# Learning how to use celebrities effectively

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/10/30/learning-how-use-celebrities-effectively/
- Published: 2004-10-30T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Fundraising consultancy Midas is running a course this week on how charities can
use celebrities effectively.
Celebrities can of course prove very useful for charities
in terms of enhancing public profile, securing more visitors at an event, or introducing
charities to other influential people. However, links with them can also backfire
if the charities do not manage their relationships with them well.

It is this double-edged value that has led Midas to introduce what is one of the
very few training courses in working with celebrities. The one day course is designed
for those wanting new ways to use celebrities

and patrons or to consider involving them for the first time.

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Appropriately the course features ex-Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter Bob Wilson
who will give the ‘inside’ story on how he set up the Willow Foundation and his 
experience of charities. Martin Shaw, who used to run the Variety Club, will also
speak on working with a wide range of celebrities. Davina Hodson will also talk 
about how she has been used – well and badly – as a charity president or major donor.

The course will cover conducting a risk assessment, formal letters of agreement,
job descriptions, and developing a celebrity strategy.

The course takes place on 4 November 2004 at Help the Hospices, 34-44 Britannia 
Street

London WC1X 9JG. The fee is £125 per person (including VAT), although Midas’ clients
enjoy a 50% discount on this.

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