Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries
Words & Wine Reimagined
For more than 30 years, Words & Wine had been a cherished event for the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries — a gathering of book lovers, library champions, and community supporters. But like many legacy events, it was due for a refresh. The format no longer reflected the Foundation’s full potential — or its fundraising goals.
With a lean but high-impact engagement, the Foundation partnered with Disruptive Development to reimagine the event from the ground up. What followed was a thoughtful, strategic overhaul that honored the spirit of Words & Wine while dramatically improving its reach, impact, and return.
Built from What Matters Most
We began where we always begin — with first principles. Not with what the event had been, but with what it could be. We inventoried every asset, re-evaluated every tradition, and worked alongside the Foundation to design a new format that placed the mission, the message, and the guest experience at the center.
The sit-down dinner was replaced with a more dynamic afternoon reception, allowing for greater flexibility, reduced costs, and a more organic flow. The venue was generously donated in-kind. The food, while still a paid expense, was thoughtfully scaled and beautifully presented to complement the tone and timing of the event. Wine was donated by local partners. And to help elevate the ambiance without increasing the budget, our team personally contributed many of the décor elements and secured stunning floral donations through trusted relationships. We don’t just offer ideas — we pitch in, problem-solve, and make things happen.
Authors at the Heart
The revitalized event placed authors—not formality—at the center. In 2022, New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi graciously headlined the reimagined Words & Wine, offering not only a compelling keynote but also a one-of-a-kind auction package to help raise additional funds. In 2023, Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw brought literary insight and local relevance to the program. In 2024, award-winning memoirist Julie Tully captivated the crowd with her stories and generosity.
Importantly, these authors were not paid stipends. Each was excited to support the Foundation’s work, lending their voices and presence as true partners in the cause.
Alla Zeltser - Adding Voice and Value
Another key ingredient to the event’s success: Alla Zeltser personally served as emcee and auctioneer each year, sharing her own powerful connection to the importance of libraries as a child and infusing the program with humor, heart, and momentum. Her presence didn’t just keep the energy high—it helped triple the outcomes of previous years’ fundraising efforts.
Sharper Messaging. Stronger Results
We tightened the program, clarified the case for support, and created space for a focused Fund-the-Need that tied directly to the Foundation’s mission. Guests didn’t just hear about the library system — they heard real stories of children discovering books for the first time, seniors accessing vital information, and under-resourced communities relying on free public resources every day.
The live auction was brief, intentional, and tied to experience and value — not clutter. Every moment of the program was designed to build affinity, engagement, and generosity.
A Sustainable Turnaround
The new format didn’t just “go well”—it set a new bar. From 2022 to 2024, Words & Wine consistently netted over $70,000 each year for the Foundation, far exceeding previous outcomes and establishing a model that can grow over time. Attendees called it the most meaningful and enjoyable version of the event to date. Longtime supporters re-engaged, and new donors were welcomed in.
Right Disruption
This kind of transformation didn’t require a major investment — just the right one.
Disruptive Development brings clarity, strategy, and momentum to the table. We identify what’s holding a fundraiser back, distill what truly resonates, and build a smarter model that drives results. When organizations are open, we move fast — and go deep. We don’t just improve outcomes. We change what’s possible.
Words & Wine didn’t need to be reinvented. It needed to be disrupted — with discipline, purpose, and bold storytelling. Together, we turned a legacy event into a lasting engine of support.
OUR WORK
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