A staple fundraising event, galas usually mean elegant, themed evenings that can include dinner, dancing, entertainment, silent auctions, raffles and more, all for a good cause. Make your gala more meaningful to your nonprofit’s supporters by choosing a venue and a theme that fits your mission, then connect them to your cause through subtle detail in decorations, menu selection, and entertainment. You can also use the power of text messaging to build excitement and anticipation in the weeks and days leading up to your gala to sell more tickets and ensure a good turnout for a successful fundraising event. Here’s what you need:
- A venue that fits the size of your event
- Volunteer & event committee sign-up forms
- Mobile-friendly ticketing forms that feature sponsors & partners
- Strategic mobile messaging for pre- and post-event supporter engagement or last-minute updates
- Subscription keyword to keep in touch with people that want more info. from your nonprofit all year long
- Mobile swiper and integrated app for auction, raffle, and on-the-spot donation payment processing
Galas are not one-person tasks. Enlist the help of a committee of passionate and hard-working volunteers to carry out every aspect of planning, decorating, clean-up, follow-up and everything in between. Mobile forms will make it easy to sign up volunteers and match their talents/skills with areas of need.
Don’t be shy about asking for in-kind donations, favors, and additional help from your community.
- Local newspapers and tv/radio stations are valuable sources for pre-event marketing and Master of Ceremonies talent.
- A silent auction and raffle items or baskets are a great way for businesses of any size to contribute to your cause.
- Food and beverage donations at your event help cut major costs and highlight local fare.
Sponsor and partner logos can be incorporated and featured on your mobile-friendly ticketing and donation forms, as well as event signage and printed programs.
Mobile-friendly forms securely capture donations and donor data during the peak emotional moments. At the same time, results are displayed and donors are recognized on your projected real-time event thermometer. Share buttons on the ‘Thank You’ page give donors the option to share their passion for your nonprofit with friends – helping your fundraiser reach beyond the walls of your event. Finally, recorded donor data allows you to reach out to supporters throughout the year with Thank You’s, updates and info on future events.