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Pivoting During a Pandemic Local Nonprofits Needed More Than Ever B Y D I N A E A S T W O O D C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 79 work in preparation, but also much of their annual operating expenses. The calendar read like a bad joke: Santa Catalina Gala, March 12, Folktale Winery — Cancelled Montrio's Fund for Homeless Women, March 12, Montrio Bistro — Cancelled MCHA Dinner, March 13, Spanish Bay — Cancelled All Saints Fundraiser, March 21, Quail Lodge — Cancelled Monterey Chamber Gala, March 21, Hyatt — Cancelled NRAEF Dinner, March 27, Spanish Bay — Cancelled BGCMC Comics for Kids, March 28, Spanish Bay — Cancelled Carmel Foundation Gala, March 28, Pasadera — Cancelled The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County's annual Comics for Kids gala is one of the best known in the county. CEO Ron Johnson and his staff had to pivot at the last minute. "We were feeling good coming into it, months out. We had great spon- sors with three at our highest level," Johnson says. "We had Sinbad, the comedian. And then this pandemic. Our immediate thought was, 'How are we going to make this up?' This event covers our operating expenses for several months." Like many groups, the Club's fundraiser ended up being held in a modified version online.