Ten Tips for Benefits and Charity Events
The only thing that’s better than throwing a great party is organising an event for a worthy cause. A party that has everyone enjoying themselves is the best way to encourage generosity and a positive result for your cause. Set your event theme, get well-decked out with event hire equipment, and don’t forget to promote your event well in advance.
1. Promotion is Essential
Promoting your event is absolutely essential. You want to have as many people as possible know about your charity event. Give sufficient notice for them to plan, and provide enough information so that they know about your cause and why it’s important. Use the internet, social media, and advertising to get the word out there.
2. Invite the Press
If your cause can generate enough attention, invite the press. Writing a great press release can ignite interest from the media.
3. Setting an Entry Fee
Most benefit and charity events charge a basic entry fee that covers the cost of setting the event. It’s up to you to decide how much is required for an entry fee. Do a budget breakdown and then divide it by the numbers you can fairly expect to attend. This is the minimal you should charge for entry.
4. Set the Genre or Theme
You can set a genre or theme to suit your cause. Having a theme leads to more interest. Some ideas include:
- Banquet
- Dance or Ball
- Benefit Concert
- Charity Fashion Show
- Variety Show
- Film Night
- Alice in Wonderland
- Masquerade Ball
- Costume Ball
- Halloween
- Easter Benefit Dinner
- Christmas
- New Year’s Ball
5. Information Segments
In between the entertainment and serving refreshments during your event, it’s important to hold brief but frequent information segments to remind guests of your cause. This helps sell your cause and focus attention on the purpose of the event. During or after the information segment, provide an immediate opportunity for donations.
6. Hold an Auction
Holding a silent or live auction before or during the event is an excellent way to increase donations. You can auction absolutely anything – from physical items to services to holiday packages to the company of celebrities, where you can get it (e.g. a dinner with Angelina Jolie).
Ask for sponsors to donate items to the auction well before the event and include the items to be auctioned in your program and invitations.
7. Hold a Raffle
Holding a raffle is a proven way of raising funds. Like the auction, invite sponsors to donate their good or service before the event and let them know you’ll be providing their product with good exposure.
8. Invite a Well-Known Personality
If you can capture the attention of a well-known personality or celebrity with your cause, you can create a lot of additional interest in your event. Have them give a speech and sell premium priced tickets to their table. Once you have their permission, be sure to include their name on the promotional and invitation material.
9. Offer Souvenirs or Gift Packs
Where appropriate, offering souvenirs and gift packs can supplement your fundraising revenue. Souvenirs should be relevant to your cause and placed in a highly visible space at the venue.
10. Have Fun
Above all, don’t forget to make it fun and entertaining for everyone. Plan well, and use party hire equipment for a professional and stylish-looking night.
