Brown Eyed Girl Productions: A Different Kind of Baby Shower

{http://www.frameyourday.cceasy.com}

I was interviewing for a job at a local hospital last week {for a major donor and stewardship position in the development department}. During our conversation, one of the team members asked me what kind of things I would do to engage new major donors. {New major donors are those in their late 30's and early 40's who are starting to make donations of $1,000 more a year and may have the potential to grow into larger donors over time.}

One idea I presented was to ask these donors to host a "Baby Shower". Just like a "House Party," the host would open their home and invite friends and family to learn more about the hospital and to make a contribution. This particular hospital is in the process of raising funds to build a new, state-of-the-art birthing center, so this seems like a perfect match!

{Invitations} The Hospital and Hostess would work together to create a guest list and create an invitation. Because this could be a series of "Baby Showers", it would be a smart idea to work with a graphic designer to create an invitation that could be personalized for the hospital and printed in bulk. Then, for each party, we could hand write {or run through the printer} the specifics for the party.

{Games} Instead of playing your typical games {which I like}, you can play trivia games with facts about the hospital, the birthing center, and how many people will be helped by the program. It would be at this time that the hostess would make her gift to the hospital and ask her guests to do the same. I also think it would be important to have an OBGYN Doctor and/or other hospital staff present in order to answer any questions that may arise.

{Cake} THE BEST PART! I think it would be important to engage a local bakery to donate a cake for the party. As the centerpiece of the celebration, you really need something that will stand out.

{Baby "Gifts"} The hostess should ask guests to bring a small gift to be included in a layette that will be given to new mothers after they have given birth at the hospital. Gift ideas might include onesies, bibs, socks, hats, sleeping gowns, receiving blankets, baby lotion, baby shampoo, and diapers.

{Hostess Presents} I love this part of the party too! There are lots of cute ideas out there, but here is one that the hospital could have volunteers make in bulk.

~~} Baby Food Jars Filled With a Trio of Hand Lotion, Facial Moisturizer, and Bath Salts. To keep the theme of the party, I would have the graphic designer create a custom label that matches the invitations and can be placed on each jar.

Here are some images that I think would make a lovely party!