Aug
10
2009
Just as many nonprofits had hoped, Twestival, the first Twitter-based fundraiser that raised $250,000 for charity:water in one day, is back. It's no surprise that in this economy, nonprofits are intrigued by this impressively lucrative example of social media fundraising, not to mention the equally important buzz created around Twestival that has provided tons of publicity for charity:water. All of the tweets, blog posts, Flickr photos and Facebook wall posts about Twestival started a trail that eventually led back to charity:water. In addition, the organization has since been featured in the New York Times Magazine, CNN, People and a host of other news outlets.
When the last Twestival was announced, I had only recently joined Twitter. My Case Foundation colleague, Stephanie, and I decided to check out Twestival DC, had a great time and posted our debrief on this blog. The next iteration of Twestival will be a little different, in that each participating city, while still holding Tweetup fundraisers at the same time (or at least over the same weekend), will choose a beneficiary that directly serves their community. I volunteered to help out with the DC Twestival Local which will be held on September 10th at Midtown Loft - mark your calendars, Washingtonians.
With only about a month between the announcement of the first cities participating in Twestival and the Tweetups in February, the event drew more than 10,000 participants. Given that this time around the conditions are arguably better - including a greater lead time, the potential for increased excitement in each community because of the local benefit and the growth of Twitter since the first event was held. (The exact numbers are difficult to find, but Twitter is believed to have about 23 million users today, up from less than 10 million at the beginning of the year).
As the Twestival Twitter account pointed out, DC was one of the first cities to choose our beneficiary, Miriam’s Kitchen, which provides meals and support services to some of the city’s more than 6,000 homeless. We were thrilled to see that Miriam's Kitchen is already experimenting with social media, maintaining an active Twitter account and giving an image of a day at Miriam's Kitchen through a video on YouTube. In addition to organizing a fun event for good, we are planning to help the nonprofit with their overall social media strategy so the Twestival will have an impact beyond the money we are able to raise. Tickets for the event are available now.
To learn more about Twestival Local, whether your city is registered, and how you can get involved, visit the Twestival site.
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