Relationships 

Advertisement

How to host a fabulous fund-raising party

Discover the essential ingredients of a successful fund-raising bash. Party experts divulge their secrets

Why host a fund-raising party?
We all like to do a good deed, but when we're busy dealing with the stresses and strains of daily life, the thought of hosting a charity event seems like an impossible task. But, imagine if 'giving' was all about getting your friends together for a fun lunch or dinner, drinking champagne, eating delicious food - and helping to raise awareness of an important cause. If this sounds appealing, then get ready to fundraise.

'Organising your own fund-raising party is so exciting' says event organiser Rhyll Dorrington. 'You get to have a great time with your mates and you're helping someone else. In fact, once you start, it's a bit addictive. It can boost your social life, your career and makes you feel super-worthy.'

But for the most of us, organising a party usually means a rather large hole in the bank balance. So just how do you go about arranging a super-successful bash that actually raises money?

Consider your X factor
Every good party has an X factor, however subtle. It could be a dress code, the type of drink you offer (cocktails, champagne), a theme, or a winning prize. In short, it's whatever makes your party a little different. For fund-raisers, the most popular novelty factors are raffles and auctions to raise cash.

Finding great prizes or auction 'lots' is key. The best approach is to start by asking businesses to support your cause and donate a product or service. 'Businesses are often willing to donate something in return for publicity with your charity,' says events organiser Sara Goodburn at Cancer Research UK. 'Asking locally is a great idea. Even if the party is small, it could be worthwhile exposure for them. But always think of things your guests will love. Ask a local hairdresser, a restaurant, your travel agent, a beauty salon - and remember, nothing is out of bounds.'

Make sure you display all your prizes clearly to entice your guests to bid or buy a raffle ticket. Appoint a master of ceremonies for the auction or raffle, ideally someone with a loud and authoritative voice. Silent auctions are less intrusive, where guests make secret votes throughout the evening and a winner is announced at the end of the night.

RATE IT

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon

  Get the latest iVillage news on your desktop    Sign up for more iVillage RSS feeds

© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB