Your Event's Love Language

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is everywhere—cards, flowers, overpriced chocolate. But it’s also a good moment to ask an important question:

How does your event show love to its guests?

Every fundraiser communicates love in different ways. Some are bold and emotional. Others are quiet and thoughtful. And some try to do everything at once and end up sending mixed signals.

Thinking about your event’s “love language” is a surprisingly helpful way to clarify how you connect with guests and how you inspire them to give. 

Quality Time

Events that lead with quality time tend to be more intentional—and often more intimate. These are the fundraisers that choose depth over scale and connection over spectacle.

This looks like:

• A smaller guest list that allows for genuine, one-on-one conversations with donors

• Minimal (or no) games, auctions, or distractions pulling attention away from the mission

• A simple, focused program designed to spark dialogue rather than rush through content

• Hosting the event in your own space (your office, clinic, school, or program site) where guests can truly experience your work firsthand

For example, the Museum of History and Industry hosts their annual fundraiser in their museum. There is nothing more impactful than looking around seeing the mission lived out in real time.

Events that focus on quality time emphasize slowing down, being present, and creating space for meaningful engagement between donors, staff, and the community you serve.

Words of Affirmation

Events that lead with words of affirmation focus on making people feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated—not just during the program, but long after the room has cleared.

This often shows up as:

• Powerful storytelling during the event, especially testimonials from people directly impacted by the mission

• Meaningful thank-you messages after the event that show exactly what their contribution accomplished

• Ongoing touchpoints throughout the year that continue the story: updates, milestones, progress, and reminders that their giving is still at work

• Consistent language of gratitude that reinforces donors as partners in the mission, not just attendees or check-writers

  
  

Words of affirmation–driven events don’t treat the fundraiser as the finish line. They treat it as the beginning of a longer conversation.

Acts of Service

Acts of service–driven events show care through how well they’re planned and how easy they are to participate in. Nothing feels accidental. Nothing feels confusing. Guests feel supported every step of the way.

This might include: 

• Clear, proactive communication before the event with easy-to-find details, clear timelines, parking instructions, dress expectations, and a sense of what the evening will actually feel like

• Accessible venues and inclusive programming, from physical accessibility and ASL or CART services to thoughtful seating and mocktail options

• A smooth arrival experience with a simple check-in, friendly volunteers who know what’s going on, and signage that actually helps and doesn’t overwhelm the guests

  
  

Acts of service events quietly say, “We thought about you.” Guests don’t have to work to understand the event, navigate the space, or figure out how to engage.

Gift Giving

Gift-driven events show care through thoughtful, intentional choices. Each gift or auction item reinforces your mission and enhances the guest experience—nothing feels random, and everything has purpose.

This can look like:

• A curated, smaller auction instead of an overcrowded one

• Items or experiences that align directly with your organization’s values or impact

• Unique opportunities for guests to engage with your mission, like behind-the-scenes tours or special program experiences

• Thoughtful presentation—avoiding filler items or generic gift cards that distract from the story of your work

• A mission-driven takeaway for guests:

  • At the Community Homes Breakfast, guests were asked to write on the coffee mug that was at their seat. They needed to fill in the blank “Home is ________”.

When guests took the mugs home, they were reminded after the event of how impactful the organization is in the community.

Guests aren’t overwhelmed by cluttered tables or irrelevant prizes—they see the value, engage more fully, and leave with a stronger connection to your mission. It’s about quality over quantity, and making every “gift moment” count.

So… What’s Your Event’s Love Language?

The most memorable fundraisers intentionally show care in different ways, blending multiple “love languages” to create a richer guest experience. For example, a small, intimate program can emphasize quality time, while testimonials and storytelling highlight words of affirmation, and thoughtful accessibility features showcase acts of service.

When your event intentionally blends these approaches, every decision feels aligned with your mission. Guests leave feeling seen, supported, and connected—and that connection drives engagement and giving.

Are you curious about how to bring your event’s love language to life? Schedule a consultation or check out our Services page to see how GFS Events can help you create meaningful, mission-driven experiences.

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