Looking for a FANTASTIC
fundraiser idea????
We put the FUN in FUNDRAISER!!! We have done many different types of fundraisers, and the amount of cash that we earned for them has been AMAZING!!! We have helped raise money for St Jude's, had a casino party for a Lion's Club for their annual fundraiser charity event to help supply needy people with wheel chairs, a few of the local Little Leagues have had casino party fundraisers to raise money for their teams, and much much more!!! Whatever your fundraising needs are, we've got you covered!
Tips for pulling off the perfect event...
First you will need to determine exactly how much money you would like to raise at this event. This will help you to decide the price of your entrance fee and the limit of your expenses.
The ultimate goal is to maximize your revenue and minimize your expenses.
Your revenue can come from:
Ticket Sales:
Delegate the task of ticket sales to more than one person. It is far easier for 20 people to each sell 10 tickets than it is for 1 person to sell 200 tickets. Hold each of these 20 people responsible for the sale of their allotment of tickets.
Bottom Line: This is usually your primary source of revenue and the financial success of your event depends on meeting your goal of tickets sold.
Table Sponsorship:
Find at least one table sponsor for each casino table being used and the sponsored amount should generally be the cost of the table per night. Encourage your sponsors to provide “gag” gifts that promote their business to be distributed at “their” table. For example - a blackjack table sponsored by a dentist could give away a free toothbrush (with the sponsor’s name imprinted) for each blackjack that is dealt. Make your sponsors feel as though they are getting value for their donation and not only are they more likely to attend the event, getting a similar sponsorship the next year will be much easier.
Bottom Line: Table sponsorship should cover at least the entire rental cost of the casino equipment and staff.
Drink Sales:
This will vary depending on the “upscaleness” of your event. Ticket prices and what people are getting for their money will generally determine whether guest’s drinks are included in the ticket price or if they need to pay for them. Typically, the more expensive the entrance fees the less likely you are to charge additional for drinks. On “drink inclusive” events a limited bar (beer, wine, soda) is suggested to curb costs. On other events entrance fee usually includes two “drinks tickets” which are typically redeemed at a rate of one ticket for a soft drink and two tickets for wine or beer. Additional drinks require the purchase of more drink tickets.
Bottom Line: Drinks can vary between being a good source of revenue to being a very large expense. Manage your bar wisely.
Food:
This follows a similar format to your drinks.
Bottom Line: Use Cast Iron Grill Catering, everyone will be satisfied! You won't break the bank, and it is the best food in town! The meal should be included in the initial ticket cost.
Silent Auction:
Many times people will incorporate a silent auction into a casino party event. This is a great way to have an opportunity to raise more money.
Bottom Line: Silent auctions are often the backbone of revenues generated at fundraising parties. However, they do require a lot of time and effort to coordinate successfully. Delegate at least one person whose sole responsibility is to manage the silent auction of the event.
Live Auction:
Live auctions can generate a tremendous amount of revenue for the event, if done correctly. There are several key ingredients to a successful live auction.
Additional Casino Chips:
As part of their entrance fee guests are usually given an initial amount of casino chips. If they lose their initial amount of chips they should have the option of acquiring more chips for a “donation.” Several times throughout the evening, we will host a "Chip Sale" where we will have five minute specials. For instance, "for the next five minutes, you can purchase an additional $1000 in chips for the LOW price of only $25.
Bottom Line: Keep the “donation” to an amount that encourages people to get more chips rather than setting it too high and not having anyone buy in again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Expenses:
The goal is to keep the expenses at a minimum, but here are some expenses you may need to think about.
How to determine your ticket prices
Ask the following questions:
NET PROFIT + EXPENSES = GROSS
GROSS / TICKETS = TICKET PRICE
Example:
We wish to raise $3500 from our event
Our intention is to sell 200 tickets
Our total expenses are $1500
$3500 + $1500 = $5000 (Gross)
$5000 / 200 tickets = $ 25 per ticket
What then needs to be determined is if this price is appropriate for what you intend to provide your guests and will your market support the sale of your proposed quantity of tickets at this price. Remember that you might even be under charging your guests!
By selling the proposed number of tickets and following the guidelines above you will always realize at-least your intended net profit and in most cases a higher amount. However, if you don’t sell your intended number of tickets or if your expenses are higher than budgeted; your net profit is adversely effected in both cases.
This is the the formula to a successful fundraiser!!!
If you have any further questions you can email Tracy or call (832) 235-5733.
Happy Fundraising!!!
The ultimate goal is to maximize your revenue and minimize your expenses.
Your revenue can come from:
- ticket sales
- table sponsorship
- drink sales
- food
- auctions (silent or live)
- additional chip purchases
Ticket Sales:
Delegate the task of ticket sales to more than one person. It is far easier for 20 people to each sell 10 tickets than it is for 1 person to sell 200 tickets. Hold each of these 20 people responsible for the sale of their allotment of tickets.
Bottom Line: This is usually your primary source of revenue and the financial success of your event depends on meeting your goal of tickets sold.
Table Sponsorship:
Find at least one table sponsor for each casino table being used and the sponsored amount should generally be the cost of the table per night. Encourage your sponsors to provide “gag” gifts that promote their business to be distributed at “their” table. For example - a blackjack table sponsored by a dentist could give away a free toothbrush (with the sponsor’s name imprinted) for each blackjack that is dealt. Make your sponsors feel as though they are getting value for their donation and not only are they more likely to attend the event, getting a similar sponsorship the next year will be much easier.
Bottom Line: Table sponsorship should cover at least the entire rental cost of the casino equipment and staff.
Drink Sales:
This will vary depending on the “upscaleness” of your event. Ticket prices and what people are getting for their money will generally determine whether guest’s drinks are included in the ticket price or if they need to pay for them. Typically, the more expensive the entrance fees the less likely you are to charge additional for drinks. On “drink inclusive” events a limited bar (beer, wine, soda) is suggested to curb costs. On other events entrance fee usually includes two “drinks tickets” which are typically redeemed at a rate of one ticket for a soft drink and two tickets for wine or beer. Additional drinks require the purchase of more drink tickets.
Bottom Line: Drinks can vary between being a good source of revenue to being a very large expense. Manage your bar wisely.
Food:
This follows a similar format to your drinks.
Bottom Line: Use Cast Iron Grill Catering, everyone will be satisfied! You won't break the bank, and it is the best food in town! The meal should be included in the initial ticket cost.
Silent Auction:
Many times people will incorporate a silent auction into a casino party event. This is a great way to have an opportunity to raise more money.
Bottom Line: Silent auctions are often the backbone of revenues generated at fundraising parties. However, they do require a lot of time and effort to coordinate successfully. Delegate at least one person whose sole responsibility is to manage the silent auction of the event.
Live Auction:
Live auctions can generate a tremendous amount of revenue for the event, if done correctly. There are several key ingredients to a successful live auction.
- Maintain a captive audience - shut down all other activity during this time
- Shorter is better - your live auction should run no more than 30-40 minutes
- Less is more - have only a few; generally less than 10 - high ticket items for auction
- Use a dynamic auctioneer
Additional Casino Chips:
As part of their entrance fee guests are usually given an initial amount of casino chips. If they lose their initial amount of chips they should have the option of acquiring more chips for a “donation.” Several times throughout the evening, we will host a "Chip Sale" where we will have five minute specials. For instance, "for the next five minutes, you can purchase an additional $1000 in chips for the LOW price of only $25.
Bottom Line: Keep the “donation” to an amount that encourages people to get more chips rather than setting it too high and not having anyone buy in again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Expenses:
The goal is to keep the expenses at a minimum, but here are some expenses you may need to think about.
- Facility costs
- Decorations and props
- Casino equipment (tables, dealers, set up and tear down is included in our cost)
- Beverage costs
- Food costs
- Clean Up
How to determine your ticket prices
Ask the following questions:
- How much money do you want to make? = NET PROFIT
- How many tickets can you sell for this event? = TICKETS
- What is the total of all expenses? = EXPENSES
- What is the total of my net profit plus all my expenses? = GROSS
NET PROFIT + EXPENSES = GROSS
GROSS / TICKETS = TICKET PRICE
Example:
We wish to raise $3500 from our event
Our intention is to sell 200 tickets
Our total expenses are $1500
$3500 + $1500 = $5000 (Gross)
$5000 / 200 tickets = $ 25 per ticket
What then needs to be determined is if this price is appropriate for what you intend to provide your guests and will your market support the sale of your proposed quantity of tickets at this price. Remember that you might even be under charging your guests!
By selling the proposed number of tickets and following the guidelines above you will always realize at-least your intended net profit and in most cases a higher amount. However, if you don’t sell your intended number of tickets or if your expenses are higher than budgeted; your net profit is adversely effected in both cases.
This is the the formula to a successful fundraiser!!!
If you have any further questions you can email Tracy or call (832) 235-5733.
Happy Fundraising!!!
For questions or if you're ready to book your party, call Tracy @ 832-235-5733