Our step-by-step guide to preparing and running any event will help you raise much needed funds for Variety – The Children’s Charity while doing what you love! Do something amazing - change the life of a child who has special needs.
Whether at home, at the office or out on the town there is a way for you to have fun and raise money!
Some ideas:
Workplace Hawaiian Day Potluck Lunch Bake-Off Bingo Raffle
Casual BBQ Beer Tasting Game Night Movie Night Sporting Event
Events Wine & Cheese Cocktail Party Auction Fashion Show Club Night
Where to start: You have an idea that you could raise money by doing something you love – be it a wine and cheese night at your home, a raffle at work or a quiz night at your local pub, now what?
Set a date: Pick a date that is appropriate for your event and participants
Find a venue: What would be an appropriate setting for your event? Does it need a large outdoor space? Can it happen at home, school or the office? Find out if a bar, pub or lounge will donate their function room.
We will then contact you and send you an event package.
Set a target: We all work best with a goal and the general rule for fundraising is to raise three times as much as you spend. Don’t forget to work out exactly how you will be raising the money – is it by selling tickets, a raffle or by donation?
Write a list: Prioritize what needs doing and by when.
Enlist some help: Delegate! You cannot do it all yourself so recruit some volunteers and give them specific tasks and deadlines.
Get the word out! In order to raise money you need people to attend your event. Let people know what you are planning and when and where it is happening. - Print customized posters from our website - Invite everyone you know - Will your workplace help you – if appropriate can you get the event on their website?
Talk to your local press and radio: Contact your local media to see if they will help you spread the word. The main goal when talking to media is to be: - Interesting and innovative - capture their attention - Direct and to the point – what, when, where, who and why
Get your community involved: Will local businesses donate anything to you to help you keep your costs down? Advertising space, the venue for your event or even the cheese for a tasting session – whatever it is, it’ll help you reach your fundraising target!
Most of all – have fun! You are doing a great thing by raising money for us so enjoy it! A good tip? Keep a record of cash and item donations. This way you will know if you have received everything that was pledged and you will be able to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone involved.
Don’t forget to give us your feedback - let us know how it went!
For more information, call our Special Events team toll-free 1.800.381.2040 or email specialevents@variety.bc.ca
