Charity Functions

Every year charity functions provide thousands of much-needed dollars to local not-for-profit organizations. This money goes toward everything from helping children afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis to buying Mississauga real estate for families that have lost their homes in natural disasters. In order to do the maximum amount of good for these organizations your charity event needs to be successful. That means great food and a great atmosphere that will draw in lots of attendees (and their wallets). For help on planning a successful charity event, read this guide on what to rent and how to get people to donate to your cause.

Venue, Furniture and Decorations

Generally the more upscale the party the higher your attendees' average income will be. High average income means more disposable funds for charity donations, so choose style over utility. Locating the right venue is the first step. Choose a hotel conference room over a fire hall or a cruise ship over a high school gym. Next you have to equip it with furniture and decorations. Your best bet is to rent them from a party company so you can get the best quality items possible rather than settling for the ancient folding tables that come with the hall or the plastic tablecloths from the party aisle at Wal-Mart.

Music and Entertainment

Music should always be provided by professionals, which means renting a sound system and a D.J. to go with it. A private party in your Etobicoke condominium would be fine with music over a stereo, but your party needs to have more class. Any entertainers you plan to regale the crowd with should also be professional, whether they're musical or otherwise. Don't be tempted to let your weird uncle take the stage to do magic tricks, instead, interview several entertainers that have been recommended to you so you can see who best suits your intended audience.

Getting Party Rentals Donated

Renting all the equipment and paying all the staff you'll need to host a great charity function is expensive, and the funds will be coming out of the money you collect. To make sure as much of the proceeds goes to the cause as possible, try to have as much of what you need donated as possible. If Leslieville real estate has a space that would be prefect for hosting your event, approach them about letting you have it for free in exchange for the boost to their public image or a tax receipt for the rental cost.

Getting Prizes Donated

Prize draws or auctions are a great way to raise money for a cause at your party, particularly if you can get companies to donate the prizes. To do this, emphasize what their business will be getting out of it: advertising, public relations, and a tax write off. Most companies have a set amount of money and/or product written into their budget for charitable donations anyway, so all you have to do is convince them that yours should be the one to get it by telling them how they'll be helping children go to Disneyland or start a real estate career or whatever it is your charity does.