For Bellevue LifeSpring, our table captains are not only the key to ensuring a successful luncheon, but they are the people, the stories, and the hearts behind our organization. They are the individuals that step up on behalf of Bellevue’s children and inspire others to do the same.
The support of table captains is critical to achieving our goal of ensuring that Bellevue children from low-income families have their basic needs met so that they can graduate at the same rate as their peers.
Karin Dashen, a longtime circle member, volunteer, and past luncheon chair, said it best, “Table captains are the backbone of the luncheon. They drive attendance, and without them, Bellevue LifeSpring would be unable to spread the message of what it does for the community.”
Here are five tips on filling a table for this year’s Step Up to the Plate Benefit Luncheon:
Share Your “Why” — Sharing your own passion for supporting Bellevue LifeSpring, and Bellevue children has the power to inspire others to step up and show their support. Together we can build pathways to success for thousands of Bellevue children in need. What’s your reason for stepping up to the plate this year?
Share the Need — With Bellevue being one of the wealthiest cities in the nation, many people don’t realize that there are children and families at risk of experiencing hunger or homelessness right here in our community. The truth is one in five Bellevue students is currently enrolled in the free and reduced-price meal program at their school. This means that nearly 4,000 children in our community are experiencing food insecurity — the highest number of students in eight years.
For table captain Elise Lee, she finds it essential to share with her potential guests what’s happening in the community and how Bellevue LifeSpring is helping. “Yes, there are homeless children attending the Bellevue School District. There are students in need who lack basic needs such as food, shelter, and care. Gathering the support from the community will help these children have love, care, and more!”
Share the Impact — Every individual at every table plays a vital role in the luncheon’s success and Bellevue LifeSpring’s ability to serve children and families in need. Make sure to share with your network that the suggested donation of $300 provides 120 meals for Bellevue children, and a Champion donation of $1,000 provides 400 meals! Your table’s collective impact will help ensure thousands of children do not have to endure the traumas of experiencing hunger.
As Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create my ripples.”
Share the Social Aspect of the Luncheon — Our luncheon brings together Bellevue neighbors, colleagues, business leaders, philanthropists, and more. One of the most powerful parts of the luncheon is being part of the momentum of a community joining together to build a better Bellevue for our children.
Invite, Invite, and Invite — To fill a table of 10, you should aim at inviting 20 to 25 people. If you end up with more than nine guests, that’s fantastic! You can fill more than one table, and we will work with you on seating. Don’t forget to make your invitation personal. Extending a personal invitation lets the person know you are invested in their attendance. If you start with an email, consider following up with a phone call.
The commitment that each Table Captain brings to our luncheon is tremendously appreciated. Thank you to all community members who are stepping up for Bellevue kids for our 2022 Step Up to the Plate Benefit Luncheon!
Not yet registered as a table captain, but this article piqued your interest in becoming one? That’s great news! Email Kris at Kris@BellevueLifeSpring.org to get started today.
