Over the 15 years that I have been assisting nonprofits with fundraising events, I have clearly identified three (3) most important topics which lead to a highly successful fundraising event. Whether it be a black tie gala or a very relaxed casual event, all the above apply:
![]( "Event Planning")
1 – MOTIVATED COMMITTEE: When forming a fundraising committee, motivated volunteers are crucial. As you know, 10% of the people do 90% of the work. Motivated volunteers are needed to sell event tickets, promote it as well as gather items for the fundraising platforms such as a Live Auction, Silent Auction and raffles. Motivated volunteers will assist the leadership or Gala chair with issues which lend a crucial role in the success. I have worked with large committees and small but one thing is certain, negative or unproductive volunteers greatly influence the rest of the committee and the events outcome. Keep your committee motivated; provide them the information that you know that will keep them interested. Don’t be a control freak; let everyone be a part of the planning of your event. If everyone has “buy-in” then everyone will own a piece of the success.
![]( "events")
2 – MANAGEMENT: Have you ever attended a poorly managed event? If you have, you clearly know how management is important. A well-managed event has flow, and every issue has been addressed appropriately without influence your guests and supporters. In an event, there tends to be big and small problems that occur from time to time. I call these problems “fires”…if there isn’t someone who is managing your event and can put out the fires before they get out of control – then they will grow bigger and hurt your entire event. Planning is key to the entire experience of your guests. Everyone enjoys an event that starts and stops on a timeline. Managing it appropriately, keeping your volunteers on task will definitely ensure its ultimate success. Furthermore, a well-managed event will assist in its ultimate success which is both financially and how people feel about it after it’s over.
3 – MEAL: The cornerstone of any great event is the meal. Most committees feel that people attend solely for the organization or the cause. Part of your guests will attend due to the event, other people attending, the meal and the event of it all. Some committee’s will not consider the importance of the meal and will plan a small menu but will charge a premium price. Whether it heavy hore d’oeuvres in a bistro setting, a sit down dinner or a buffet, your guests should be given a meal in which they deserve. If your guests and supporters come away with a great dining experience, even given if it is being held in a catering facility, attention should be made on the meal. In the past, I have seen committees plan a small or place little importance on the meal; if the meal is bad…do you think your guests will be happy? I doubt it. If the meal is bad, that will transcend to your fundraising activities. Imagine if you bought food through the drive window at a fast food restaurant, you pull away and realize that you did not receive what you paid for? Would you be happy…no I doubt it, so why do the same thing to your guests?
Keep these three (3) topics in consideration when planning your next event. These are the cornerstones which will set you on your way to a very successful fundraising event. To learn more about a highly successful fundraising event, please visit our website at www.bwunlimited.com or contact us today.
