3. Include splashy surprises
Lean in to dramatic gala fundraiser ideas to make sure attendees talk about your event for years to come! Retain a troupe of entertainers to herald in announcements or to close the party. Choose the format that’s best for your theme: a zydeco or marching band, circus entertainers or theater troupe, belly dancers or burlesque performers for a more daring presentation.
4. Hold a bubbly raffle
A sparkling gala fundraiser idea to raise an extra several thousand dollars for your charity: fill a finite number of glasses of champagne. Adorn the bottom of each glass with a semiprecious stone, except for two that have a precious stone. Sell each glass for $50 and announce the “winners” at the end of the evening. Diamonds and cubic zirconia have universal appeal but if it suits your theme, use color here: garnet, amethyst, peridot as semi-precious with emerald, ruby, or sapphire as the precious prizes.
5. Set up intelligent lighting
Never, ever forget about the power of fantastic lighting! Technology is your friend: pixel tubes are versatile, state-of-the art LED lights that allow you to manage the mood from above. Begin with softer colors for dinner, then switch to beat-sensitive color and effects for dancing. It’s a perfect way to draw guests to the after-party.
6. Host a fabulous after-party
Speaking of the after-party — invite guests to attend a dessert and dancing reception for a cover charge or suggested donation. Serve truffles and wrapped candies, espresso, sparkling water, and spiked hot chocolate. Give everyone glowing accessories, and shoot a confetti cannon towards the end of the night. Showstopper, indeed! And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, incorporate one of these other gala fundraiser ideas into your after-party.
7. Offer useful services and personal care items
Hire representatives from the charity to roam and offer beauty and personal care items for a donation: tinted lip balm, facial spritz, or hand moisturizer; tins of mirror mints or breath freshener; mini bottles of champagne or sparkling water, all emblazoned with the charity’s logo. If space allows, station a restroom attendant to offer similar services. In the lobby, create a phone charging station or a shoe-shine chair, available for a donation, of course.
8. Prepare a live auction
Sure, everyone does live auctions — because they raise so much money! Keep yours brief and hilarious as you auction off experiences rather than things: beach vacations, concert tickets, or a home-cooked meal by someone’s grandma. Businesses and individuals are often generous when donating such things, but don’t feel obligated to accept every auction item that is offered. You know your audience. Make sure it’s something that is going to move.
