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Bet Tzedek Raises $1.9 Million at Virtual Gala

Bet Tzedek, meaning House of Justice, is a Los Angeles based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal aid to those in need. Their impact stretches beyond the courtroom and includes educational and policy advocacy. With the onset of the pandemic, Bet Tzedek’s need has increased tenfold, and they have provided countless Covid-19 resources and clinics to help all those affected. The 2021 Virtual Gala was a celebration of their community – their donors, their staff, their clients and volunteers, and their resilience in the face of such a tough year. 

Prior to the start of the gala, we utilized the REMO platform as a cocktail reception for VIP members. Our team designed virtual floorplans to meet the unique needs of the event, and to highlight the generous sponsors. Guests were able to see virtual business cards of all those in attendance and could move through different floors, mingling at various virtual ballroom tables, just as one would at a live event. Additionally, a live fundraising thermometer was embedded in the site for members to see as donations came in, and a virtual journal acknowledging the pro bono volunteers and law firms was available for all to view. For entertainment, we designed a music lounge, where guests could sip on a cocktail and listen to soulful jazz tunes by Paul Loren. Once the gala started, VIP members remained in REMO to watch the event, and were able to engage via the chat function as it played out live. 

In addition to REMO, we utilized MobileCause software for both fundraising, and as a second broadcasting method. Individuals could either Text to Give – Justice21 to 41444 – or donate directly on the MobileCause site that we designed unique to Bet Tzedek. We also broadcasted the gala via Facebook Live, making the event accessible to any and every individual interested in attending. 

Regarding content, the Bet Tzedek 2021 Virtual Gala was structured as a 60-minute piece, seamlessly moving through stories of former clients, staff, volunteers, and more, and was tied together by emcee, actor and activist, Adam Rodriguez. TOAST remotely conducted interviews for pieces like Why I Give, Volunteers as Drivers, and Where Are They Now? In addition to video highlights, we created graphic content such as a heat map, which broke down the geographic impact of Bet Tzedek – from Los Angeles to the rest of the United States. Remarks were made by prominent political figures including Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, and the gala teased interviews we conducted with California Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar – paving the way for the gala’s conversation to live beyond just the evening of the event.

TOAST is proud to report that the Bet Tzedek 2021 Virtual Gala raised nearly $1.9 million. This will allow for the organization to continue with their incredible work in 2021, and will change the lives of thousands. We cherish our partnership with Bet Tzedek, and are so grateful to have been a part of this inspiring evening.

You can watch the Bet Tzedek 2021 Virtual Gala hereand become a supporter on the MobileCause site.

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