Fundraising Event Ideas!! Raising Money Can Be Fun!!!

Has fundraising become a chore this past year? If people get something out of an event they are more willing to spend the money. Well here are some fun events that will get people out and willing to spend some money for a good cause


Casino Night

Events like these often include live entertainment, a catered dinner, live and silent auctions, sponsorships, ticket & drink sales. This is a great excuse for adults to get all dressed up and have a fun time, so turnouts are impressive. There are lots of charitable groups who need to raise large amounts of operating funds and these events really deliver if done well.

Silent or Live Auctions- Have everyone call or better yet, visit their contacts to ask for their help with donated products or services. Seek out things with a true "Wow" factor to generate a strong buzz of excitement around your auctions. Live auctions can generate a tremendous amount of revenue for the event, if done correctly. There are several key ingredients to a successful live auction. Maintain a captive audience – shut down all other activity during this time Shorter is better – your live auction should run no more than 30-40 minutes
Less is more – have only a few; generally less than 10 – high ticket items for auction. Use a dynamic auctioneer.

Sponsorship- Find at least one table sponsor for each casino table being used and the sponsored amount should generally be at least $100. Encourage your sponsors to provide “gag” gifts that promote their business to be distributed at “their” table. For example – a blackjack table sponsored by a dentist could give away a free toothbrush (with the sponsor’s name imprinted) for each blackjack that is dealt. Or, the dealer could be dressed in the sponsor uniform. Make your sponsors feel as though they are getting value for their donation and not only are they more likely to attend the event, getting a similar sponsorship the next year
will be much easier. Keep in mind table sponsorship should cover at least the entire rental cost of the casino equipment and staff. Solicit prizes for guests who win at a game. If the event is for charity, many local businesses may be willing to provide prizes or gift certificates in return for being listed as a sponsor. If the event is just for fun, choose inexpensive "theme" gifts from local gift stores. Purchase one or more grand prizes for the big winners of the night.

Games-Make sure you have all permits well ahead of time. Some jurisdictions have special restrictions on gambling-related activities even when they are for charity and don't involve cash winnings, so research this carefully. For your games, contact party supply and equipment rental firms. In major metropolitan areas, there are also companies that specialize in supplying this equipment and many even supply staff to run the games, deal the cards, etc. Solicit prizes for guests who win at a game. For charity, many local businesses may be willing to provide prizes or gift certificates in return for being listed as a sponsor.

Ticket Sales- You can price tickets differently for those who might not want a dinner or gambling chips included. Some people won't and you do want as many people as possible attending and bidding on your auction items.To boost ticket sales make it a black-tie affair. Press coverage and celebrity attendees will also help sell out your fundraiser.

Media- Put together a press release summarizing the highlights of the evening and emphasize why you are raising funds. Include details on the entertainment, the sponsors, prominent attendees, your best auction items, etc. Include full contact information as well as the obvious information such as place, date, and time. Send it to all the major media outlets in your marketplace well ahead of your fundraiser. Include a group photo such as the organizing committee or your group's board of directors.


Golf Tournament

A great warm-weather fundraising event is a golf fundraiser. This is a great way to get sponsorship from large corporations as well as participants. Golf is a huge hobby and it is a great way to get out of the office for the day.

Location-A good golf course and the service their tournament staff provides your event is a huge factor in your tournament’s success. Talk to local golf courses and see if they would offer discounted green fees for a certain amount of people. The ticket prices should include the green fee plus little extra.

When- Charity golf tournaments are traditionally on Mondays because most tournaments used to be held on private country club courses only available on Mondays. Mondays are still the first days that are booked, but you’ll get lower prices on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Some advice about Fridays: Fridays are the best day to get golfers to take a day off from work, but they are the worst days to get them to stick around for an awards dinner banquet. Here’s the trick. Have a Friday morning tournament with a luncheon (rather than dinner). Your golfers get to play hooky from work and still be home with his family by dinnertime. Some golf courses begin their higher weekend rates on Friday, but again, you’ll get a price break if you don’t lock up their whole day. I do not recommend weekend tournaments if you’re price sensitive -- you have much less leverage in negotiating with the golf course on their busiest days. In regards to what time of day, the best suggestion is to do a shot gun start. This way everyone is starting at once and end at the same time. This allows to hold a awards event at the end for a little more revenue.

Hole sponsors-Contact local businesses and ask them to sponsor a hole. To attract eighteen sponsors, make it affordable, say $100 or so. Show them a mockup of the signs that will be placed for each sponsor and your event program where you'll list all your sponsors.

Corporate sponsors-For the biggest financial impact, approach large corporations and ask them to sponsor your event. Companies with headquarters or substantial operations in your area are your best bets. Put together Sponsor Packages and be specific as to what's in it for the corporation, i.e. prominent signage at the event, corporate logo golf balls for all golfers, newspaper coverage, golfing slots for top executives, etc.

Silent auction-Solicit items from local businesses and even offer to pay for some popular items that will attract serious bidding such as golf lessons from the club pro or a set of new irons. On the day of your golf fundraiser, setup a couple of tables full of donated goods and services. Tape bidding sheets and descriptions of each item to the tables so that golfers can place bids one-handed.

Hold a raffle-You can sell raffle tickets for quality prizes in conjunction with your event. They don't even have to be golf related, but it does help to have at least some prizes such as a new golf bag, free round, season pass to top course, etc. To increase sales, sell tickets to the general public and not just to your group of supporters. You can even set up a sales table at high-traffic locations like shopping centers. obviously, follow all local regulations concerning raffle ticket sales.

Cash bar cart-Load up the back of a golf cart with ice and cold drinks, then drive the course and sell your golfers what they want. Cold beer and sodas are the best sellers, but don't forget to include snack foods like pretzels and chips.

Catered lunch-Work with the club to offer a catered lunch to all your golfers or at least a boxed lunch of sandwich, chips, and a cookie. Depending on what you're offering, markup your costs by $2 to $4 per person and you'll do well. overcharging will actually cut into your total profits.

Award Dinner/Ceremony-At the end of the tournament it will be nice to thank everyone & award the winning team with a prize. Work with the golf club to arrange something that could be large to small. This will be the time of the day when you announce the auction and raffle winners. Depending the charity, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a speaker or someone from the charitable organization there to say a few words.


Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction

Setting up a bachelor/bachelorette auction fundraiser is a way to not only raise awareness and money for your cause, it may turn out to be helpful to those who take part. At the very least, it can be fun for everyone who participates.

While the focus should remain on the fundraising aspect of the auction, the nature of it does require some special considerations. You’ll be sending two people out on a date, and while it may start out as something done for charity, who knows? By the end of the evening, your group may be responsible for bringing two people together who might not have otherwise met.

Location-The best place is one that has a stage. Bachelors and bachelorettes will need to be present on stage while the bidding is taking place so bidders can see who they’re bidding on. It’s also optimal for the location to have a PA system with a microphone so the auctioneer can keep things running smoothly and tell the bidders about the bachelors and bachelorettes taking part. Make sure that is place a a trendy spot that the auctionee's friends won't mind coming to support their friend. Every city or town has hotspots like popular restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. Talk to the establishments’ managers to see if they’re willing to donate gift certificates, or better yet, date packages to go along with the bachelor/bachelorette won in the auction. For a really nice touch, see if a local limo company is willing to donate a few hours with a limo and driver to take the couple out in style. Have the bachelors and bachelorettes choose the package they want so the person bidding on them has an idea of that person’s interests, and will know whether that’s how they want to spend an evening.Make sure that is place a a trendy spot that the auctionee's friends won't mind coming to support their friend.

Who will be Auctioned?-The first place to look is within your organization’s ranks. Are there any single members who would like to participate? Think about members of your community, your neighbors, members of your church. Do you know any singles who might want to help out a cause and have a fun evening out in return? One way to really ramp up community involvement is to include single local celebrities like news anchors or radio hosts. Ask them if they’re willing to participate to help out a good cause. The worst they can do is say no, and who hasn’t been turned down at least once when asking someone for a date? Make sure that you are specific with age and I suggest having people fill out applications so that you can keep it even with bachelors & bachelorettes.

Bidders- Inform your bidders before the auction begins. Hand out lists of the available bachelors and bachelorettes with short bios and descriptions of the date they’ll be taking the bidder on. Try to include fun facts about each person, or maybe a funny quote from them. Photos are also helpful to get people interested in bidding. As for the date, this is best left to the bachelor or bachelorette, and the person with the winning bid. After the auction, they can discuss a time and day that work for both of them so there’s no immediate obligation. If they like, this also gives them a little time to talk before the date actually takes place so it’s not as awkward as blind dates can often be.

Perfect Productions is actually hosting a Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction to raise money for the Petit Family Foundation. Contact Kate, Margie or Nicole for details: Kate@perfectprod.com, Margie@perfectprod.com, Nicole@perfectprod.com.

3 Ways to Start Your New Year Off Right!!!

Ding Dong Ding Dong! Hello, 2010!!!! It's here! Want to make difference in 2010? I know that I am tired of 2009 and with the new year, if you are like me, I am making a fresh start! Here are three ways to start your 20-10 off right!

Step One:Make Goals!

What do you want to accomplish this year? What would do like to do differently from 2009? Is it a promotion? Is it more revenue in your business? Is it to buy and house or start a new family...go to Europe??? Whatever it is, write it down. Make the goals attainable. If you put something like win the lotto, chances are that isn't going to happen and also, you have no control over that. Pick goals that you have control over! You will be more eager to achieve them by 2011.

Step Two:Get Organized!

If you have been putting off cleaning out or closet, or getting a new filing system at work now is your chance! With the new year clean that clutter and start off with a clean slate! You will be more willing to tackle those goals if you feel like your life is in order.


Step Three: Think of Yourself!

De-stress!!! Pamper yourself! Now I know you are saying, "The holidays just pasted, I can't pamper myself??" Well you don't need to spend money doing it. Take a day to relax, enjoy something that you like to do, maybe I day enjoying your favorite hobby. Don't start the New Year off worn down. Take some time, even if it is just a day to yourself, you will be amazed how you feel after!

Wish you a Safe & Happy 2010!! Until next time...

Last Minute New Years... Your Friends will Never know!

With so many holidays back to back it is nearly impossible to avoid a melt-down from the stress of shopping, cooking and eating. Its impossible to plan another social evening to ring in the new year. Or is it???

We brainstormed some simply ideas to make your New Years Eve something special without the stress that months of prior planning brings.

Since resolutions are right around the corner why not create a "Guilty Pleasures" buffet. Friends will truly enjoy the spread of Chinese take out, White Trash Dip, Pizza, Chips of all shapes and flavors with the really fattening sour cream dips like french onion and garlic garlic. Pigs in a blanket, and cheese fondue also make great quick aps that guests can enjoy. For Dessert you can display hostess cupcakes and Twinkies on fancy cake plates, alongside ho hos, ding dogs and devil dogs, or create a speciality cake out of them - who could resist.

So as not to spend your entire budget for 2010, why not ask your guests to each bring a bottle of champagne since it is the drink of choice for revelers worldwide. You can also buy some inexpensive bubbly to mix up into champagne cocktails such as the popular mimosa which is 5 ounces of sparkling wine with 1 ounce of orange juice. For a little variation use a mandarin orange as the garnish. For another option try the Poinsetta, which starts with the same 5 ounces of sparkling wine, 1/2 ounce of cranberry juice, 1/4 ounce of Triple sec and a twist of lime.

With the drinks and food taken care of you have to have something that will keep New Years Eve from feeling like every other saturday night at home. Balloons and Streamers make quick easy and inexpensive decorations, combined with hats, blowers and noise makers - your guests will certainly feel the tradition that is the holiday. Make sure that you have plenty of music planned for the night - one idea for doing this to create play lists from each decade 60's, 70's 80's etc. Find out where the New year is turning from the start of your party until midnight here in the states, each time a new country rings in the new year switch the music to a new decade.

Make sure you have plenty of TV's and clocks around so Guests can follow New Years all over the world and won't miss the clock striking Midnight.

Lastly, if you want to give out party favors that your guests will use and are not likely to forget, consider morning after packages - cellophane bags filled with a teaspoon of confetti, ibuprofen packets, vitamin c powder, stomach soothing ginger tea bags and a bottle of water tied off with a brightly colored bow.

We'd Love to hear your thoughts about planning a last minute New Year's Eve - what have you done????

Wedding Favors - Yay or Neah???

Your wedding day is the one you have dreamed about since you were a little girl, and it is a day that you are not likely to soon forget. With all of the planing, time and money spent, you dream day can also be a nightmare and a stressful time as well.

Although this is your special day your Guests play a really big role in your memories - in the long run they are the ones that will make your day the memory you want it to be. Because they are such a special part of a wedding couples typically give out favors as something to remember the wedding by.

The problem, as I see it, with favors, is that they often can be one of the most costly small items on the wedding budget. If you are like most people, your wedding is already being done on a dime and you want to cut costs as much as you can. Often the Favors are the first to go.

Consider this however, what if you can fit the favor into the cost of the wedding without changing anything? We thing that Couples should consider using favors as part of the decor so that you aren't spending extra money on items that you and your Guests will never use. The result of this practice still gives your Guest something useful to take home as a memory, and helps to make your wedding tables as beautiful as you dreamed they would be.

A great examples are picture frames that hold the escort cards for your guests. This has a two fold benefit, aside from a great useful gift, they also help to keep that card table neat an organized.

Another option is to incorporate a votive candle holder into the tabletop, you can include a great smelling candle, and each Guest will be able to take one home after the reception. Again, this is a two fold option, not only do they get a very unique candle holder for their home, the scented candles will allow you to create a great environment for your reception.


If being creative with you budget isn't necessary there are a whole slew of wedding related items that are cute, from custom labeled bottles of wine and champagne, to salt an pepper shakers with "two peas in a pod".

To answer the question, we say favors are a most definite YAY! but, whatever the favor is - the trend is usefulness, if you, or your Guests can't use it at the wedding reception, make sure that your Guests can use it when they get home.

Robin Brockelsby of Creative Coverings - Perfect Productions Pal Newest Pal of the Week!

So its that time of the week again and I am happy to announce that the Newest Pal is Robin Brockelsby from Creative Coverings in Reno, NV.

Brian and I had the pleasure of meeting Robin during breakfast on the very last day of The Special Event Show last year in San Diego. Three weeks later we had the ability to spend some more time with her in Las Vegas at the Event Solutions/Catersource Show, where she sponsored the wedding event.

After returning from the trade show circuit a client of ours requested a table linen that we could not find anywhere - and of course the event was last minute - I asked him to call Robin to see if she had any suggestions.



The Result was amazing - She and her Team at Creative Coverings, researched the fabric, ordered it, made them and shipped them to us, all on a very tight time schedule. Our client couldn't have been happier, and the photos from the original event, have brought us several more people who asked for the same cloths, or a variation on the design.

Without at doubt the service and products that Robin and her team provide are second to none. They have an outstanding website www.creativecoverings.com that showcases each of their products in true to color photos, it also has a gallery space that has photos of previous events. Plus if you are not sure what to order for your needs, their order information page includes an easy to read grid that you can use to figure it out exactly.

When people ask me where to go for linens - Creative Coverings is definitely the first place that pops into my mind. To read Robin's responses to our questions please click on the photo below, and to place an order with Creative Coverings visit their website or call them at 877-410-6367!!!

Brian Medbury Announced as Finalist for 2010 Event Solutions Spotlight Award

Event Solutions, Vice President Caroline Baragona made the announcement today that Brian Medbury, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Perfect Productions had advanced into the finals of the Event Solutions Spotlight Award Process in the category of Rising Star - Male.

The Event Solutions Spotlight Awards are the event industry's premier, most comprehensive awards. They Acknowledge the finalists' and recipients' body of work. The Rising Star Award is presented to one male and one female Event Industry Professional who has been in the industry five years or less. Rising Stars show great promise of becoming an industry leader or major player in the years to come.

Finalist profile will be displayed on-line beginning on December 11th when voting begins and the awards will be given out at the closing Gala for the 2010 Event Solutions/Catersource Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

On behalf of the Staff at Perfect Productions, we would like to congratulate Brain as well as our other industry partners Robin Brokelsby and the Staff at Creative Coverings for their nomination as Rental Company of the Year, and Christine Brower of C. Brower Events for her nomination as Designer of the Year!

Now get on and Vote (will post instructions when we have them)

Good Luck to Everyone and we'll see you in Vegas!!!!

Perfect Productions Pal of the Week!!!

Perfect Productions has so many great vendors that we get to work with, it is nearly impossible to recognize them all, so as a Team we decided that every Friday we would dedicate our blog to an outstanding industry leader, our Pal of the Week!

We are really excited to kick this program off by speaking with Debra Roth from Pink Inc. As a Team we have worked with Deb on quite a few great events. She has so many creative ideas and her Team is so much fun to plan with! If you are looking for a unique twist for your next function - this is definitely the place to start!

Her Website says that Pink Inc. is "where Tension Fabric Meets Design to Stretch your imagination" and we agree -the imagination in their building is incredible! They even have huge Butterfly wings that they can fit to an aerialist and suspend from the ceiling!!! It is truly something to see!

Click on the document below to see what Deb had to say when we asked her our Fun and Fabulous questions.

Definitely be sure to check out www.pinkincdesign.com and follow Deb and her Team on Twitter @Pinkincdesign. If you are interested in speaking with Deb or a member of here Team to help you with you tension structure design needs you can visit them in their offices at 150 E. 23rd Street, New York, NYcontact them by calling 866-PINK-INC. They also have a great form to request information at http://www.pinkincdesign.com/contact-us/default.aspx!!!



Anyone who knows Deb, or has used Pink Inc. at one of their Events, please post your comments, testimonials and photos we would love to see them!