Designers
Designers
Designers
Fabric of the future
Youth-led gala concept transforming fundraising through storytelling, art, and community connection.
Key Words
Designers
Yana Shah
Stephanie Scheuermann
SUMMARY
This project reimagines CLOTH’s annual fundraising gala as an immersive, youth-centered experience titled Fabric of the Future. Beginning with the question of how nonprofit events can create stronger emotional engagement, the concept shifts students from passive beneficiaries to active contributors. Through student artwork, storytelling, performances, interactive installations, and personalized takeaways, the gala becomes a lived reflection of CLOTH’s impact. The project explores how design can strengthen donor connection, increase participation, and transform fundraising into a more personal and memorable experience.
challenge
Through research, conversations, and feedback, we identified that traditional fundraising galas often struggle to create lasting emotional connections and clearly communicate impact. Guests may understand the mission conceptually but lack a tangible sense of who they are supporting. CLOTH also expressed a desire to engage younger audiences and create a more memorable experience that reflects its community-centred values. This revealed an opportunity to shift from a formal, donation-focused event toward an immersive experience that highlights real student voices, creativity, and storytelling.
Outcome
The project developed into a fully designed gala concept titled Fabric of the Future, hosted at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library. The experience includes a youth gallery installation, interactive kids’ tables, collaborative mural, student performances, storytelling, and personalised thank-you keepsakes. A pre-event social media campaign extends engagement beyond one night. These elements directly address the need for a stronger donor connection by making CLOTH’s impact visible, participatory, and emotionally grounded, while creating a more memorable and community-driven fundraising experience.
MEET THE Designers:
Yana Shah
Stephanie Scheuermann