Designing an Evening That Inspires Giving and Connection: A Conversation with Alex Carrier Hitchcox

Each fall, the Mitchell Institute’s Gala stands as both a celebration and a catalyst, an evening that fuels the Institute’s mission through philanthropy while bringing the Scholar community to life for donors and friends across Maine.

For Alex Carrier Hitchcox, the Institute’s Scholar and Donor Events Manager, designing that experience is equal parts art and strategy.

“The Gala isn’t just a fundraiser,” Hitchcox explained. “It’s also a Scholar program, an opportunity for students to network, grow, and see the people who believe in them. Their experience that night is just as important as that of any guest in the room.”

Before joining the Mitchell Institute, Hitchcox worked at the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College, serving students from diverse backgrounds. That experience shaped her understanding of how access to education can change a life.

“Working in higher education showed me the power of opportunity,” she said. “At the Mitchell Institute, that mission extends statewide, it’s a perfect bridge between education, access, and community.”

When Hitchcox joined the organization, she helped centralize event planning under one role, creating consistency and efficiency across programs like MILE I, campus receptions, and the Gala.

She sees her work not simply as logistics, but as designing experiences that move people.

“To me, it’s not just an event, it’s an experience,” she said. “Every decision, from seating charts to video storytelling, connects back to how we want people to feel. That emotional connection is what inspires continued giving and engagement.”

This year’s 30th Anniversary Gala introduced new multimedia elements that brought Scholar stories to life while improving the program’s flow.

“Adding videos helped us feature more voices and created a seamless transition between speakers,” she said. “It allowed guests to see and hear directly from Scholars, reminding everyone why their support matters.”

Hitchcox credits much of the event’s success to strong collaboration between teams and with community partners. Working closely with Development Director Jeff Candura and Scholarship Director Casey Near, she ensures the Gala meets both its fundraising and engagement goals.

“It’s all about trust and letting people own their part,” she said. “Jeff drives the development strategy, Casey ensures Scholars are prepared and seated with the right supporters, and I operationalize those ideas into an experience that flows. Everyone contributes to making the night meaningful.”

For Hitchcox, what sets the Gala apart is how it strengthens relationships between Scholars, donors, alumni, and board members. “We always think about how to make space for genuine connection,” she said. “People remember how they felt more than anything else. That’s what builds community and inspires people to keep showing up.”

Her leadership philosophy centers on early collaboration, clear communication, and flexibility. “Bring people into the process early, be willing to trust others, and build in time for connection,” she said. “Those things make all the difference.”

As she looks ahead to future Galas, Hitchcox is focused on sustaining the magic of the evening while continuing to grow participation. “We’ve mastered the experience, it’s remarkable how personal and seamless it feels even with 700 guests,” she said. “Next, we want to bring even more people into that experience, more Scholars, more partners, more supporters, because every person in that room helps advance our mission.”

“I hope people leave feeling inspired, hopeful, and proud to be part of this work,” Hitchcox added. “At its heart, the Gala is about connection, celebrating what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in Maine’s future.”

For 30 years, the Mitchell Institute has helped Maine students overcome barriers to higher education. By providing financial support, personal guidance, and a lifelong network, the Institute empowers Mitchell Scholars to graduate, build meaningful careers, and strengthen Maine’s communities and workforce through their success and leadership.
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