Planning a fundraising gala is a balancing act. You want to make your event seem lavish and fun, but the overriding goal is to generate revenue for your cause. To ensure that your event is a hit with guests while earning the highest net funds, follow these simple tips:

Don’t limit donations to just cash, accept check or credit if you can!

Feed your audience early and often
Your gala guests are more likely to have fun and reach more readily into their pocketbooks if they’re fed. Often, event planners will put the bulk of speeches and entertainment up front to capture the most eyes and ears, but you’re more likely to keep your guests longer if they aren’t hungry. Keeping small plate dishes around or a self-serve entree bar can be an easy way to allow guests to eat at their own pace.

Make your donation ask early and make it simple to give
Constantly bringing up throughout the night that you are accepting donations can get a little tacky and turn your guests off. Asking at the end of the night may be similarly ineffective since guests are tired or have already left. Instead, start the evening with a clear declaration of what you are raising money for, and direct your guests to a simple location that will be staffed all night with people ready to accept their donation. Offer to accept cash, check or credit with the ability to give receipts for guests looking to claim the donation on their tax returns.

Come up with an appealing theme 
Attracting the optimal crowd is about making your event seem like a “can’t miss” destination. Try giving your gala a red carpet theme to make your guests feel like big-shots – complete with a backdrop for faux paparazzi glamour shots.

To design and order a custom backdrop that will bring in sponsorship revenue and give your event that red carpet atmosphere, visit Sign Art Etc.