These three fundraising events work well for any size group. To
maximize your success, you must create awareness within the community
of both the specifics of your fundraising event and the reason why your
group is raising funds.
Both are important to any fundraiser, but they are absolutely critical
for pulling off a successful event. You have to generate enough
publicity to draw a sizable audience and you must motivate the
attendees to support your program.
So, which fundraising events shall we talk about?
Three Event Ideas:
1- Get The Picture
2- Rubber Duck Derby
3- Clean Comedians
#1 - Get The Picture
Get The Picture is a name I coined for portrait event fundraisers. The
idea here is to offer family portraits, glamour shots, vintage photos,
and other "dressy" pictures.
You'll need a central location with plenty of room for costume changes,
picture-taking backdrops, and a waiting area. The best times are
usually Saturdays. Pre-sell the event with flyers and reserved session"
tickets.
You'll want to get photo commitments up front from 250 people to make this worth your while.
Your sales pitch should "Focus on the Fun:"
Capture The Moment (before it slips away)
Dress up Picture Party (be there or be square)
Goofy Faces Wanted! (yours included)
Or tug at the heart:
When's the last time you sent a family photo Christmas card?
They're not getting any younger... Get a portrait!
Mother/daughter, Father/son - Pictures last a lifetime!
Your group can coordinate with a local photographer or partner with a
national photography chain. One that I recommend is Vista Studios. They
offer a 10x13 family portrait for $8 and your group gets paid $6, plus
additional performance bonuses.
#2 - Rubber Duck Derby
The Rubber Duck Derby is an easy and fun fund-raising event that can be
scaled in size to fit your group's supporter base. The actual event,
crazy as it may sound, involves racing rubber ducks down a local
waterway.
Your local community "adopts" the ducks for a chance to win valuable
donated prizes. Duck races have become a unique and profitable event
for many charities.
Your group sells a ticket linked to a number that's painted on one of
the racing rubber ducks. Depending on the prizes involved, tickets are
priced somewhere between $5-$10 a ticket.
A standard size for a race is 3,000 rubber ducks, but you can adjust
that up or down depending on the size of your group and the amount you
need to raise.
Large plastic bags full of the ducks are simultaneously emptied into
the water. The winning duck is the one that floats to the finish line
first.
It adds a little extra zing to the old-fashioned raffle ticket sale.
Prizes can also be awarded in various categories to add to the
festivities. Many groups organize their "race" around a group picnic
near the waterway and make a leisurely afternoon out of your fundraiser
event.
A company called Great American Duck Races can supply you with everything you need.
#3 - Clean Comedians
The third of our fundraising events is Clean Comedians. They offer over
50 performers capable of meeting almost any entertainment need. These
hilarious entertainers will have your audience rolling with laughter --
and no one will be offended!
All you need to coordinate is a hall or auditorium and arrange an
audience. Sell tickets up front or at the door. If you want to make
additional funds, you can also offer food items as well.
If your group is small, partner with another organization and split the
profits. Many groups are reporting record giving with this unique
"Bucks through Yuks" approach.
Hundreds of schools have used Clean Comedians for years to provide top
quality entertainment for their students. From stand-up comedians and
impressionists - to musicians, magicians, and jugglers - their
performers provide outstanding, clean entertainment for any group.
Not only are these guys hilarious entertainment, but each performer
also has several messages focusing on important issues students face
today.
Performances can be arranged at this web site: Clean Comedians
Special Events - Wrap-up
Pick an event that suits the talents and size of your group. Then,
focus your energies in getting your message out to your potential
supporters. These fundraiser events will do the rest.
