Turning a Setback Into a Success — Friends of Youth Virtual Fundraiser

When Friends of Youth had to cancel their 15th annual Celebration of Youth luncheon just three days before the event due to COVID-19, they turned to Extra Mile Marketing for a fast and effective pivot. What could have been a major fundraising loss became a record-breaking GiveBIG campaign—thanks to quick thinking, creative problem-solving, and the power of digital storytelling.

How We Helped: A Virtual Event in Just Days

From Luncheon to Livestream
We helped Friends of Youth transition their biggest annual fundraiser to a Facebook Live event, complete with:

• A pre-filmed keynote conversation between former Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin and KOMO 4’s Molly Shen

• A promotional video featuring a heartfelt message from Friends of Youth CEO Paul Lwali

• Social and email campaigns to drive attendance and donations

Agile Production Under Pressure
In just a few days, EMM coordinated logistics, produced content, and ran promotion efforts to ensure the event not only happened—but landed with impact. We also acted as the production team on the day of the event, helping deliver a smooth and inspiring livestream experience.

Repurposed Content, Renewed Results
We didn’t stop with the livestream. Our team repurposed video footage from the event to support a month-long GiveBIG campaign, including testimonials from board members and community leaders. The result? $28,000 raised—the most Friends of Youth had ever generated from GiveBIG.

The Outcome? A Win for Vulnerable Youth

Thanks to the success of the virtual event and follow-up campaign, Friends of Youth was able to recoup lost revenue and continue delivering vital services to youth in King County—especially during a time of heightened need. From shelter and substance abuse programs to therapeutic foster care, Friends of Youth is a lifeline for many—and EMM was proud to help amplify their mission when it mattered most.