Friday, November 18, 2016

Fundraising Tips


We’ve all known people and families suddenly stricken with misfortune: a terminal diagnosis, a debilitating accident or a natural catastrophe. Because it’s human nature to want to help, there may come a time when you find yourself trying to organize a private benefit or fundraiser. And, if you’re like most of us, you’re doing it with very limited fundraising experience. However, there are some tried and true ways to generate interest, raise money and hopefully have some fun along the way. 

Throw a Party!

Everybody enjoys a good party, although they do take planning, so look to outsource. Venues like University Park Golf Club make it easy, with planning staff and on-site catering. Don’t just invite friends – open it up to the rest of the community. You’ll be surprised how many people want to have some fun and support a good cause.
When pricing your event, consider whether you want to simply cover costs with the entry fee, keeping the price low to increase attendance. Then, you’d try to raise the bulk of the money during the event. The other way to do it is to charge more for admission, with a portion going to the cause.
There are benefits to each approach, although keep in mind that a larger crowd can really lift the spirits of the guest of honor, demonstrating the volume of support through the sheer size of the turnout.

Include a Silent Auction

One sure way to increase your fundraising is to include a silent auction. People and businesses are often willing to lend a hand to help within the community, and a silent auction can actually add to the atmosphere of your event. Well-displayed items help fill the entry area, and give people something extra to do at the beginning of the benefit.
If less expensive items are donated, consider combining them into themed baskets.

Games and Tournaments

Get your guests to pay to participate in games with a chance to win prizes.
One common idea is a board game tournament. Enlist teams of four people, each charged an entry fee for donations, to play a common game that most would be familiar with — like cards or Monopoly. 

“A-thon” events

Another way to raise money is an “a-thon.” You know the type: any event that ends in “a-thon.” There’s walk, bike, swim, flip, etc. All great options to raise some money for great causes. For example, bike-a-thons and walk-a-thons are pretty similar; participants are either walking or biking. They’ll walk/bike a planned course and prior to the event, commit to raising money for the cause. They can collect pledges per mile, or ask for a set donation. 

Golf fundraisers

Golf events are very popular, because they are a great to have some fun while also raising funds. Ask for local sponsors to help out with donations or perhaps sponsoring certain golf holes or greens. Scrambles are the most popular form of charity golf event, here are a few other ideas: golf tournament contests, like longest drive, closest to the pin, etc.; a charity auction at the golf course; selling golf merchandise; a golf tournament combined with a dinner banquet afterward.
 Happy Planning,
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Celebration of Life Checklist

The death of a loved one comes with a lot of emotion, sadness, and remembering the good times. Along with it, though, is the responsibility of details and arrangements for things like a celebration of life. It can be a tough time to have decisions like this on your plate, so here’s a memorial service checklist to be your guide to planning a celebration of life.

Time and a place

Be sure to think of the guests, specifically close relatives and friends, when figuring out a date and place for the celebration. These logistical details could depend on when out-of-town guests will be able to make it. Also consider location and type of venue.  

Event details

If you’re planning a program, someone will need to lead the event. A pastor or church minister is a good option if the deceased was a religious person. Otherwise, there are plenty of non-denominational leaders to choose for the event.
Another consideration is who will speak. That can be a delicate subject. Sometimes family or friends will come forward and want to speak. If no one is exactly raising their hand for this task, however, organizers might need to sensitively ask people if they wouldn’t mind sharing a few thoughts. Or, you may want to plan out who will speak ahead of time.
Then there’s deciding on music or readings, decorations, and food and drinks, too. Some families choose the favorite foods of their loved one, catered meals, or even a potluck where guests provide the food. Let the personality of your loved one – or your family – be the guide. University Park Golf Club has plenty of space and can accommodate small or large numbers.

Spread the word

This celebration will be special, so the more guests the better. That means putting effort into letting people know when and where the celebration of life will happen. Once you have a guest list, have some friends call or text another group of people with all the details. Emails or e-invites might be a good time saving option, too, but they should only be sent to people who know about the death. Take care with how the information is shared; be sensitive. Keep in mind that using social media to share the news of a death with close family and friends might not be the best idea.

Timing is everything

When planning, try to take into account how much time each part of the celebration will take. If you’re planning a program, 30-60 minutes could be just fine. Think of who will attend, and remember that youngsters and the elderly might have trouble staying seated for anything that would last longer than an hour.

Don’t forget the guest book

Whether it’s a spiral-bound book with an array of colorful pens, or an online guest book, it’s a detail that will be memorable for family members. Creativity can come in handy here. A guest book can be more than just names. Family and friends could each share fond memories, add their favorite photographs, or offer words of sympathy. As an added touch, considering having guests 


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Peace, My Journey, My Way, SimplySHAY ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

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