Benefitting The Red & Black

The past few weeks have been a trying time for The Red & Black. After the resignation of its Editor in Chief then yesterday’s cancellation of renowned Taco Stand night, it appears our beloved newspaper needs a little positive uplift.

I think I have an idea. What if we hosted the first-ever Red & Black benefit gala?

Here’s what I’m thinking. In spring of 2011, after midterms and before The Red & Black banquet, we put on an event in Athens. All proceeds will benefit The Red & Black. The funds raised from the benefit could be used to upgrade technology (cameras, computers, hell maybe even iPads) whatever Harry sees fit to spend the money on.

After spending a few years in the Atlanta social scene one thing I’ve learned is nothing brings people closer together than attending an awesome party for a great cause. I can’t imagine a more worthy cause than the amazing newspaper we were privileged to work for and investing in resources for The Red & Black’s current and future student staffers.

This event would be open to any person who wants to support The Red & Black: former staffers (from every department), UGA faculty and staff, or any Bulldog alumni who wants to attend a fabulous event in Athens to support The Red & Black.

What do we need to do?

-          Decide on a date. I’m thinking a Saturday night would work best to allow everyone to come into town and not have to miss work. Perhaps a Saturday in late March or early April?

-          Choose a place. Personally, I’m over going to events at The Classic Center because the food is awful and my vodka-soda is never as strong as I need it to be. Maybe we could rent out East West Bistro or Basil Press. There’s also the historic Hardeman House on Milledge Avenue. Any other ideas?

-          Determine a price point that covers the overhead for the event (with really great food and open bar) which allows the maximum dollar amount to be given back to The Red & Black. Would $75 per person be reasonable?

-          Attire: how does cocktail or formal business appeal to everyone? Would we want to upgrade and make it black tie? We never had an opportunity in college for everyone at The Red & Black to really dress up.  Thoughts?

-          Reserve a block of hotel rooms for those coming in from outside Athens (because hell no I’m not driving home after this party!)

-          Design a marketing campaign to promote interest in attending the first ever benefit for The Red & Black. I’m not savvy in graphic design so would someone be willing to work on this project? All materials would be owned by that person and could be used for their portfolio. Maybe we could even work with the Grady College to distribute the campaign to its alumni database?

After reading through everything, would you please give this idea some thought and let me know your 5 W’s and an H for a potential benefit for The Red & Black?

When would work best for you?

Where would you like to have the event?

What would you like to wear?

Who do you think should be invited to attend?

Why would you want to attend a benefit for The Red & Black?

How would you like to be involved in this event (event planning, marketing, etc.)?

Thank you so much for reading this post. Together we can make it come to fruition and bring some positivity (and a little extra cash) to The Red & Black. I look forward to hearing everyone's ideas.