United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States chose a new style of fundraiser/community awareness opportunity this year, bringing Over The Edge to Hotel Julien Dubuque later this month. “We are thrilled to be working with the staff at Hotel Julien Dubuque,” expressed Danielle Peterson, President/CEO of the organization. Hotel Julien is a historical hub in downtown Dubuque. Opening in 1839 as the Waples House, this location has hosted travelers from near and far, including Abraham Lincoln, “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and Mark Twain, in the last180 years. “This building is incredible,” said Peterson. “There is no place better to create an action-packed, community-wide celebration to help support our local United Way.”
Supporting 36 local programs, all impacting health, eduction, and income/financial stability, United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-State was happy to partner with a community business who’s ownership feels strongly about the importance of giving back to the community. The process began with a fairly aggressive vetting process of potential buildings in Dubuque. “Our Grand Dame of a hotel fit the profile of the type of building which can host such an event,” shared Dwight Hopfauf, General Manager, Hotel Julien Dubuque. “Preliminary efforts [included] getting city approvals for street closures, sign ups of ‘edgers,’ and training for the day-of activities.” This is a true partnership, with United Way staff and leadership handling much of the leg-work and Over The Edge staff arriving days prior to the event to set up equipment and secure spaces to create perfect safety for everyone involved.
Supporting 36 local programs, all impacting health, eduction, and income/financial stability, United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-State was happy to partner with a community business who’s ownership feels strongly about the importance of giving back to the community. The process began with a fairly aggressive vetting process of potential buildings in Dubuque. “Our Grand Dame of a hotel fit the profile of the type of building which can host such an event,” shared Dwight Hopfauf, General Manager, Hotel Julien Dubuque. “Preliminary efforts [included] getting city approvals for street closures, sign ups of ‘edgers,’ and training for the day-of activities.” This is a true partnership, with United Way staff and leadership handling much of the leg-work and Over The Edge staff arriving days prior to the event to set up equipment and secure spaces to create perfect safety for everyone involved.
Hotel Julien Dubuque gives back in many ways throughout the year, “Whether by buying local, [having] managers participate in roles for non-profit organizations, providing services and/or room night donations, or supporting events by attending the many fundraising type of events which take place,” stated Hopfauf. “A fun example… last November a group of the male staff and managers conducted a No Shave November Penny War which raised over $1,500 for cancer prevention. The male who raised the fewest pennies suffered a chest hair wax removal service in our Potosa Spa.” It is all in team camaraderie and fun.
Community organizations have a strong ally in the team at Hotel Julien Dubuque. Executive Chef Jason Culberson and Caroline’s Restaurant Manager Fiona Howard often tag-team on creating gourmet food and wine dinners which are donated as auction items for local non-profit fundraising events. “We host Community Nights in Caroline’s for the Avery Foundation (www.averyfndtn.org) and the local Dubuque School District where a portion of sales is donated toward those charities’ causes,” Hopfauf said. “As we hear of a need at the Dubuque Rescue Mission, we provide toiletries, linens, pillows, or clothing. [And] our 12 Days of Hotel Julien Dubuque Christmas has a number of events which are hosted to raise either toy donations for Toys For Tots, canned food donations for local food pantries, or monies for the local college to support students’ needs.”
As a meeting and event planner, partnering with a local United Way is a great CSR opportunity. Hosting your own Over The Edge event is a fun way to engage attendees and sponsors in doing something new and different, with added adrenaline. Anyone who raises $1,000 is able to rappel, or your group could ‘Toss The Boss,’ ‘Throw the CEO,’ or any other fun name you would like to give nominating an organization leader to rappel. Once your group raises the $1,000 minimum the nominated party will be rappelling, unless they are able to match the contribution, in which case they can choose someone else to go Over The Edge in their place. Talk about a fun competition between departments or other subgroups within your event.
For this June’s Over The Edge event, “there has been some discussion of making it a ‘Toss The Boss’ campaign,” laughed Hopfauf, as the hotel team works to raise as much money as they can and continue to ‘knock on wood’ for terrific weather.
To learn more about this event and Hotel Julien Dubuque, go to www.HotelJulienDubuque.com/Event/Over-The-Edge-Dubuque
Do you know a hospitality venue making a difference in their community? Nominate them to be spotlighted in Midwest Meetings® magazine by emailing Editor@MidwestMeetings.com.
Community organizations have a strong ally in the team at Hotel Julien Dubuque. Executive Chef Jason Culberson and Caroline’s Restaurant Manager Fiona Howard often tag-team on creating gourmet food and wine dinners which are donated as auction items for local non-profit fundraising events. “We host Community Nights in Caroline’s for the Avery Foundation (www.averyfndtn.org) and the local Dubuque School District where a portion of sales is donated toward those charities’ causes,” Hopfauf said. “As we hear of a need at the Dubuque Rescue Mission, we provide toiletries, linens, pillows, or clothing. [And] our 12 Days of Hotel Julien Dubuque Christmas has a number of events which are hosted to raise either toy donations for Toys For Tots, canned food donations for local food pantries, or monies for the local college to support students’ needs.”
As a meeting and event planner, partnering with a local United Way is a great CSR opportunity. Hosting your own Over The Edge event is a fun way to engage attendees and sponsors in doing something new and different, with added adrenaline. Anyone who raises $1,000 is able to rappel, or your group could ‘Toss The Boss,’ ‘Throw the CEO,’ or any other fun name you would like to give nominating an organization leader to rappel. Once your group raises the $1,000 minimum the nominated party will be rappelling, unless they are able to match the contribution, in which case they can choose someone else to go Over The Edge in their place. Talk about a fun competition between departments or other subgroups within your event.
For this June’s Over The Edge event, “there has been some discussion of making it a ‘Toss The Boss’ campaign,” laughed Hopfauf, as the hotel team works to raise as much money as they can and continue to ‘knock on wood’ for terrific weather.
To learn more about this event and Hotel Julien Dubuque, go to www.HotelJulienDubuque.com/Event/Over-The-Edge-Dubuque
Do you know a hospitality venue making a difference in their community? Nominate them to be spotlighted in Midwest Meetings® magazine by emailing Editor@MidwestMeetings.com.
