From choosing the event theme and setting up folding tables to arranging transportation and buying last-minute supplies, the Event Divas were the Jills of all trades at the Foodie Crawl on Sunday.

The event, a fundraiser for Bend Community Center’s Feed the Hungry program, is one of about 16 the Event Divas organize a year.

Founded by Talena Barker in 2006, the Event Divas assist nonprofits by designing, planning and executing fundraising events.

“Our role in the event is to really be the hub of information and action, ensuring that all aspects of the events move forward as expected,” Barker said.

When Barker started Event Divas, she worked with a variety of clients — corporate, social and nonprofit. But within a year, she realized her heart was with the nonprofits, which she now focuses on exclusively.

Barker, who operates the business out of her Bend home, said many fundraising events have the same format and start looking the same.

“You come at a certain time, and there’s a silent auction,” she said. “Everybody networks; there’s a raffle; you sit down for dinner. … It works. We know people will donate money.”

But the challenge for Event Divas is: “What do we do so charity A’s event looks different than charity B’s event?” she said. “How do we keep donors engaged and keep new people coming in the door?”

The key is to create value for donors by bringing them an experience they want so they can support a cause while enjoying themselves, she said. In turn, the event helps the nonprofit reach its fundraising goal and build relationships with donors.

While working with nonprofits can be more challenging and less lucrative, she said, she gets to collaborate with amazing organizations whose work is making a difference and changing lives.