XP: running a benefit and need some advice

jc&cat

My friend's little baby was born 10 weeks premature and has severe eye problems resulting in blindness in both eyes. Yes, heartwrenching stuff. She will have surgery in November to give her a 50/50 chance of partial vision recovery. Worse is that my friend was laid off from her job b/c she was 4 weeks from maternity leave eligibility. Friends are banding together to do a beef/beer type benefit in november.

If you have been to a benefit for ANYTHING, what kind of cool thing or raffle or basket or whatever did they have that stood out in your mind as a good idea or detail? Planning to do gift baskets for raffle, gift cards. Is the "in" thing for charities still a plastic bracelet? Trying to think of a simple item (sports bottle) that we can sell for like $2 that could bring in additional donations.

If you have run a benefit (bonus!!) any ideas on getting the word out, dealing with local businesses or connecting with larger charities?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

mylittlesunshine

We do fundraisers where I work and here are some things that go over really well:

-gift cards to local businesses (we do a package such as hotel/movie passes for a date night) We even had a tattoo parlor give us a gift card!

-signed football/basketball/baseball from a local sports team

-Also check local sports teams about donating some tickets. We have semi-pro sports teams around here that like to donate tickets and they seem to be a hit

-homemade baby items-blankets etc

-Another idea is to check out your local flea market. Sometimes people make items (like hairbows etc) and have a booth there. We had a lady make this awesome Disney Rupunzel dress for a little girl that was a hit at our silent auction. Would be good for Halloween if your event is before then. Sometimes they have their postings on craigslist (well atleast here they do).

-Check chain restaurants. One chain gave us a free pie for each month for 12 months and another big ice cream supplier gave us 1 free thing of ice cream for a month for 12 months

-Since we are getting into the holiday season, maybe something seasonal?

As far as getting the word out, I would contact local news stations/radio stations. They might be willing to give you a spot to talk about your event.

1026pumpkin

PP has some really great suggestions!  Some things I can think of:

* For raffle items, go talk to local business and ask if they'd be willing to donate something (mani/pedi certificate, dinner for 2, etc.).  You can also ask them if you can post a flyer about your event and leave a collection jar.

* If you have a big sports team (pro or college) nearby, you could ask them for something to donate (i.e. signed jersey, ball, etc.).  You might also discuss the possibility of them having a night where they talk about your friend's story and collect donations.  A lot of sports organizations will also make donations.

* Talking to the news/radio stations is also a good idea.

* Try setting up a webpage with a paypal account (I think there are services that do this)- you can post the website on Facebook and advertise it if you can get radio/tv stations to help, and that can help in getting donations from people that are out of town.

Good luck! 

jf198400

I've been to a number of beef and beers.  Ideas for popular raffles- sports tickets, event tickets such as concerts, restaurant gift cards (lots of restaurants are willing to donate), wine and spirits baskets, sports jerseys for Eagles or Phillies, college tshirts or hoodies for someplace like Penn State if there are a lot of alums from a certain school.  If there are a lot of parents attending you could also do stuff like a basket of baby items, or basket of art supplies, maybe even tickets to Sesame Place or Disney on Ice (coming to town in Dec/Jan).  Some big ticket items I've seen are tvs or ipads. 

Good luck with everything, I think its super awesome that you're doing this for your friend.

jf198400

Does your friend belong to a church?  If so, I would definitely try to get the beef and beer published in the parish bulletin, they might also be willing to take up a collection for her, or maybe you could sell a small item like the bracelets or whatever after Sunday service.  Also contact her grade school/ high school/ college.  They also may be willing to help out or at least put info on the fundraiser in any alumni newsletter communications.

Zimger

In addition to the pp (who all have great ideas) gift baskets that involve food always make a big hit. In the past we have raffled off Gift Baskets that have been donated by local bakeries. Gift baskets with a BBQ theme always seem to do well.

jcath

Do you have a large network of people you can reach out to?  If so, I might consider not doing an event (b/c of the event costs) and doing something online like crowd funding https://www.gofundme.com/Medical-Illness-Healing/?pc=cfcom

You can just make a list of everyone you know and send them the link and ask them to share with others.   If you want to offer a non monetary option you can ask for meals and include a link here www.mealtrain.com  

 

kacelle

I'm the publicity and events director for a nonprofit, so I do this sort of thing fairly often.  Depending on the population you're trying to attract, I'd replace the plastic bracelets with the plastic sunglasses that are all the rage now.  Raffles aren't really my thing, but you could sell T-shirts or bumper stickers.

I'd contact local foundations now about getting involved (sending a representative to attend or underwriting or donating to the event).  You could send a formal letter to the foundation, but I've found that emails to secretaries typically get responses while generic letters do not.  I'd also get the event listed on Chamber of Commerce websites or any other town schedule.  Send PSAs to local newspapers and to local radio stations.  You could ask a radio station to set up a remote broadcast from the event--we just did this for a blood drive we sponsored recently.  

Honestly, word of mouth is by far your best bet.  I wouldn't put too much money into the advertising or the raffle items.  Set up a basic free website to share the family's story if they don't have one already.  You have to get people to feel for the cause to attend and donate; people don't typically go to benefits or give their money because there are gift card prizes.

snicksnack

kacelle:

I'm the publicity and events director for a nonprofit, so I do this sort of thing fairly often.  Depending on the population you're trying to attract, I'd replace the plastic bracelets with the plastic sunglasses that are all the rage now.  Raffles aren't really my thing, but you could sell T-shirts or bumper stickers.

I'd contact local foundations now about getting involved (sending a representative to attend or underwriting or donating to the event).  You could send a formal letter to the foundation, but I've found that emails to secretaries typically get responses while generic letters do not.  I'd also get the event listed on Chamber of Commerce websites or any other town schedule.  Send PSAs to local newspapers and to local radio stations.  You could ask a radio station to set up a remote broadcast from the event--we just did this for a blood drive we sponsored recently.  

Honestly, word of mouth is by far your best bet.  I wouldn't put too much money into the advertising or the raffle items.  Set up a basic free website to share the family's story if they don't have one already.  You have to get people to feel for the cause to attend and donate; people don't typically go to benefits or give their money because there are gift card prizes.

I manage charitable giving and PR on the corporate side of the house and everything said here is good advice.  My company can?t get involved or give donations unless the recipient is partnered with a 501 (c) 3 non-profit.  This has to do with the tax laws in regards to charitable contributions.  I am guessing any chain restaurants etc? with corporate offices are going to have the same or a simiular policy.  The hospital where the child is being treated may have a foundation that you can partner with.  Partnering with an established foundation also provides creditability to the event.