Further details
If you can, get 3 or 4 friends in to help you on the day with meeting and greeting, selling raffle tickets, collecting money, washing up etc.
When we advertised the event, we gave out their own phone numbers and encouraged people to make appointments direct with them – in advance. They were both very happy to give their numbers as it was advertising for them at the same time.
Raffle
Hold a raffle, using cloakroom tickets. It is useful to have one of your helpers dedicated to selling tickets as she will know who she has sold to etc. I approached local shops and pubs, asking for donations for raffle prizes and mostly they were very generous and accommodating. When asking, take along ABTF pamphlets and make sure they are aware that all money raised WILL go to brain tumour research. Don’t be afraid to tell your personal story of why you are trying to raise money for the charity…the personal touch goes a long way. Be sure that, after the event, you write to them all thanking them for their donation and telling them how much you raised, with their help.
Sale of Goods
This was all put out on a table, unpriced, with signs saying ‘donate what you think it is worth’ You can individually price things but that is very laborious and people were inclined to be more generous when there were no set prices. If there is something that you know is worth a lot of money, suggest a price…just to make sure it does not go for a song.
Refreshments
I borrowed an urn and had tea and coffee, and squash available with a notice saying that donations for refreshments would be most welcome If you bake, making your own cupcakes, cakes or biscuits would give you a good profit margin. If it is a nice day, put tables and chairs in the garden. It was a great atmosphere and it is important that people have a good time…they will be more likely to come again.
Other ideas
Perhaps make a fruit cake, and do a ‘guess the weight of the cake’ competition? Or if you have, for example, a Teddy bear in good condition, a name the bear competition for 20p a go? Guess the number of sweets in a jar? All these are things that you can have going on ‘on the side’. Make up a quiz sheet…you can get quizzes online at no cost. People pay, e.g. 50p for the sheet and can complete the quiz at leisure throughout the event. Have a small prize for the winner. Another way to do a quiz is to offer it free but they pay 50p for every answer they get wrong! That made it very competitive, avoided having a prize for a winner, and the quiz can be marked before people leave and they pay before they go!
