Why Philanthropic Events Aren't Just an Afterthought at HONEY-it’s the Heart of What We Do

When we launched HONEY Events & Design, we knew we weren’t interested in creating cookie-cutter parties that disappeared the moment the lights went out. Our mission has always been bigger: to design experiences that leave people talking, feeling, and remembering, but also giving back.

Because let’s be honest, what’s the point of throwing a beautiful wedding, a milestone birthday, or a brand activation if it doesn’t ripple beyond the guest list?

For me (Christine), philanthropy has always been personal. Back in my Laurier days, I helped start a women’s 5K walk-a-thon for cardiac care with my Alpha Phi sisters. We weren’t just planning an event, we were rallying a community for something that mattered. That experience stuck with me. Since then, I’ve leaned into heart-led projects whenever I could, whether it was fundraisers, community initiatives, or events that had purpose stitched into them.

So when HONEY was born, it wasn’t even a question, philanthropy would be part of its DNA.

The Power of Storytelling with Purpose

At HONEY, every event is built on storytelling. We dive deep into your narrative, the way you met, the places that shaped you, the little quirks that make your hive unique. But storytelling isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about impact.

That’s why we believe every gathering is an opportunity to write a bigger story, one that includes the wider community. From aligning with local nonprofits, to spotlighting small businesses, to creating fundraisers that double as unforgettable soirées, we ask ourselves one question every time: How does this event give back?

Weddings & Events as a Force for Good

The wedding industry can feel saturated with excess - waste, overspending, details that look gorgeous but end up forgotten. We flip that narrative. We see weddings as powerful platforms. Imagine your day not only being a reflection of your love story, but also fueling a cause close to your heart.

• A portion of bar sales going to a local LGBTQ+ youth shelter.

• A styled shoot that doubles as a fundraiser for Pride.

• A corporate holiday party that supports mental health programs in your city.
  

We’ve done it. And we’ll keep doing it. Because when joy and generosity collide, magic happens.

Looking Ahead: A Hive with Heart

As we grow, our commitment to philanthropy grows too. One of our goals is to make it simple: a portion of proceeds from every HONEY event will go toward a cause we believe in. Sometimes that might be supporting youth, sometimes it might be mental health initiatives, sometimes it might be healthcare or grassroots community projects.

No matter the event, the legacy will always stretch beyond the guest list.

Community at the Center

Philanthropy to us isn’t just writing a cheque, it’s about building relationships. It’s about making sure your event dollars stretch further, fueling local florists, musicians, artists, and makers who pour their soul into what they do. It’s about spotlighting voices that don’t always get center stage.

Our ethos is simple: when you choose HONEY, you’re choosing more than design. You’re choosing to be part of a hive that values connection, community, and legacy.

Why It Matters

To me, philanthropy isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, intentional acts that add up to something meaningful. Just like the details that make an event feel magical, it’s the layered impact of generosity that makes a legacy last.

That’s why HONEY is committed to designing not only unforgettable experiences, but also experiences that give back. Because love is powerful and when you connect that love to a cause, you’re not just telling your story. You’re changing someone else’s.