Meet Jaime Byrne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Byrne.

Jaime, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always dreamt of having my own party planning business. It seemed like a very distant goal but something I was determined to make a reality. Upon arriving in LA I was offered a job working for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and I instantly fell in love with the work. I went to catholic school my whole life so doing good for others was ingrained in me from a very young age. Working for MDA solidified my passion for giving back and for doing work that truly makes a difference in peoples lives. After working with MDA for nearly 10 years, the latter half as Executive Director of the LA Chapter, I received a call from one of my top donors asking me to help with a gala fundraiser he was just getting off the ground. I was thrilled to help and quickly realized that this was a way I could marry my desire to run events, with my passion for charity work and doing good for others. So I formed Jaime Byrne Events and targeted a niche market producing gala fundraisers for non-profits. I do dabble in corporate and special occasion parties and weddings to change things up, but my true passion and core business is helping so many great nonprofit organizations raise millions of dollars for their worthy causes. My parents instilled in me an incredible work ethic… I honestly don’t know how to give anything less than 110 percent and knowing that my hard work every day is for the greater good is a nice way to go bed every night. I love what I do and hope it inspires others to give back through their careers and daily routines however they can.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Owning your own business always has challenges….but there are two ways to look at these obstacles, you can let them slow you down or you can embrace them and use each challenge as a learning experience. I have been doing this for more than 15 years now so needless to say… I’ve learned a lot. Every event presents its own individual challenge because people who want to work for or help non-profits are there for the right reasons and are very passionate. I think it is critically important not to stifle that passion but harness it. The challenge I always love tackling is making sure everyone involved is heard, their ideas are addressed, they know best practices, and they feel appreciated.

Often the teams involved in these events are volunteering their time, so making sure they understand they are part of a bigger picture working towards a cohesive goal is of utmost importance. When all of this is achieved, everyone wins and most importantly, the charity comes out on top! It’s the best feeling when you add up your totals at the end of the night and see that you’ve met (and often exceeded) your goal! My objective is always for the whole team to feel that elation and sense of accomplishment.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jaime Byrne Events story. Tell us more about the business.
Jaime Byrne Events is an event fundraising consultancy. We specialize in curating non-profit fundraising experiences that are truly unique to each organization. We help non-profits raise millions of dollars by maximizing and growing existing relationships and telling the story of their missions through one of a kind fundraising events like galas, auctions, golf tournaments, concerts, signature events, and more.

I have been in nonprofit fundraising and event production for more than 15 years. I have a passion and drive to work for the greater good. I use events as a tool to build relationships, inspire connections, and raise ton$ of support. I consider myself an ally to nonprofits and an advocate for their missions.

I am always proudest when I get the call to do the job again the following year. This is when I know my work was important and appreciated.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
All I have to say is that I feel truly blessed and lucky every single day to be doing a job that I am impassioned by and so thoroughly enjoy. On top of that, I am lucky to have the most supportive husband and two amazing daughters who never complain when mom has to spend weekends at fundraising events rather than with them. I am also so proud that my girls wholeheartedly know the importance of giving back and that it’s ingrained in them to do good and be good every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaimebyrneevents.com
• Phone: 2134465632
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimebyrneevents/

Image Credit:
OM Media, Laurie Bailey, Steve Cohn, Taylor Lewis, Mike Tabolsky, BE Studios

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