Bar Parties
A benefit idea for the recessionista in you
Glitzy galas are not in the cards this year for many organizations…even though keeping people connected to your cause is more important than ever.
One of my charities is taking a page from the Obama grass roots fundraising manual, planning low cost/high touch “House Parties,” and “Bar Parties” in six locations throughout the city and suburbs. Each party will be hosted by a board member, and will bring together existing donors and friends, as well as new people who live in or around that party.
Of course, social media will figure prominently in our invitation and reminder strategy. Our younger donors will go for the bar parties. Others will opt for the house parties. In true recessionista fashion, both celebration types will include modest ticket prices to get in, sponsored drinks and light food and the auction of at least one, truly fantastic item. No black tie, no bands, no venue rental, no floral, fauna or goodie bags. But plenty of good cheer and a pumped-up presentation by a stakeholder who is passionate about the cause. (BTW: In this case, it’s children’s literacy.)
Already, the enthusiasm is higher to help with these small events as compared to the arm twisting we had to go through to get committees together for the “Big Event” model. If it’s true that necessity breeds invention, maybe we’re learning something important about the future of fundraising.
