Night of a Thousand Dinners

We are excited to kick off the first Women’s Studio Workshop Night of a Thousand Dinners (NOTD), to be held on Thursday October 19, 2023, from 6 to 8 pm Eastern time.
NOTD is a one-night event during which thousands of people around the world host dinner parties to raise money for a shared cause–in this case, WSW. NOTD events started 20+ years ago as a grassroots effort to resolve the global landmine crisis, first championed by the United Nations Association of the USA which has benefitted from many millions raised worldwide. Many nonprofit organizations have embraced NOTD events as an alternative form of fundraiser that reaches a new and expanded group of supporters.
We are inviting our supporters to host a gathering at their homes in support of WSW. WSW will curate and share a program with both live and pre-recorded segments that will be presented during the event to stimulate conversation and giving.
What kind of gathering could you host? It can be elaborate or simple, and what you choose to offer is 100% up to you! Here are some ideas:
- Potluck Dinner
- Snacks and Sandwiches
- A Pizza Party
- Appetizers and Mocktails
- A Beer Tasting
- Catered Meal with Wine Pairing
- Home-Cooked Comfort Food
The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
We are looking forward to a fun and festive evening among WSW friends and supporters. If you’re interested in hosting, please contact Wanda Chin at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I going to be on screen?
Each host’s dinner room will be one of many participants during the Zoom meeting. All rooms will be on screen, but we will have many hosts so that your room will appear thumbnail size. You also have the choice to turn off the video.
What kind of technology or computer needs should I have?
Any device that can connect to the internet and has a camera function can be used to join the event.
What if I don’t know how to use Zoom, or am unable to host a party at the designated time?
Have your party anyway! We will send you a link to the pre-recorded program and you can press play and watch at your leisure. You can also call in on the phone and listen to the event.
Do I need to make a financial commitment?
As the host of the event, you are responsible for the costs of the meal. You may cook yourself, have it catered, or make it a potluck. What you choose to offer is 100% up to you. It can be elaborate or simple–a few pizza pies or a four-course dinner. You do not need to make a financial contribution beyond that.
Do I have to serve alcohol?
We plan on raising glasses and making a toast with beverages that can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic. Your beverage offerings are all up to you.
How much do I ask my guests to pay?
As the host, you will set the dollar amount, because you are the expert on your social circle’s capacity to donate and the tone of your dinner! Any contribution, from $15 per person to $250 per person, is appreciated and deeply felt.
How do my guests pay?
Guests can pay in cash or by check. If they pay you in cash, you can send us a check or money order for that amount. If they write checks, they should make them payable to WSW and you will collect all the checks and send them to us. You can also pay WSW via Paypal.
What information from each guest do I need to collect on behalf of WSW- -for acknowledgement?
WSW asks that you provide us the name, address, and an email address for each guest so that we can acknowledge them for their financial contribution. This acknowledgement letter can be used to prove their deductible donation for tax purposes.
Do I need to be involved in producing and participating in the program that WSW is creating and will be presenting?
We will be designing a program with both live and pre-recorded segments that will be on screen at various intervals throughout the evening. This program will let your guests know more about WSW, our mission, and the vital work that will be supported by their contribution. If you’d like to get involved, we invite you to record a short video on “Why I Love WSW”–contact Wanda for details! The program will play automatically, and the only thing you need to do is to remain signed into the Zoom meeting.