The Fundraising Event Co.

Name: The Fundraising Event Co.
Address: 830 NE Holladay Street, Portland, OR, 97232, US
Telephone: +15038946002

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The Fundraising Event Co.

The Fundraising Event Co specializes in nonprofit fundraising events. Our expert team creates transformative hybrid, virtual, and in-person experiences.

We are strategists, storytellers, and advocates dedicated to building community and amplifying voices.

08/27/2026

🎨 MEET MATTHEW, OUR EVENT PLANNER + PROJECT MANAGER 🎭

"As an Event Planner and Project Manager for The Fundraising Event Co., I thrive on bringing organizations’ stories to life through thoughtful, mission-driven design.

But before I was setting the stage for others, I was the one on it. I studied theatre because there’s nothing quite like performing for a live audience—the energy, the connection, the way a moment can linger long after the curtain falls. I even went to clown school. Yes, you read that correctly. Clown school. No, not the balloon animals kind. Think Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball—the kind of humor that relies on movement, timing, and heart.

Over time, that love for performance transformed. Now, my passion is creating spaces where others can take center stage. Before I joined TFE Co., I’ve been a jewelry designer, empathy consultant, teacher, and Managing Director for a nonprofit. Weird resumé, I know. But it’s prepared me to bring the drama (the good kind!) to every event, no matter the scale. My unique background shapes how I approach design—I think about atmosphere, audience experience, and how small details can make a big impact. I believe minimalism infused with intention and empathy can leave a lasting impression.

Originally from Chicago, I now spend my time making jewelry, running, photographing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and finding inspiration in small everyday moments. At my core, I believe design is a collaboration—an invitation for creativity. We are all artists.

Let’s work together to make your next event an unforgettable experience, one that lingers in your guests’ minds long after the curtain falls."

Catch the link in our bio to connect!

08/26/2026

🎤 MEET JENNA, OUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR 📝

"I was born with a furrowed brow.

A skeptic full of questions.

Honestly, not much has changed. ☺️

California was home until I was uprooted at age ten to live in Salt Lake City, Utah, far from the beach or diversity. Once I earned my Associate’s degree, I moved to San Francisco to see if I could adult in one of the most expensive cities in the world. That’s where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (code for “loves to write, wants to study everything”) from the California Institute of Integral Studies and set off on a career path aligned with social justice.

Since then, I have worked with various nonprofits and served on numerous boards. I have shared the stage with activists at the 2018 Makers Conference, visited DC to advocate for living wages in the restaurant industry, and performed in a Missy Elliott dance workshop at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Now, I’m in Portland, Oregon, where I channel all my question-asking into helping nonprofits tell their stories. Every day, I get to be creative and collaborative to elevate the stories our society needs to hear the most. It’s a dream.

When I’m not questioning everything, I’m a dog mom (and soon-to-be mom to a tiny human!) married to the man of my dreams, living in an infinite home renovation time loop. On weekends, you can find me doing something that involves Orangetheory, food, and friends.

Let’s talk about the stories you want to share with the world!"

Head to our bio now to chat!

08/25/2026

🤜🏼 MEET RYAN, OUR VP OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT + CLIENT RELATIONS 🚵🏼

"I’ll never be one to brag, but since you asked…yeah, I’m the guy sweating behind the scenes at every event, making sure nothing catches fire—literally or figuratively.

As VP of Client Relations and Project Management at The Fundraising Event Co., my job is simple: Make things easier for our clients so they can focus on changing the world.

I’ve been in the throes of fundraising events for years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you have to plan for the best and anticipate the worst. At events, anything can happen—but that’s where I thrive. I love solving problems before they become problems, stretching budgets without sacrificing impact, and keeping things moving so our clients can breathe.

As a coach at heart—from Penn and Rice University to the University of Portland—I love seeing potential actualized, both personal and in our clients’ events.

I love seeing partners raise more than they ever thought possible, and I can’t contain my enthusiasm when working together becomes a true partnership—that’s when the magic happens!

Whether I’m hauling gear, calming nerves, or crunching numbers, I’m all in.

And yeah, I’ll probably deflect any credit (it’s a reflex). But at the end of the day, if our clients feel supported, if their mission shines, and if we’ve made fundraising actually fun, then I know we did something well.

I’d love to hear goals for your next event—let’s connect!"

Hit that link in our bio to chat.

08/24/2026

🌟 MEET OUR CEO, MARY 🌟

"I’ve been creating experiences for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I wasn’t just playing—I was building worlds. I ran my own 'bank' (with actual customers!), set up museums in my basement, and found endless joy in turning ideas into reality.

But did I think I’d end up as a CEO? Nope. Growing up, I thought my path was to be a stay-at-home mom. And for a while, that’s exactly what I did. But when life took a different turn, I had to start fresh.

A friend gave me a shot as a part-time administrative assistant at her event planning company, and I dove in headfirst. Over the years, I worked every job in the company, learning the ins and outs of event production, fundraising, and strategy. Turns out, I had a knack for systems and organization, and I eventually became Director of Operations, overseeing teams, training new hires, and keeping everything running smoothly.

After 10 years at Swaim Strategies, I was given the chance to lead The Fundraising Event Co., a company dedicated to helping nonprofits create powerful, mission-driven events. It was a leap, but the right one. Now, I get to do what I love every day: help amazing organizations tell their stories, connect with donors, and raise the funds they need to change the world.

I thrive on bringing order to chaos, making sure events run like clockwork while keeping things fun and stress-free for our clients. We don’t just plan events; we help turn them into movements that inspire real change.

At the heart of it all, I believe in leading with kindness, collaboration, and authenticity. The event world can be intense, but I prioritize balance and well-being because when our team is at its best, we create incredible experiences for our clients.

As the fundraising world keeps evolving—whether in-person, hybrid, or virtual—I’m always looking for new ways to help nonprofits raise more, engage more, and make a bigger impact.

Let’s chat about the amazing event you want to create—I’d love to help make it happen! "

Check the link in our bio to learn more 💜

08/20/2026

👋🏽 MEET THE TEAM

Ever wonder what it takes to pull off an unforgettable event? It takes a team!

Creative storytelling, client partnerships, production know-how—we bring it all together to turn your big ideas into real impact.

Here's a closer look at the people behind the scenes:

🌟Chief Executive Officer - Mary Elizabeth (she/her)
(and yes, that’s her full name. First name, Mary. Last name, Elizabeth.)

Mary is the CEO of The Fundraising Event Co., and brings a “same team” energy to everything she does. She works alongside a small (but mighty!) crew to produce events that unite people, spark action, and drive impact.

🤜🏼 Vice President of Project Management + Client Relations - Ryan Goodwin (he/him)

Ryan is the tactical and strategic energy behind our work. He’s curious: he doubts, he recalibrates, he asks questions, he partners, he appreciates, he wonders. What gives him hope is that really, really good and just people are out in this world creating better communities where everyone belongs.

🎤 Creative Director - Jenna Watanabe (she/her)

Jenna designs all of our inspiring and empowering gala programs. Videos, speeches, scripts—she loves it all. But her purpose is elevating people and organizations doing good sh*t.

🎨 Event Planner + Project Manager - Matthew Kerrigan (he/him)

Matthew designs immersive event experiences by collaborating with clients and transforms spaces into reflections of their mission, ensuring every guest feels welcome and engaged. He believes creativity is for everyone, and his goal is to inspire others to see themselves as artists in their own right.

Need help planning your fundraising event? We now offer multiple support options, from full-service to day-of-event support and à la carte packages!

Learn more at the link in our bio or visit fundraisingeventco.com

08/18/2026

Tonight's the night—let's gather for social good on Rontom's back patio!

See ya at 5–7PM 💜

08/17/2026

Happy Birthday to our event planner, Matthew! ✨

If you’ve ever seen a client’s creative vision suddenly turn into a flawless reality, chances are Matthew was behind the scenes making it all happen. He's also such a great partner to our entire team and event vendors.

Matthew, thank you for bringing the energy, creativity, and fun to this work every day. We hope your year ahead is packed with as much joy and celebration as you bring to everyone else!

Drop some birthday love for Matthew in the comments 🥂

08/13/2026

We're honored to be a sponsor of GATHER: A Happy Hour for Social Good! 💛

If you work in or alongside the nonprofit sector, join us next week for a quarterly networking happy hour bringing together mission-driven professionals and nonprofit staff to build community.

📍 Rontoms (back patio)
📅 Tuesday, August 18
🕔 5–7PM

RSVP for FREE — link in bio!

Let's build a stronger sector, together.

08/03/2026

Spring 2026: A Season of Meaningful Impact 🌱

Together with our nonprofit partners, we helped raise nearly $2.7M this spring.

Here’s what we saw work:
✨ Authentic storytelling that inspires giving
⏱️ Guest experience upgrades (like cutting wait times from 30 min to 4!)
🤝 Matching gifts + smart timing
💛 Sponsorships rooted in real mission alignment
🌦️ Flexibility when the unexpected hits

Great fundraising happens when strategy, storytelling, logistics, and donor experience all come together.

Thank you to:
Centro Cultural
Bridges MS
Community Action of Hillsboro
DoveLewis
EOCF
Home Building Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation
oregonfoodbank
Portland Center Stage
Potlatch Fund
VOA Oregon
WorldOregon
YWCA Clark County

Planning your 2027 event? Let’s chat. link in bio.

07/09/2026

🎂 Happy birthday to Mary 🎂

As part ceo / part event expert / part cheerleader / part eternal optimist here are a few things Mary does better than anyone:

💜 Turns "I have no idea how to do this" into "Let’s figure this out"
💜 Shows up for the causes she believes in
💜 Works hard and still asks how YOUR day is going
💜 Makes "boss" feel like "biggest cheerleader"

And she's just a genuinely great leader who leads with heart.

Happy birthday, Mair! We're lucky to have you.

👇 Drop your favorite Mary moment below and help us celebrate her today.

Address

830 NE Holladay Street
Portland, OR
97232

Telephone

+15038946002

Website

https://www.fundraisingeventco.com/

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