Host a Gala or Benefit
Organizing a gala or benefit evening is an incredibly rewarding way to raise awareness about Dravet syndrome while supporting the research, programs, and resources funded by DSF. All it takes is your time, creativity, and a willingness to seek support. Hosting an event should not incur personal costs, and while planning a gala or benefit may require extra effort, the payoff is substantial, as these events typically generate significant funds. To make things easier for our hosts, our event coordinator is available to provide support and guidance throughout the planning process, and our staff will be on-site the night of the event to ensure everything runs smoothly.
There are a variety of events that can be designed for an adult evening out that can be tailored with both fun and fundraising to benefit DSF. There is no end to the possibilities, so you can turn your passions and interests into a unique fundraising event. Event hosts have held casino nights, galas, dances, and trivia events. In many cases, several families in a region have formed a planning committee for a larger event such as this to ease the workload.
You can become a changemaker for the Dravet syndrome community, raising both funds and awareness. By hosting an evening event for DSF, you gain access to:
- A customized event portal for event promotion and ticket sales
- Helpful resources such as event templates, letters, and sponsorship materials
- Assistance from our Event Coordinator, who will guide you through every step of your fundraising efforts
- DSF Staff who will attend and execute your event so you can also enjoy the evening
- Branded DSF materials, brochures, and signage for your event
You can learn more about hosting a gala or benefit evening by reading through our planning guidebook.
Email us to get started!
Signature Gala – City Bash
Our signature gala, City Bash, is held annually in a major city, rotating to a different location each year across the country.
In 2024, our signature gala was A Night Under the Stars in San Francisco where we brought together our community to honor our Dravet stars!
Dance for Dravet
An annual fundraising event organized by the Brennan and Odlaug families to raise funds for DSF in honor of family member, Anna Odlaug.
Held at the Third Degree Glass Factory in St. Louis, Missouri, the event included music, silent and live auctions, cocktails, dinner, and a program.
Casino Night Fundraiser
To help Dravet families come together and host a fun event, DSF has developed a simple program for a Casino Night Fundraiser.
The event includes casino games, dinner, drinks, raffles, and more. It’s a great chance for adults to enjoy a night out while supporting a cause close to their hearts.
Initially, the idea of co-chairing an event for DSF felt quite daunting. However, the DSF team truly exceeded our expectations with their guidance and support. They handled everything from reaching out to various venues to securing contracts and vendors, making it possible for us to focus on the event. On the day itself, we were able to relax and enjoy the festivities while they ensured everything ran smoothly. I’m excited about the opportunity to co-chair another event this year!
Kirsten Coombe (A Night Under the Stars)
The staff at DSF are truly outstanding and deeply passionate about finding a cure for this devastating disease. Their dedication and expertise were evident every step of the way as they supported us in organizing our annual event. Thanks to their capable and responsive team, the event was a resounding success. Their administrative support and unwavering commitment to the cause made all the difference, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership
Jim Brennan (Dance for Dravet)
We had the privilege of working with DSF and I cannot recommend their fundraising team enough! Their professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail turned what could have been a stressful event into a seamless and memorable experience. From the initial planning stages to the night of the event, their team provided exceptional support. I highly recommend having an event in your area because the impact every single event has is making a difference in our Dravet warriors lives!
Jen & Mike Shaughnessy (Double Down for Dravet)