revenue skyrocketed from $280,000 to $552,000 in three years, transforming the sold-out event into Westchester’s premier food-focused philanthropic gathering.
Background:
Feeding Westchester, the largest hunger-relief organization in Westchester County, relied heavily on its annual fundraiser, “An Evening in Good Taste,” to support its critical mission. 1 While a valued event, there was a clear opportunity to expand its reach, impact, and financial return. The event, previously grossing $238,000, needed a strategic overhaul to attract a wider audience, secure more substantial sponsorships, and create a truly memorable experience that reflected the importance of the cause.
The Strategic Partnership: CommuniKate Media & ESP Creative
Feeding Westchester engaged the dual expertise of Kate Schlientz, founder of CommuniKate Media, LLC, renowned for her marketing acumen and event strategy, and David Milowitz, principal of ESP Creative, a leader in event production and experiential design. This powerhouse partnership was tasked with reimagining “An Evening in Good Taste” alongside the AEIGT event committee.
CASE STUDY: A Recipe for Fundraising Success ©2025, CommuniKate Media, LLC + ESP Creative
Production Excellence (ESP Creative): David Milowitz and ESP Creative brought their signature production expertise to ensure a flawless and impactful event. This included:
• Sophisticated Staging & Layout: Optimizing guest flow, vendor placement, and interactive element integration within Savor.
• Signage, Professional AV & Lighting: Creating an inviting atmosphere, partner signage, highlighting key presentations, and ensuring clear communication of Feeding Westchester’s mission.
Crafting an Experiential Journey (ESP Creative & CommuniKate Media):
Interactive Storytelling: A key innovation was the introduction of strategically placed interactive elements throughout the venue. These weren’t just for entertainment; they were designed to:
• Educate & Engage: Creatively inform guests about Feeding Westchester’s work, the realities of hunger in the community, and the impact of their contributions through digital displays, story stations, or immersive vignettes.
• Foster Connection: Encourage guests to connect more deeply with the mission.
• Enhance Guest Experience: Keep attendees engaged, moving, and create memorable touchpoints throughout the evening.
• Culinary Excellence as a Draw: By elevating the overall event, the team was able to attract a more prestigious lineup of high-end restaurants and chefs, making “An Evening in Good Taste” a true culinary destination and further justifying higher ticket prices and sponsorships.
• Positive Atmosphere: The combination of a beautiful venue, engaging content, seamless production, and a clear focus on the positive impact of donations cultivated an overwhelmingly positive and generous atmosphere among guests.
• The Results: A Resounding Success
The collaborative and strategic approach implemented by CommuniKate Media and ESP Creative yielded extraordinary results over three years:
• Revenue Growth: Event fundraising skyrocketed from $280,000 to $552,000, marking a remarkable 97% surge in revenue. and approximately $100,000 over the organization’s 2025 stretch goal
• Increased Sponsorship: Attracted higher-level, more engaged corporate and individual sponsors.
• Boosted Ticket Sales: Higher demand and willingness to pay premium ticket prices due to the elevated experience, allowing the organization to sell out the event to 650 attendees.
• Premier Restaurant Participation: Secured involvement from Westchester’s top culinary talent, enhancing the event’s prestige.
• Elevated Brand Perception: “An Evening in Good Taste” became recognized as Westchester’s leading food-focused philanthropic event.
• Enhanced Guest Experience: Feedback highlighted the improved venue, engaging interactive elements, and overall positive and impactful atmosphere.
Conclusion:
The transformation of Feeding Westchester’s “An Evening in Good Taste” is a testament to the power of strategic partnership and a holistic approach to event marketing and production. By combining CommuniKate Media’s marketing and event strategy expertise with ESP Creative’s production prowess, they didn’t just change a venue or update a logo; they helped guide the organization to reimagine the event. The focus on creating an experiential journey for guests, effectively communicating the mission, and ensuring flawless execution turned a standard fundraiser into a must-attend, high-impact philanthropic celebration, ultimately enabling Feeding Westchester to significantly expand its ability to serve the community. This case study demonstrates how a clear vision, coupled with expert execution, can achieve remarkable results.
