Haleigh Stewart Ridge

Special Events Manager @La Jolla Playhouse

San Diego County, CA, US

Executes approximately 75 high quality institutional events annually (for Philanthropy and other Playhouse departments) with the goal of cultivating and building relationships between La Jolla Playhouse and its prospects, patrons and donors - Stewards existing in-kind partnerships and secure new in-kind relationships valued at approximately $315k annually; and manages these donations for accounting, budgeting, and tax purposes - Works in tandem with Gala consultant to ensure annual Gala fundraiser (raising over $1 million) is an organizational success- Plans and executes annual Innovation Night fundraiser (a corporate-focused event celebrating the tech and bio-tech communities of San Diego), raising over $300k annually- Manages vendors for events, including scheduling of delivery, pick-up and payment - Manages event budgets, tracks income and expense and stays within budget - Works with the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Artistic team to determine event décor, entertainment, venues and pricing strategy- Works with Operations and Production for each event, requesting space and technical support - Works closely with all Philanthropy staff, other institutional departments, and Board of Trustees to achieve increasingly successful fundraising events - Provides a high level of customer service to Board, donors, patrons, event guests and vendors - Partners with the Individual Giving team to create events that engage and steward donors, sponsors and patrons including coordinating specific event invitations (both mailed and electronic)- Conducts event debriefings and assesses overall event effectiveness through metrics to evaluate ROI and inform future planning- Supervises Special Events Coordinator, Special Events Assistants, Special Events Internship Program, porters, bartenders, vendors, event volunteers, and Philanthropy team on event days

San Diego State University

Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning

Chaparral High School

High School Diploma

University of San Diego College of Arts and Sciences

BA, Communication Studies, Minors in Marketing and Music