Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Ashton Kutcher host an annual “White Party” full of celebrities dressed entirely in white. Stars like Mariah Carey, Tyrese Gibson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Russell Brand have attended past star-studded events. The lovely thing about this annual party is that it is a fundraiser aimed at raising awareness for Malaria. Did you know that every minute a child dies from a simple mosquito bite? It’s impressive that Diddy hosts this worthwhile event and every dollar raised provides a life-saving test and treatment.
But you don’t have to host a party of this scale or be rich and famous to make an impact. Summer’s warm weather provides the perfect backdrop for hosting fundraising events in your backyard with family and friends. Though on a much smaller scale, these kind of gatherings are as important as the big celeb fetes. Additionally, not only is hosting a party fun, it also allows you to introduce a cause you believe in to the people you love.
Choose Your Charity Wisely
Before doing anything else, you must decide which organization you want to promote. If you don’t already have a cause in mind, consider whether you want to focus on people, animals, the environment, or other scientific endeavor. From there you can begin conducting research online and searching for a local or regional charity with whom you can partner.
Educate Yourself
Investigate your charity of choice so you know how your donation will be spent and can easily explain the organization’s objectives to prospective guests and donors.
Establish a Party Theme
Ask your invited guests to wear head to toe white. White tends to be popular as a decorative theme at charitable events because it suggests purity, and this closely aligns with the purity of giving. Enhance your theme white balloons, white wine, white cupcakes, white blankets, and white pillows.
Recruit Volunteers
Ask friends and family with writing, marketing or advertising experience to volunteer their time, talent and network in helping to get the word out. Friends with experience in decorating, food, drinks, and photography can pitch in with party planning and execution.
Collect Donations
- Find a donation website such as punchbowl.com where guests can donate online as they RSVP.
- Organize fundraising games, such as “pick an egg” wherein guests can pay $5 to choose a plastic Easter egg. All eggs will be filled with prizes – coins, candy, and other treats – and one will have a grand prize of cash, gift card, or luxury item donated by a local retailer.
- Place a donation bucket at your event’s entrance to give people an opportunity to donate more.
- Host a silent auction.
Get the Word Out
Ask your local newspaper to cover your event. Contact local radio and television stations to see if they will give your event air time. Ask guests to share the link to the donation page via email, twitter, and Facebook.
Document the Event
Post a photo album on Facebook to continue the dialogue after the event. This will help you raise your event’s profile by showing it to be a success (should you decide to replicate it in future years) and may inspire others to host a charitable event of their own.
Say Thank You
People love getting together for a great cause, but they also appreciate an acknowledgement of their role in contributing to your fundraiser. After your event, send all guests a personalized note thanking them for attending and listing total funds. Additionally, send thank yous to all volunteers, donors, and contributors.