Client: The Father’s Group

Project Scope: Full-scale event direction, fundraising strategy, brand development, and communications for a two-day regional Juneteenth festival

Goal:

• Establish and grow a large-scale Juneteenth celebration in Central Oregon

• Secure sponsorships and funding to support a $122,700 event budget

• Create a culturally grounded, inclusive experience that educates and celebrates Black history

• Drive attendance, community participation, and regional awareness

Stakes:
This event represented more than a festival; it was a cultural milestone for Central Oregon. The work required balancing celebration with historical education, while building trust, visibility, and long-term community infrastructure for BIPOC engagement.

As Event Director and lead strategist, I oversaw all aspects of planning, branding, fundraising, and execution for the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

This project required building both an event and an ecosystem—aligning multiple committees, sponsors, vendors, and community stakeholders under a shared vision.

Key elements of the strategy included:

• Integrated Leadership & Operations:
  Directed cross-functional teams spanning logistics, funding, programming, communications, and volunteers (120+ individuals)

• Brand & Theme Development:
  Created a vibrant, Carnivale-inspired identity rooted in liberation, culture, and celebration

• Fundraising & Sponsorship Strategy:
  Developed tiered sponsorship models and secured partnerships with organizations including the City of Bend, Ben & Jerry’s, and Sony PlayStation

• Multi-Channel Communications:
  Executed a comprehensive campaign across social media, print, PR, and community outreach

• Cultural Programming & Partnerships:
  Curated programming that blended entertainment with education, including a pop-up exhibit with the High Desert Museum

• End-to-End Event Execution:
  Managed permits, vendors, volunteers, entertainment, merchandise, and full event-day operations

The guiding principle was:
How do we create a space where celebration, history, and community connection coexist and grow?

• Over 3,5000 attendees across two days (projected growth from 1,000+ previous year)

• Managed $122,700 event budget and multi-tiered sponsorship program

• Engaged 120+ volunteers and 30+ BIPOC vendors

• Established Juneteenth as a recognized and supported regional celebration

• Strengthened community partnerships, including collaboration with the High Desert Museum

• Elevated visibility and participation in Black cultural and historical education in Central Oregon