Host A Casino Night Fundraiser

Putting together a charity fundraising event like agourmet catered dinner, and ticket sales.
Casino Night Fundraiser can be a lot of work unlessSet your ticket prices high enough to cover all your
you're well organized. Events like these often includeexpenses. In some instances, a high-dollar ticket price
live entertainment, a catered dinner, live and silentmakes the event exclusive and will help attract a
auctions, sponsorships, ticket sales, tax deductiblewealthy roster of supporters.
donations, and a host of other details that requireYou can price tickets differently for those who might
plenty of advance planning.not want a catered dinner or gambling chips included.
The plus side is that a Casino Night is a great excuseSome people won't and you do want as many
for adults to get all dressed up and have a fun time,people as possible attending and bidding on your
so turnouts are impressive. There are lots ofauction items.
charitable groups who need to raise large amounts ofTo boost ticket sales to a black-tie affair, you'll want
operating funds and these events really deliver ifyour meal catered by a trendy restaurant that has a
done well.certain cachet. God press coverage mentioning
Getting startedsociety and celebrity attendees will also help sell out
You need a strong crew of volunteers with a passionyour fundraiser.
for getting things done. Group the tasks by categoryPublicity
and divide them up by skill set of your volunteers. It'sBesides publicizing your Casino Night fundraising event
best to have them work singly or in pairs, partneringin your newsletter, by email, and through word of
veterans with newcomers. Having too many peoplemouth, to get a big turnout, you have to get media
assigned to a task just slows it down.coverage.
The only exception to that rule is in seekingPut together a press release summarizing the
donations of auction items. Have everyone call orhighlights of the evening and emphasize why you are
better yet, visit their contacts to ask for their helpraising funds. Include details on the entertainment, the
with donated products or services. Seek out thingssponsors, prominent attendees, your best auction
with a true "Wow" factor to generate a strong buzzitems, etc.
of excitement around your auctions.Include full contact information as well as the obvious
For your games of chance, contact party supply andinformation such as place, date, and time. Send it to
equipment rental firms. In major metropolitan areas,all the major media outlets in your marketplace well
there are also companies that specialize in supplyingahead of your fundraiser. Include a group photo such
this equipment and many even supply staff to runas the organizing committee or your group's board of
the games, deal the cards, etc.directors.
Make sure you have all permits well ahead of time.Summary
Some jurisdictions have special restrictions onA Casino Night is a great way to raise funds for your
gambling-related activities even when they are forcause because it gives people an excuse to dress up
charity and don't involve cash winnings, so researchand have fun. Sure it's a lot of work pulling it all
this carefully.together, but the results are well worth it.
Raising fundsThis type of event offers multiple ways to raise
A Casino Night fundraiser offers dozens of ways tofunds and is easy to promote. It also lends itself well
raise funds for charity, including silent auctions, liveto becoming an annual tradition. Plan everything in
auctions, raffles, poker tournaments, individualdetail, divide the tasks, solicit auction items and
sponsorships, corporate sponsorships, cash bar,corporate sponsorships, and have dinner catered.