Jordynn Barnhart Sullivan standing behind a promotional table featuring ESPN 95.7 FM branding, with a dartboard and a TV in the background, at a sports bar or event.
Jordynn Barnhart Sullivan and golf foursome standing on a golf course near a golf cart, smiling and holding golf clubs, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Events

Whether raising funds, awareness, or community spirit—events bring people together around a shared purpose. I’ve had the opportunity to plan, produce, and promote a wide variety of events that connect mission to moment. From large-scale galas to small local initiatives, I focus on crafting experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and mission-driven.

Types of events I’ve planned and managed:

  • Fundraising galas and benefit dinners for 200+ attendees that have raised more than $300K

  • Ribbon cuttings and ground breakings for new buildings and programs

  • Press conferences and government special events

  • Golf tournaments and sporting fundraisers that have raised more than $150K

  • Virtual events and live-streamed telethons on local news networks like 13WHAM and News 8

  • Open houses and community celebrations for 25th, 100th, and 125th anniversaries

  • Award ceremonies and recognition events for volunteers, donors and staff

  • Donation drives and in-kind campaigns for small food pantries

  • Awareness community walks and small pop-up events and promotions

  • Concerts, performances and music therapy opportunities

How I bring strategy and creativity to every event:

  • Event concept development, branding, and theme creation

  • Sponsorship outreach, partnership coordination, and vendor management

  • Budgeting, logistics, and day-of execution

  • Guest experience design and community engagement

  • Program scripting, run-of-show planning, and coordination with speakers and performers

  • Cross-department collaboration between fundraising, communications, and operations teams

Four people standing in front of a brick wall with a blue banner that reads 'The Local Sound Collaborative' and a logo of a yellow circle with a check mark and sound waves. They are smiling and appear happy, with a microphone on a stand visible on the right side.
Jordynn Barnhart Sullivan standing between two other volunteers dressed in gingerbread and snowman costumes at Golisano Children's Hospital Christmas Party.

Project Example

March was always one of my favorite times of the year, as I would have at least 3 major events happening at once. I would secure proclamations from the Rochester Mayor and Monroe County Executive, coordinated their participation in the event, and even helped light up downtown Rochester in our organization’s colors. The night always felt bigger than a fundraiser; it was a citywide statement of support for the cause.

I designed every element of the event with purpose, weaving our message throughout every detail—from table signage and wine-pull cards to multi-video presentations, speeches, program booklets and interactive experiences. I secured corporate sponsorships, managed in-kind donations for our live and silent auctions, and curated more than 50 auction packages each year. I photographed and uploaded all items into the auction software, coordinated media coverage, and handled sponsor recognition before, during, and after the event. I also created all visual materials—save the dates, invitations, signage, social media graphics, email campaigns, and event branding—and worked closely with the venue to plan logistics, menus, and production details. It was a full-circle experience that combined fundraising, design, and community engagement in one unforgettable night that raised nearly $200,000 every year.

Blue promotional graphic for a celebration and fundraising event called "The Power of One," presented by Bank of America, featuring a white lotus flower at the bottom and colorful confetti on both sides.
People gathered around a round table at a social event in an indoor venue with string lights on trees and a busy background with standing guests, a large television, and colorful graffiti artwork on the wall.
Two bartenders standing behind a bar, smiling, with glasses and bottles of beverages on the counter. Large windows showing a city street outside.
Two individuals standing at a podium with a sign that reads "Volunteers of America Upstate New York." They are on a stage with blue curtains and floral arrangements at the base of the podium. One person is speaking and gesturing with their hand, the other is holding a folder.
A glass dish with a white flower and green leaves on a black table, with a blue informational sign about housing the homeless in the background. The sign mentions VOAS provides more than 200,000 nights of housing annually and offers additional support services.
Paint palette with various colored paints and a paintbrush resting on it, brochures about children's education and volunteering.
Colorful hand-drawn poster for Volunteers of America Children's Center featuring children sitting on a rainbow and various symbols of love, stars, the Earth, and the word 'VOA' at the bottom.
People standing at a booth with a blue tablecloth at an indoor event, engaging in conversation. There are informational pamphlets on the table, a large poster with a smiling man and text about Reentry Services, and a background with plants and a glass roof.
A woman with long red hair, wearing a red floral dress, is drawing on an easel at an indoor event space filled with plants. Other people are visible in the background.
Small dessert cups with caramelized sugar topping on a decorative metal tray, and blue napkins with 'Bank of America' logo on black tablecloth.
Gift bags with white tissue paper, labeled with prices, and a small card with a photo of a man, along with text about support for homeless people and Volunteers of America, displayed on a dark surface with small string lights.
A woman with brown hair, glasses, and a black top stands behind a registration desk with a smile. There is a sign on the desk that reads 'Pre-Registered Attendees and Special Guests' and a decorative bouquet of white lilies, purple flowers, and greenery in front of her.
City skyline at night with tall buildings illuminated, some with colorful lights, under a dark sky.
Tray of small sandwiches arranged in a circular pattern on a buffet table.
See More: Professional Experience