The annual Dive Pirates Ball, now in its 22nd year, has grown into much more than a fun night out. It’s our biggest fundraising event of the year, and the way we present it really matters. The printed invitation and the event program aren’t just nice extras; they are key tools that help us raise the funds we need to keep our mission moving.

The printed invitation is usually the first thing people see. Instead of getting lost in an inbox, it shows up in the mail, gets opened, passed around, and often ends up on a fridge or a desk. The look and feel tell people right away what kind of event this is, how special it is, and that it’s worth putting on the calendar and supporting. The invitation is also where our annual theme really starts. The colors, fonts, and imagery we choose there carry through to the website, social media, signage, and the room itself, so everything feels connected and intentional for the rest of the year.

Because it’s printed, the invitation travels. People show it to spouses, friends, business partners, and colleagues. One invitation can quietly reach several decision-makers in a home or an office in a way a single email never will. Every time someone glances at it, they’re reminded of the date, the Ball, and the work we do, which helps drive both attendance and sponsorship conversations.

On the night of the event, the printed program quietly does a lot of the heavy lifting. While guests are talking, bidding, and enjoying the evening, the program keeps our mission in front of them. It shares our story, highlights recipients, explains trips and training, and shows how the funds raised at the Ball are put to work. People can read it during dinner, between auction items, or on the way home, at their own pace.

The program also tends to stick around. Many guests keep it, especially if they or their company are listed inside. That gives us something rare: a physical reminder of the event and our mission that stays in homes and offices long after the last item is auctioned off. It keeps the Ball and the reason behind it in mind when people think about giving again.

We are especially grateful for the nonprofit print grants we’ve received from Conquest Graphics. Their support has helped us turn our ideas into high-quality invitations and programs that match the importance of the night. Conquest Graphics understands that good print is part of how we tell our story, thank our donors and sponsors, and show the impact of their generosity. They’ve become a trusted partner in making sure our largest fundraising event looks and feels as meaningful as the mission it supports.

Printed materials matter a great deal to our sponsors as well. They aren’t just buying a logo placement online; they’re investing in visibility and a clear connection to our cause. Being featured in the invitation and the program gives them something tangible they can show to their teams and clients. Seeing their name in print, presented professionally alongside our mission, reinforces that their support is valued and that we deliver what we promise. That kind of confidence makes it much easier for sponsors to renew or even increase their support.

In the end, the invitation and program are not just decoration. They help us set the tone, carry our annual theme, honor the long-standing stature of the Dive Pirates Ball, recognize the partners who help us get there, support sponsor relationships, and keep the mission in focus all night long. Because the Ball is our largest fundraiser, the quality and clarity of these printed pieces play a direct role in our ability to fund training, equipment, and life-changing experiences for our divers and their buddies.