Monroe Community College Foundation

Monroe Community College Foundation was established in 1983, giving private donors a way to support student success and program excellence. MCC’s donors understand the value of a high-quality education, need for that education to be accessible in our community and importance of a well-trained workforce for our local economy.

MCCF’s mission is to ensure every student has access to education. And a major item on the foundation’s calendar is its annual Gold Star Gala, a larger-than-life event that raises money specifically to support MCC scholarships. The foundation has partnered with DS+CO since 2014 to create an annual night of entertainment, record turnout and deep generosity. The event needs to solicit sponsorships and corporate donations—so stunning creative and hands-on appeal are top of mind.

Each member of the Gold Star Gala’s highly sought-after target audience receives dozens of invitations each year from various philanthropic organizations. So DS+CO needs to create signature themed campaign concepts that cut through the noise, excite the target audience and influence them to contribute to MCC’s scholarship program. In 2020, DS+CO had an additional goal: help MCCF navigate a canceled in-person gala during COVID-19 while enticing the area’s most generous philanthropists to attend a virtual big-ticket fundraising event.

DS+CO and MCCF collaborated on an engaging creative campaign concept to capture the attention of potential donors. The creative team drew inspiration from Moroccan culture—known for its unique influence as a melting pot of different people, ideas, languages and religions. The theme was carried through digital and print creative leading up to the online gala. That night, donors were immersed in a modern Moroccan oasis as they gathered virtually, and a welcome video and Moroccan-themed cocktail recipe greeted them when they signed on to support student success in a jet-set nightclub. DS+CO managed and guided the virtual event behind the scenes, ensuring a seamless experience for both the hosts and guests.

Together, DS+CO and MCCF successfully pulled off a last-minute switch to a virtual gala and raised $220,000 (net) during 2020’s online cocktail hour and scholarship call. The funds raised directly support MCC student scholarships, creating new opportunities for our community’s brightest and setting them up for success.