Ten Reasons Why You Should Attend Fundraisers
Fundraisers are my favorite events to attend during the fall and winter season in Rockford IL. Seems like every state has their own fundraiser season and the causes for these fundraisers can vary. Some are medically related to help find a cure and some are geared toward a non-profit agency that performs a public service. Whatever the case may be, you can find at least one fundraiser that ignites your passion to give and be connected to an organization that is making a difference in people’s lives. Fundraisers give us a chance to hear about how our community struggles are being dealt with as well as educate us on how we can be a part of the solution. When we are working together collectively as a group we can make an impact and support those that really need our help. Fundraisers are not for everyone but if you are someone that truly believes in being there for others and making a difference, attending fundraisers are a good start.
Many of us find that we want to attend but have a hard time with the cost of attendance, especially because we don’t want to attend alone. Some tickets can range anywhere from $35 to $150 per person and maybe even more. When you think about that as a couple, it can be pretty pricey. But there is good news, you can attend alone and meet some great people along the way. A bunch of people gathered together to support a cause means that you are surrounded by people that are thinking outside themselves (or at least appearing to) which means it may be easier to engage in conversation with them. After all, you already have something in common with them. You are all there to support a cause. I find that when I attend alone, it gives me a chance to really soak it in and concentrate on the stories of success that are shared throughout the event; which provides great table conversation with the other attendees. I try to attend several fundraisers a season and I do it by budgeting out the cost.
When it comes to the cost, one thing to consider is that fundraisers are usually announced about a month or two out (for the new ones) and even further out for the annual fundraisers. This gives you plenty of time to sacrifice eating out and saving a week or two worth of $10 lunches in order to save up for your ticket. Besides, I look at not eating out as a sacrifice for the cause, so you are already setting yourself up in the giving mode. So maybe you can’t participate in the silent auction or the raffle tickets but you are there and you are positioned to be educated and maybe motivated to get involved by offering your time or expertise. The fundraiser wouldn’t happen if people didn’t buy tickets to attend so the sacrifice that you make to get the ticket absolutely counts. If that’s not enough of a reason………..
10 Reasons Why You Should Attend Fundraisers
(1-10 not in any particular order)
1. Swag Bags, free with ticket purchase and they contain lots of usable items
2. Most items that you can purchase are below their retail price, so it’s good to save your cash to do your holiday shopping at these events. What’s cool about this is that they usually provide you with a vendor list before the event to give you a taste of the shopping experience.
3. A portion if not all of the silent auction and sales go to support the cause. This is huge, so you are shopping for a cause not just for your own retail therapy.
4. Great networking opportunity to create some community contacts.
5. Dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and sometimes drinks are all included in the price of the ticket. These events are great date nights. The food can be fabulous whether it’s a sit down dinner or buffet.
6. Depending on the fundraiser, it could make headlines or be on the news and it’s an awesome way of getting the word out to your co-workers on how they can support one of your causes.
7. Gives you a chance to wear that dress that you could never find an occasion to wear it.
8. Some fundraiser’s have “open bars.” Mention that to your significant other and they are all in as your date for the evening. Yes beer is usually available too.
9. If you don’t have the time to help and volunteer for the cause, then you have a chance in one night to give to the cause the only way you can. Your donations allow others to do the work you wish you could do if you had the time.
10. Do it for you, do it for the health of your soul. We were created for community and we are all connected. You must nurture your spirit with good deeds and thanksgiving.
So let’s get out there and show our support!