{"id":8379,"date":"2025-04-02T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplebooth.com\/blog\/?p=8379"},"modified":"2025-10-14T21:02:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:02:32","slug":"nonprofit-photo-booth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplebooth.com\/blog\/nonprofit-photo-booth\/","title":{"rendered":"What Started as a Holiday Rental Became a Nonprofit Essential"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nonprofits across the U.S. are always finding creative ways to connect, fundraise, and drive change\u2014even in the face of limited resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Texas, the Junior League of Austin<\/a> (JLA) has been driving change since 1934. Their mission is simple: advance women\u2019s leadership for real community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Partnering with local organizations, JLA tackles big issues like food security and clothing for kids in need\u2014and they’re always looking for new ways to amplify their mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2018, they became one of the first Austin nonprofits to adopt Simple Booth HALO\u00ae<\/a>, a nonprofit photo booth solution that helps boost engagement, spark conversations, and keep their mission top of mind. Since then, HALO has been a game-changer, helping JLA deepen connections, raise awareness, and even subtly promote fundraising at their biggest events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning a holiday hit into an everyday sensation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2017, JLA rented HALO from a local event services company for holiday events. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that they quickly decided to purchase their own HALO setup, making it a year-round staple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Event attendees strike a pose in front of a vibrant custom backdrop featuring lush green grass and glowing neon accents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“We use it for anything and everything,” said Angela Lipscomb, JLA\u2019s Technology Chair. From A Christmas Affair<\/a> to leadership reveal nights and trunk-or-treats, HALO became a go-to feature at JLA events, offering a fun and interactive way for attendees to capture memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Christmas Affair\u2014one of JLA\u2019s biggest annual fundraisers\u2014features vendors renting booths to sell their goods, while JLA provides digital and printed Santa photos taken with HALO for a suggested donation. The event generates nearly $1 million overall, allowing JLA to support local businesses while raising funds for its community programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amplifying the mission, one selfie at a time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What started as a practical way to save on event photography quickly became a powerful tool for engagement, outreach, and storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

“People come to our events, and sometimes they don\u2019t know what it\u2019s all about. But having that touchpoint with someone at the booth gives us the chance to explain our mission.”<\/p>\n– Angela Lipscomb, JLA’s Technology Chair<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt helps people get more involved,\u201d Angela explained. \u201cWhen someone stops to take pictures, there\u2019s usually a volunteer standing nearby who can start a conversation. People come to our events, and sometimes they don\u2019t know what it\u2019s all about. But having that touchpoint with someone at the booth gives us the chance to explain our mission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Event attendees interact with HALO’s built-in privacy feature before receiving their photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The branded photo borders also play a big role. \u201cIt reminds people where they were and how much fun they had, which often brings them back for future events,\u201d Angela shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JLA has also found creative ways to adapt HALO, including pet photos with Santa. \u201cHALO made it easier and less stressful than traditional photography setups, especially for animals that might not enjoy long photo sessions,\u201d Angela said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We\u2019re living in an Instagram world,” Angela noted. “Everyone wants a nice little vignette. HALO gives people a quick keepsake that\u2019s fun and easy to share.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

“We’re living in an Instagram worlds. Everyone wants a nice little vignette.”<\/p>\n– Angela Lipscomb, JLA\u2019s Technology Chair<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

Wondering if HALO is right for your nonprofit?<\/h2>\n

Our photo booth experts are ready to help.<\/p>\n