The Motherhood Project’s inaugural fundraising gala, Meet Us at the Big Top, showcased how the right mix of mission, technology, and entertainment can elevate a nonprofit fundraising event. By leveraging Greater Giving software and creative donor engagement strategies, the organization delivered a high-energy experience that drove participation and impact.
About The Motherhood Project: Supporting Maternal Mental Health 
The Motherhood Project was founded to address a critical gap in postpartum mental health support—offering accessible, stigma-free resources for mothers and families.
Founder Alyssa Bagheri shares:
“I started The Motherhood Project after welcoming my two boys just 17 months apart. My experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage left me feeling like a shell of myself… That realization is what sparked this nonprofit and its mission: to hold space, offer practical support, and lift the weight of isolation that too many new moms carry.”
A Holistic Approach to Postpartum Care
Today, the organization focuses on more than awareness. It provides:
- Connections to affordable therapy and telehealth options
- Partnerships with doctors, doulas, and pediatricians
- Parenting tools, sleep support, and stress management resources
By integrating mental health into postpartum care, The Motherhood Project supports the entire family.
Meet Us at the Big Top: A Creative Fundraising Gala Experience
The gala embraced a circus-inspired theme that fused entertainment with purpose. Guests stepped into an immersive environment designed to inspire generosity and connection.
Why Themed Fundraising Events Work
Creative themes like Meet Us at the Big Top help:
- Increase guest engagement
- Encourage participation in fundraising activities
- Create memorable donor experiences
How Greater Giving Software Elevated the Event
Using Greater Giving’s fundraising technology, The Motherhood Project streamlined logistics and maximized donations.
Seamless Guest Check-In
Efficient event check-in reduced wait times and ensured a smooth guest arrival experience, setting a positive tone from the start.
Mobile Bidding Boosted Participation
Mobile bidding allowed attendees to:
- Browse auction items in real time
- Place bids from anywhere in the venue
- Stay engaged throughout the event
This convenience significantly increased auction activity and donor involvement.
High-Energy Fundraising: Heads or Tails Game Success
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the Heads or Tails game—an interactive fundraising activity that energized the crowd.
Light-Up Bracelets Created a Visual Experience
Guests purchased glowing bracelets to participate, transforming the room into a dynamic, high-energy spectacle while raising additional funds.
Featured Auction Package: Newport Beach Getaway
The grand prize—a sought-after getaway to Newport Beach from Auction Packages—added excitement and urgency, encouraging more guests to join in.
Blending Entertainment and Impact for Fundraising Success
The Motherhood Project demonstrated how combining storytelling, technology, and interactive elements can drive stronger fundraising results.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Event Planning
- Use mobile bidding to increase auction participation
- Simplify check-in for better guest experiences
- Incorporate interactive games to boost donations
- Align event themes with your mission for deeper impact
The Future of Fundraising Events
The success of Meet Us at the Big Top highlights a growing trend: donors want engaging, meaningful experiences, not just transactions.
By pairing a powerful mission with innovative tools like Greater Giving, nonprofits can create events that not only raise funds but also build lasting community connections.
