For non-profits and organisations working toward a cause, a single evening can go a long way. Throwing a charity dinner is one way to gather people with the same passion and collectively contribute to making the world a better place.
Whatever your cause and however much you’re trying to raise, here’s how you can host a successful charity dinner and meet your fundraising goals.
What is a charity dinner?
Call it a fundraising event or a charity gala, a charity dinner is an elevated evening, usually thrown by non-profit organisations, to gather various stakeholders and raise funds for a specific cause.
Most events of this calibre will include a formal dress code, live entertainment, a fundraising activity, and delicious food and drinks.
Why host a charity dinner to raise funds?
Raising funds can be done through a variety of ways. From community events as small as car washes and garage sales, to full-blown benefit concerts and auctions, the format is completely up to your organisation.
However, charity dinners specifically add a formality to the occasion. On special nights like these, guests have more opportunity to network, as everyone is gathered in one contained space.
Over a nice meal, barriers are broken down, and people can more easily bond and build new connections.
How to plan a successful charity dinner
Set clear objectives
A charity fundraiser will run well when governed by clearly-defined goals. Target the exact amount you want to raise, what particular cause or program you’re raising funds for, and how the money will be allocated.
Your objectives will inform the rest of your event, including guest list and rundown. Since your organisation is asking guests to make a monetary investment, your objectives can also be conveyed on the night of the event for clarity and accountability.
Be realistic with your budget
Providing your guests with first-class food, service, and entertainment doesn’t come without cost. However, even if you don’t have the means to throw a full-blown gala with elaborate menus and live performances, there are still other ways you can make the most of your budget.
Determine an event theme
While there doesn’t always have a theme for your charity dinner, it does help to make the evening more cohesive. Many organisations weave their specific objective or cause into the theme for the night.
For example, if you’re raising funds for a reforestation initiative, you can set a forest theme as the red thread throughout the night: woodland décor, food and drinks that feature earthy elements, and an earth-toned dress code for the guests.
Create a rundown
Depending on the objective of your non-profit event, your rundown can include segments like presentations, auctions, or speeches.
Choose the right venue
The perfect location for your charity dinner will be able to accommodate your number of guests and your event needs – from ambience, décor, to audiovisual technicalities.
It helps to make visits to several venues to assess which one would be best for you. Of course, don’t forget to factor in the quality of food and service so that your guests are treated royally.
Why Merah Putih is the perfect venue for your charity dinner
When in Bali, hosting a fundraiser at Merah Putih restaurant provides your guests with a refined Indonesian menu in a luxurious setting. Located in the heart of Seminyak, this fine dining restaurant can be hired for private events of up to 130 seated guests.
Book a table at Merah Putih with special gift vouchers today and meet your fundraising goals!
FAQ
A charity dinner is an elevated evening, usually thrown by non-profit organisations, to gather various stakeholders and raise funds for a specific cause.
Hosting a successful charity dinner begins with setting clear objectives, such as the exact amount you want to raise, what particular cause or program you’re raising funds for, and how the money will be allocated.
Charity dinners specifically add a formality to the occasion. On special nights like these, guests have more opportunity to network, as everyone is gathered in one contained space. Over a nice meal, barriers are broken down, and people can more easily bond and build new connections.
