Planning a charity event can mean a lot of pressure. You’re trying to raise money and awareness for a great cause and that can get personal! Your event has to be impressive enough to make people want to attend (and hopefully open their wallets). How can you make it unforgettable? We have some creative tips!
1. Delightful Dining
Most people expect a stuffy dinner with a traditional menu. Why not change it up? Trade in the plated dinner for a creative but savory appetizer buffet or tapas plates. Have a bite-sized dessert buffet and wine tasting stations. Recruit local professional chefs to create something new just for the event or local wineries to showcase their products. Basically, give people little tastes of a lot of original food instead of a plate full of boring.
2. Create a Facebook Event
When planning a charity event, it’s imperative that people know about it! Nothing is better at getting the word out about your event than a Facebook Event. It’s easily shared, people can invite their friends, and you can even promote it on Facebook with a budget as low as $5 a day. Make sure to add all the enticing details about your charity event, add a high-resolution image as your cover photo, and start inviting everyone on your list.
3. Strolling Entertainment
Entertainment at a charity event is a given. But it’s easy to lose your audience when they can be anonymous bystanders watching a stage show. Bring the show to them by having magicians, violinists, or mimes stroll through the crowds and visit your guests at their table. They’ll be more engaged, take more pictures for social media (free marketing), and be happier guests! And a happy guest is a generous guest.
4. Show Them the Money
People coming to a charity event expect to be asked for donations. But you can make it easier on them by showing them where their money actually goes. For example, say you’re raising money for Habitat for Humanity and you’re asking for $100 donations. Try putting easel signs throughout the event or small table toppers with a message like:
What does your $100 buy? 1 toilet, 2 hard hats, and 3 hammers. Every year your donations help build houses for over 60,000 families nationwide.
Showing what a donation buys will reassure your guests that their money is actually being used for the cause. It gives them a visual aid and they can see the difference they’re making by donating.
5. Partner Up
While it can be admirable to try planning a charity event on your own, it never hurts to have help. Seek out local businesses that are a good fit for your charity, such as a local building supply store for Habitat for Humanity. You can also find businesses that serve the same demographic that you’re trying to reach, such as a local pet store for an animal charity (where you’ll find lots of animal lovers). Partnering can mean something small, like putting a flyer into each customer’s bag on your behalf. Or if they’re willing to go bigger, maybe they can host a supplemental in-store fundraiser or sponsor your event.
Planning a charity event and need something great? Find entertainment and event services at GigSalad.com.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.