Organising a Grand Event

Be very careful with organising a big event, for example a ball, if this is something you have never done before. It might be best to do a few small events to begin with while you get the hang of things. However if you do decide to organise a large event there are a few things you should consider before you start:

• How much is the venue costing? – you should aim to get the venue for free, you don’t want to be shelling out large amounts of money just in case it goes wrong.
   
• How many tickets do you need to sell to break even (be realistic)? You need to make sure the event is going to make money and be worthwhile doing.

• Tickets should be sold in advance not on the door.
   
• How much time have you given yourself to organise everything? Have you built in contingency time?
   
• Do you already have a captive audience for ticket sales? If not, you need to think about how you will promote this to the general public, can you get yourself in the local press?
   
• Check there aren’t any similar events going on locally on the same day or any other big sporting events, for example a football match or the Grand National.
   
• Venue - make sure this is confirmed before you start selling tickets, get something in writing.
   
• Time of year - what happens if the weather is bad and no one turns up? Perhaps have a back up indoor venue. This is another reason to sell tickets in advance

Create your very own web page

This is excellent source of fundraising as you can email it to all your friends and family and they can donate online at the click of a button. It is quick (takes five minutes) and easy to set up. Simply go to www.justgiving.com/stars today and follow the instructions.

Use your sponsor form

Distribute these among your family and friends (download them here) and ask them in turn to pass it round their friends and family increasing the circulation. Carry your sponsor form with you everywhere, you never know where the opportunity may arise to get sponsorship. A top tip is to make up the first amount on your form, for example £20, as normally people will follow suit. We will provide you with a sponsor form in your fundraising pack.

Spread the word – get people involved

The more people you have helping you the better. Ask everyone you know, and ask them to ask everyone they know! You will be surprised who is willing to donate their time or money to help you out with your sponsorship. People like to feel involved.

You may know someone who works in a pub or bar who might be able to hold a quiz night for you, or donate funds from an existing night to your sponsorship. Alternatively, you may know people who can donate their skills for free such as massage then you can charge people a fee and the money can go towards your sponsorship. People may also be willing to dress up and help you out for a day collecting, the more people you have the more money you will collect.

Give something back! It is good to offer people something in return for their money. If you offer a service or a prize in return you will find that the same people will keep coming back!