A Gaming Fundraiser can raise good amount of money. Planning is the key to a successful fundraiser.
A Gaming themed fundraiser normally takes the form of a fun evening where the money is raised through ticket sales. This is usually the main source of revenue for the fundraiser.
A good starting point will be is to determine how much money you would like to raise and how many guests you will be inviting. We can then determine the entrance fee (price of the ticket to the event) and the limit of expenses. Because it is a fundraiser we will need to keep the costs as low as possible.
You can also generate additional income stream from either one or all of the following:
- Table sponsorship
- Auctions
- Pledges
Table Sponsorship:
You can find a table sponsor for each casino table being used. You can encourage the 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. Table sponsorship should cover at least the entire rental cost of the casino equipment and staff.
Live Auction:
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.
Pledges:
As part of their entrance fee guests are usually given initial funny money. If they lose this initial stake they should have the option of acquiring more funny money for a donation. Keep the “donation” to an amount that encourages people to get more funny money rather than setting it too high and not having anyone buy in again.