Four Ways to Organize Fundraising like the Pros

Both versions of Comic Relief charities here and overseas provide events that are interactive, fun and eclectic. Hosting a variety of options and activities as a chain of events, opens the door for higher numbers of involvement. For instance, stage several sections such as stand-up comedy with a local celebrity who is willing to donate of their time. Organize a pledge-sponsored relay race, with participants requesting sponsorship two weeks prior to the event. An entrance-fee scrimmage sport game with teams such as Teachers vs. Students is another way to bring in funds, as well as dunk tank or pie eating contests judged by influential community members like the Mayor or School Principal. Should patrons choose to partake in multiple events, it will grow money funds only that much further.

Get The Family Involved

Fundraising doesn't mean a restricted evening in theatre seats. Get families involved. Set up the event in an outdoor fair and family picnic environment. Charge a cover price at the "door" and have a booth to sell additional "participation tickets," which can be collected for rounds of sports like volleyball or badminton, fair foods like ice cream, barbecue hamburgers and cold drinks, or games like three-legged races, apple bobbing or soap boat making.

Make It Black Tie

Organize an elegant evening out with music and hor d'oeuvres in an event rental hall or fine dining restaurant. With donations of products and services from local business such as spa days, dinner for two, gift baskets, movie or theatre tickets, set them about the room in silent auction style with bidding sheets tended throughout the event. Secure a Master of Ceremonies, keeping the atmosphere charming and light as the guests are introduced into the event and ushered through the final auction results.

Sell Smiles

Bake-offs are charity fundraising staples, but leave the boring everyday average cookie off the menu. Take a tip from places like Voodoo Doughnuts, with items such as the "Bacon Maple Bar," (yes, bacon on a maple bar), the Captain Crunch covered "Captain My Captain," the "Dirt Doughnut" with Oreo topping, or the powder Tang-topped "Tangfastic." Get creative with a tip from Family Favorite Recipe.com and their TV Dinner themed cupcakes. Or make 'em smile with goofy iced cookie faces like those from Cake Central.

* Additional References:
- Comic Relief (USA)
- Red Nose Day (UK)