Even though you've perhaps stood in front of the crowd and said thank you, even though you've shaken hands, hugged, patted backs, and shared glasses of champagne or a celebration hot dog, you haven't really thanked everyone until you've written it down.

It can be as simple as a postcard or as sophisticated as a plaque, or a typewritten letter with resulting newsclips, photos, or even other letters of acknowledgment from the community that benefited. These people are your volunteers, your donors, media or personalities who showed up, and the folks who greased the skids for you, helped get your permits through, or offered a special deal on supplies. You'll need them for your next project, so make them feel as important as they were.

Some communities have even put together photo albums of their event and shared it at a future gathering or in separate meetings. If you plan on doing this again, consider this sort of documentation. It will certainly help you recruit resources next time. Drop a little seedling on the desk of someone really special as a thank~you gift. Such consideration also works beforehand. If you're trying to attract the attention of a potential sponsor, think of appropriate, unusual touches for your communication.

Evaluating Your Event

For help in planning future projects, evaluate your event after it's over. Look at what happened-both good and bad. Acknowledge what worked well and examine that which didn't work so you can find better ways next time. Include your advance team and anybody else interested in the process.

Let everybody give feedback. You might want to use a chalkboard divided into sides listing the good and the not-so-good. Don't try to analyze these thoughts; as in a brainstorm session, get everybody's ideas as a starting point. Then take time to talk about each item mentioned.