Strategic Plan: JA World Uncorked!
Uncorked A-Z: In 2009, the Circle of Wise Women were founded and decided to create a signature event that would aim to raise $100,000 net annually for Junior Achievement of South Florida. Planning for the Circle of Wise Women‘s signature event starts in May of each year for the January event. QPQ meets with the dynamic team at Junior Achievement — Diana Metcalf and Elizabeth Morrall — to set the strategy for a successful affair. We do several projects, this signature event raises about $100,000.00 net for Junior Achievement. To date (from 2009) the Circle has raised over $750.000.00
The Circle decided to use the education platform from JA combined with an event that would show off the 60,000 square foot facility known as JA World Huizenga Center. We had a commitment from Southern Wine and Spirits for an in-kind donation providing world class wine and spirits. We decided to do a “Fork & Cork” Affair, focusing on culinary education (JA World has their own state of the art Catering Kitchen). We brought together Chefs, Caterers and other culinary organizations to present the event. We just completed year three of a five year plan. This past year it was critical to brand the event and create a lasting impression for our guests and supporters. The major fundraiser for the Circle, it was important to focus on partnering and messaging.
Simply stated, we assembled a lean and mean team and made it so! We are a not for profit event, supported by volunteers and sponsors. All our efforts benefit the educational programs at Junior Achievement of South Florida.
The four hour event is a Fork & Cork Affair… a culinary experience. The focus, like JA World itself, is on education — achieved by selecting entrepreneurial partners like the International Culinary School at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, ARC Culinary Institute, Publix Apron’s Cooking School and Catering, Fresh Beer at Brown Distributing and local Chefs like Paula DaSilva of 1500 Degrees, Mike Saperstein of Rebel House, Asher Roebuck of Timpanos and Hugh at Hugh’s Culinary. Year one, we had a Moulin Rouge theme and year two a Speakeasy theme. For years 4/5, we are creating an Uncorked Leadership Team led by QuinnProQuo, Chef Jack Kane of the Culinary Institute at Ai FTL, Executive Chef Paula DaSilva, 1500 Degrees and Chef Wes Bonner at Publix Apron‘s Cooking School & Catering.
Lorraine Thomas, Diáne Johnson, JM Lexus, Publix, Lifestyle Publications and other key sponsors partners have signed on for this indoor culinary adventure to ensure that our four hour multifaceted event will please all. We combine a Wine & Food event, with Craft Beers & Burger Bites (we preview Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale’s Burger Battle), a decadent Dessert Bash and party atmosphere led by the Edge Band. We state that you as the guest can create your own experience! Clean Plate Charlie hosts our JA World Uncorked Awards.
We created TEAM>>Uncorked!, a talented group of local media partners that worked together to spread the word via print, television, radio and social media. This team worked for six months — behind the scenes — to create BUZZ and promote our Uncorked! partners. We created a focal point, a dedicated website to showcase the event, our sponsors and partners and our cause… Junior Achievement of South Florida. This key strategy distinguishes our event from others, as we truly give value back to our partners via on going marketing and promotion.
.
