Hartnell College

Project Overview

Twenty years ago, the Hartnell College Foundation set out to build something exceptional — an event that would shift public perception, invite the community into the heart of the campus, and spark a new era of philanthropic engagement. From the very beginning, Disruptive Development Inc. helped shape a bold vision — not based on limitations, but on potential. We didn’t build the Party in the Library based on what was available; we built it to reflect where the Foundation was headed.

That founding vision has paid off. What is now known as “The Party at Hartnell College” has become the Foundation’s flagship event, its single largest source of unrestricted funding, and its most successful tool for cultivating new donors and board members. For many, this event is the beginning of a lifelong connection to Hartnell — and the momentum has only grown.

Strategy & Evolution

Disruptive Development Inc. has guided the Party’s evolution from year one through year twenty. Each year, we take on full responsibility for event management — from fundraising strategy to program flow, creative direction to collateral design, video production to floral arrangements. It’s a soup-to-nuts collaboration grounded in trust and strategy.

The event reinvents itself annually through a completely new theme — one that is more than aesthetic. Every theme is chosen to represent a core message about the Foundation’s priorities for that year. From Legacy, to Roots, to Pathways, to Grow, the theme becomes the anchor for everything: video storytelling, donor messaging, décor, program structure, print design, and even the food and entertainment. This integration isn’t accidental — it’s how we ensure the event feels cohesive, intentional, and deeply mission-driven.

The Guest Experience

One of the most beloved aspects of The Party at Hartnell College is its sense of anticipation. Guests arrive each year genuinely excited to see what we’ll do next. No two events look or feel alike — every element, from the venue design to the lighting and culinary experience, is crafted to surprise and delight.

A cherished tradition of loyalty and support has emerged over the years: guests now dress to match each year’s theme. Whether it’s veggie greens and florals for Grow, bold hot pinks for Bloom, or earthy tones for Roots, supporters embrace the creative spirit of the event, adding a personal layer of meaning and energy to the evening. That kind of engagement doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of years of thoughtful storytelling, design cohesion, and emotional connection.

Fundraising party at Hartnell College Library.

Fundraising and donors at Hartnell College Library party.

Big, Bold Change: Trusting the Vision

In its 19th year, the Party underwent its most dramatic transformation yet. We rebranded it as “The Party at Hartnell College,” returned to an outdoor format, and reimagined every touchpoint. We eliminated the live auction, moved to an unrestricted Fund the Need, shortened the speaking program, and redesigned the entire layout for flow, energy, and elegance. The collateral was some of the most visually striking to date. And at the center of it all was an 11-minute video — produced and directed in partnership with our incredible video collaborator — that delivered an emotionally resonant, strategically crafted narrative.

What made these changes possible wasn’t just strategy — it was trust. After nearly two decades of partnership, the Hartnell College Foundation empowered us to take risks. We recommended scrapping the live auction entirely, rethinking the program flow, eliminating the traditional speaking program, and pivoting the fundraising model to prioritize unrestricted support. These were high-stakes moves. But the Foundation and its leadership committee understood that the best results often come from disruption — and they trusted us to deliver.

That trust made room for reinvention. The result was a refreshed, high-impact event that was both beautiful and strategic, and a striking fundraising success. It felt celebratory, modern, and clear in its purpose — a party that didn’t just entertain but inspired and connected donors.

Results & Impact

The Party at Hartnell College continues to be the Foundation’s single largest source of unrestricted funds, fueling its ability to respond to student needs, seed new programs, and drive innovation. The event has raised nearly $7 million to date — and has inspired tens of millions more in generosity to the Foundation through deeper engagement and long-term relationship building. It is also a proven pipeline for new donors, prospective board members, and key partners. Over the past 20 years, it has attracted significant matching grants and become one of the most anticipated and respected events in the Salinas Valley.

But perhaps the greatest achievement is cultural. The Party has become part of the Foundation’s DNA — a moment each year when the mission comes to life, donors feel seen, and the next chapter begins. Its longevity is not a reflection of nostalgia — it’s a reflection of strategy, creativity, and a commitment to constant Disruptive Development.