Central Jersey rock band helps nonprofit fundraisers

• GoodWorks events are underwritten by sponsors who donate money, giveaways to the organization
• GoodWorks produces lower cost events to help nonprofits attract even more supporters

SCOTCH PLAINS – A few years ago, a local rock band had an idea to play in diners across the state to raise money for New Jersey Food Banks. In less than 48 hours, the “diner tour” brought in more than $7,500 in donations. Now, Scotch Plains resident Paul Lavenhar and his GoodWorks band are bringing the concept they championed to other nonprofits and charities through a turnkey program that provides entertainment from the band, a venue and marketing support for fundraising efforts — at no cost to the organization.

“The greatest gratification I have achieved as a musician beyond the creative impulse has been when I have been able to work with other musicians in support of good works,” said Lavenhar, GoodWorks band founder. “We created this program because we know how difficult it is to raise funds and organize events. This is our way of giving back.”

On March 25, GoodWorks is hosting a networking event to showcase its free turnkey fundraising model. At the showcase, photographer Dave Hollander will be taking free portraits of attendees. Nonprofit executive directors, board members and development directors are encouraged to attend the event from 7 to 9 p.m. at Rolf’s Restaurant & Pub, 65 Stirling Road in Warren. Attendees should register in advance at www.goodworksband.com.

GoodWorks events are underwritten by sponsors who donate money to the organization and provide giveaways at the event. Typical events include a cash bar and a door charge, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the hosting organization.

“Not everyone can afford to go to a gala fundraiser,” said Lavenhar. “GoodWorks produces lower cost events to help nonprofits attract even more supporters and cultivate relationships.”

‘Good Works’ by GoodWorks

GoodWorks has already helped several organizations with their fundraising efforts, including a school music program, a healthcare foundation, a community arts program and a theater group.

Recently, the band worked with the nationally recognized Highland Park High School Orchestra to raise money for an upcoming performance at Lincoln Center. GoodWorks helped the orchestra’s director write a grant and provides ongoing marketing support for its community outreach to local elementary and middle schools. GoodWorks also organized a community concert in Highland Park featuring performances by the orchestra and GoodWorks to help the orchestra reach its fundraising goals.

“Last year, we really struggled with our fundraising efforts,” said Hsin-Ting Feng, director of the Highland Park High School Orchestra and a Scotch Plains resident. “GoodWorks found creative ways to help us reach our fund-raising goals, and provided the arms and legs we needed to see results.”

Franklin Township turned to GoodWorks to help launch the first Franklin Day Festival in September. Not only did GoodWorks perform at the festival, it also provided public relations services to drive attendance through social media and publicity.

“We were delighted by the support we received in getting our event publicized. Good Works could not have been more accommodating and our experience in working with them was extremely positive,” said Rozalyn Sherman, township councilwoman.

About GoodWorks

GoodWorks is the charitable arm of PL Communications, a New Jersey-based marketing communications firm. Founder Paul Lavenhar has worked with many nonprofit organizations and has also been involved in rock bands for the past 30 years. In 2013, Paul founded the rock and soul band GoodWorks, which performs music from the Eagles to James Brown to Bruce Springsteen, to benefit good causes by raising awareness and funds. GoodWorks produces turnkey fund-raising events that include entertainment from the band, a venue and marketing support — at no cost to the organization. GoodWorks has helped a school music program, healthcare foundation, special needs service organization, community arts program and a theater group, among others. For more information, visit www.goodworksband.com.