Unite Missoula: Applying Best Fundraising Practices to Refugee Resettlement

Six undergraduate seniors: Jasmine Doremus, John Bazant, Elizabeth LaRance, Sam Massey, Hanna Brann, and Heidi Martin, all from different backgrounds and majors, started working together in August 2021. In partnership with the Global Leadership Initiative, their capstone group decided to focus on education and awareness around refugee resettlement.  Due to the extreme immigration crises of Afghanistan and, most recently, in Ukraine, they want to focus their time and effort in a positive, productive way. 

Missoula is expecting unprecedented numbers of refugees in the next year. Given the increased demand for refugee resettlement services, the group is hosting a week of fundraising events to support Soft Landing’s growing support services, which reflect the importance of local non-profit refugee resettlement agencies. With the help of three local businesses, many local artists and community members, and the University of Montana, the group has planned a three-day, three-event fundraiser. The first event will be Tuesday, March 29, from 6-8pm in the University Center Theater. They will be screening the film Human Flow, a 2017 film examining the worldwide refugee crisis. Refreshments will be provided! On Wednesday, March 30, the group is hosting a silent auction and evening of music at GILD, in downtown Missoula. Art, experiences, jewelry, and more have been donated by artists and benefactors in the community. Finally, Thursday, March 31, the group is partnering with Imagine Nation Brewing. For every pint sold, they will be donating $1 to Soft Landing. 

The group intends to raise $5,000 for Soft Landing.