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When you have an idea for an event, discuss it with your chapter of local event team (if you have one). Then, contact National Office and we will take you through a simple planning process, and help you along the way.
National Office Contact Information:
Phone: (519) 749-7063 x 27
Toll Free: 1-800-998-7398
Email: info@huntingtonsociety.ca
What Kind of Event Should We Do?
There are tons of terrific ideas for events, so you're really only limited by your imagination, but most fall into two basic categories: "A-Thons" and Invitations.
"A-Thons" are events where your participants gather their own pledges to enter the event. Walk-A-Thons are the most familiar example, but the Indy is also an "A-Thon" event, and so are our Hike 4 HD in Vancouver and our Rally the Sleds
snowmobile race in Winnipeg. Pretty much anything can be an "A-Thon." We've had scrapbooking, 24 hours underwater, hackey-sack and hoop-a-thon’s.
So the real question is: "what do I/we like to do?" If you have a great idea, we can make it into an event with a little creativity and some good planning.
To guarantee success in "A-Thon" events, leave enough time for planning. Try to leave 3 to 6 months for planning an event. Figure out how many people or teams you need to recruit to cover all your costs, then make a plan to recruit twice as many people or teams - and you're there!
Invitation Events include dinners, dances, and anything where people buy tickets to attend. You can have a themed dinner at home, a gala dinner at the fanciest spot in town, a costume ball, an "oldies" dance or a casino night.
The secret to invitation events is planning activities at your event to keep people interested and raise more money at the same time. Silent auctions, live auctions, performers, card tables, handwriting analysts … the list is endless!
Like "A-Thons," you can guarantee success in invitation events by leaving 3 to 6 months for planning. Figure out how many tickets you need to sell, and for how much, to cover all your costs. Then make a plan to sell twice as many AND have additional fundraising activities at your event.
Registration events are a close cousin to invitation events, where people pay a registration fee to attend an event, such as a golf tournament. Like invitation events, you can raise more money by having additional activities at your event such as silent auctions, live auctions, performers, card tables, raffles, wine tasting … use your imagination!
As always, the key is leaving 3 to 6 months for planning. Figure out how many registrations you'll need, and for how much, to cover all your costs. Then make a plan to have twice as many and have additional fundraising activities at your event.
Your contact at National Office would be happy to talk more about any of these event models.
"A-Thons" are events where your participants gather their own pledges to enter the event. Walk-A-Thons are the most familiar example, but the Indy is also an "A-Thon" event, and so are our Hike 4 HD in Vancouver and our Rally the Sleds
snowmobile race in Winnipeg. Pretty much anything can be an "A-Thon." We've had scrapbooking, 24 hours underwater, hackey-sack and hoop-a-thon’s.
So the real question is: "what do I/we like to do?" If you have a great idea, we can make it into an event with a little creativity and some good planning.
To guarantee success in "A-Thon" events, leave enough time for planning. Try to leave 3 to 6 months for planning an event. Figure out how many people or teams you need to recruit to cover all your costs, then make a plan to recruit twice as many people or teams - and you're there!
Invitation Events include dinners, dances, and anything where people buy tickets to attend. You can have a themed dinner at home, a gala dinner at the fanciest spot in town, a costume ball, an "oldies" dance or a casino night.
The secret to invitation events is planning activities at your event to keep people interested and raise more money at the same time. Silent auctions, live auctions, performers, card tables, handwriting analysts … the list is endless!
Like "A-Thons," you can guarantee success in invitation events by leaving 3 to 6 months for planning. Figure out how many tickets you need to sell, and for how much, to cover all your costs. Then make a plan to sell twice as many AND have additional fundraising activities at your event.
Registration events are a close cousin to invitation events, where people pay a registration fee to attend an event, such as a golf tournament. Like invitation events, you can raise more money by having additional activities at your event such as silent auctions, live auctions, performers, card tables, raffles, wine tasting … use your imagination!
As always, the key is leaving 3 to 6 months for planning. Figure out how many registrations you'll need, and for how much, to cover all your costs. Then make a plan to have twice as many and have additional fundraising activities at your event.
Your contact at National Office would be happy to talk more about any of these event models.
The Perfect Test
The PERFECT test is a great way to assess ideas for new events. Just ask the following questions:
PEOPLE: Will you need to recruit new people to make this event possible? If so, what kind of people?
ETHICS: Is this an ethical way to raise money? Follow your gut and your common sense.
RELATIONSHIPS: Who can we connect with to make this event happen? Think about organizations that might want to get involved, or organizations that might be willing to run the event for you.
FINANCES: Will you need to spend money to run the event? Be cautious about events that are financially risky or require a big budget.
ENGAGING or EXCITING: Will your event generate excitement and attract lots of people? Often a new spin on an established idea is all you need.
COMMUNITY AUDIENCE: Who are you targeting with this event? Think about what might appeal to specific groups in your community: people with particular interests that you could target, or people in a particular age group.
TIME: How much time will it take to pull this off? (And will you raise enough money to make it worthwhile?) Think about the volunteer hours that will be involved, and how far in advance you need to start planning.
PEOPLE: Will you need to recruit new people to make this event possible? If so, what kind of people?
ETHICS: Is this an ethical way to raise money? Follow your gut and your common sense.
RELATIONSHIPS: Who can we connect with to make this event happen? Think about organizations that might want to get involved, or organizations that might be willing to run the event for you.
FINANCES: Will you need to spend money to run the event? Be cautious about events that are financially risky or require a big budget.
ENGAGING or EXCITING: Will your event generate excitement and attract lots of people? Often a new spin on an established idea is all you need.
COMMUNITY AUDIENCE: Who are you targeting with this event? Think about what might appeal to specific groups in your community: people with particular interests that you could target, or people in a particular age group.
TIME: How much time will it take to pull this off? (And will you raise enough money to make it worthwhile?) Think about the volunteer hours that will be involved, and how far in advance you need to start planning.
Your Plan
To make your fundraising activity a success, you need a good plan that includes:
- what you're doing and when,
- goals,
- a budget,
- an event team to help you out and a detailed schedule.
As soon as you've developed an idea for a new event, call or e-mail your contact at National Office. We'll be glad to help you through the planning process step by step.
- what you're doing and when,
- goals,
- a budget,
- an event team to help you out and a detailed schedule.
As soon as you've developed an idea for a new event, call or e-mail your contact at National Office. We'll be glad to help you through the planning process step by step.
Your Plan- 14 Great Smart Fundraising Ideas
IDEA 1: Partnering around an event
If you can develop a good relationship with a service club, then partnership ideas will be something to consider. The Southern Alberta Chapter organized a very successful silent auction by partnering with Rotary Calgary Olympic to make this event a tremendous success!
IDEA 2: Requesting gifts from service clubs
We can work together to help you do a presentation at major service clubs in your community, we are Appealing to service clubs because we are mostly volunteers, we have very little administration staff & cost, receive no government funding and we provide direct service to our families. HSC Kelowna has had several years of success in reaching out to service clubs. As clubs come to know the organization, they become increasingly helpful. They can also provide you with local expertise in event planning!
IDEA 3: Networking with Student Associations
Every College and University has a student association/union. They not only have youthful energy, but can bring in thousands of dollars a year. Just look at how much students raise across the country for Cystic Fibrosis! We can help you make the right approach to these groups - they’re eager to help their communities!
IDEA 4: Employee Groups
Bankers, investment companies and many other businesses in your community encourage (and even give company time) to employees to help with charitable activties. Some companies like Scotia Bank will contribute to projects where their staff are involved as volunteers. The Scotia Employee Volunteer Program (SEVP), is the avenue in which the Bank donates up to $1,000 each year to qualifying community-based organizations that their employees are involved in. The HSC PEI Chapter led us to CO-OP Atlantic and their employees and the company give generously in both volunteer time and financial support.
IDEA 5: Approaching other local clubs and community groups
Believe it or not, some groups have raised money but have not picked a charity yet! The HSC Toronto Chapter recently received $10,000 in proceeds from a local Bocce Ball Tournament!
IDEA 6: Just about every community has local foundations
We can help you research foundations in your community and write the application for various types of services based funding. The HSC Northern Alberta & Saskatoon Chapters applied to the Mark Mercer Foundation and received a $20,000 grant last fiscal year!
IDEA 7: Checking out yoru gaming options
Several Chapters access funds through volunteering at local casinos. The Northern Alberta chapter hopes to raise $80,000 by providing volunteers to operate a casino.
IDEA 8: Sponsorship
We can help you find local corporate sponsors for your event. Not only does this help off-set the costs, but also generates additional exposure for your event. The HSC Essex County chapter raised an additional $2000 in sponsorship for their 2006 Indy, and were able to cover all of their costs for the event, allowing all of their donors’ money to be used directly for HSC services. HSC has several kinds of readymade proposals that you can use!
IDEA 9: Lower your event costs and save energy
Did you know that it takes about 3-6 hours to raise one dollar when you fundraise with events? Every dollar you save in cost generates more funds with less energy and hours! By getting aspects of your event donated (like a portion of the catering costs of a dinner, the DJ donating his services, a tour guide donating his/her time for a historical tour), you’ll be maximizing resources and the proceeds from your event.
IDEA 10: Rounding our your event
Adding on a silent auction, a 50/50 draw or children’s activties to your event is much less work than starting a whole new event. We can help you with ideas or link you to other HSC Chapters who have successfully implemented this! The Tri-Cities Chapter hopes to raise more at their annual dinner/dance by adding a more comprehensive silent auction and multi-faceted activities to draw a larger attendance.
IDEA 11: Increase amaryllis sales volume
If you can find a High School, company, service club, sports associations (etc) who can sell amaryllis for you, you can decrease your work and increase your bulk sales!
IDEA 12: Save the tape
If you have someone who is good with adding and some time available, many grocery stores will give a percentage of the total cash register tapes saved! The HSC Corner Brook area representative has raised over $25,000 with the “save a tape” program over the past 25 years!
IDEA 13: Go where the people are
If you have a festival coming up, you may be able to get permission to sell tickets for a draw or some other creative (yet fun!) fundraising event at a booth. You might also approach the organizing committee to see if they would take you on as the event’s charity! It never hurts to ask!
IDEA 14: Plan, plan and...plan!
Planning isn’t always the most fun thing in the world, but it will certainly ensure the best success! We have critical path templates, helping hands manuals and a wealth of knowledge to provide guidance, support and a cheerful voice to you and your volunteers - all you need to do is ask!
If you can develop a good relationship with a service club, then partnership ideas will be something to consider. The Southern Alberta Chapter organized a very successful silent auction by partnering with Rotary Calgary Olympic to make this event a tremendous success!
IDEA 2: Requesting gifts from service clubs
We can work together to help you do a presentation at major service clubs in your community, we are Appealing to service clubs because we are mostly volunteers, we have very little administration staff & cost, receive no government funding and we provide direct service to our families. HSC Kelowna has had several years of success in reaching out to service clubs. As clubs come to know the organization, they become increasingly helpful. They can also provide you with local expertise in event planning!
IDEA 3: Networking with Student Associations
Every College and University has a student association/union. They not only have youthful energy, but can bring in thousands of dollars a year. Just look at how much students raise across the country for Cystic Fibrosis! We can help you make the right approach to these groups - they’re eager to help their communities!
IDEA 4: Employee Groups
Bankers, investment companies and many other businesses in your community encourage (and even give company time) to employees to help with charitable activties. Some companies like Scotia Bank will contribute to projects where their staff are involved as volunteers. The Scotia Employee Volunteer Program (SEVP), is the avenue in which the Bank donates up to $1,000 each year to qualifying community-based organizations that their employees are involved in. The HSC PEI Chapter led us to CO-OP Atlantic and their employees and the company give generously in both volunteer time and financial support.
IDEA 5: Approaching other local clubs and community groups
Believe it or not, some groups have raised money but have not picked a charity yet! The HSC Toronto Chapter recently received $10,000 in proceeds from a local Bocce Ball Tournament!
IDEA 6: Just about every community has local foundations
We can help you research foundations in your community and write the application for various types of services based funding. The HSC Northern Alberta & Saskatoon Chapters applied to the Mark Mercer Foundation and received a $20,000 grant last fiscal year!
IDEA 7: Checking out yoru gaming options
Several Chapters access funds through volunteering at local casinos. The Northern Alberta chapter hopes to raise $80,000 by providing volunteers to operate a casino.
IDEA 8: Sponsorship
We can help you find local corporate sponsors for your event. Not only does this help off-set the costs, but also generates additional exposure for your event. The HSC Essex County chapter raised an additional $2000 in sponsorship for their 2006 Indy, and were able to cover all of their costs for the event, allowing all of their donors’ money to be used directly for HSC services. HSC has several kinds of readymade proposals that you can use!
IDEA 9: Lower your event costs and save energy
Did you know that it takes about 3-6 hours to raise one dollar when you fundraise with events? Every dollar you save in cost generates more funds with less energy and hours! By getting aspects of your event donated (like a portion of the catering costs of a dinner, the DJ donating his services, a tour guide donating his/her time for a historical tour), you’ll be maximizing resources and the proceeds from your event.
IDEA 10: Rounding our your event
Adding on a silent auction, a 50/50 draw or children’s activties to your event is much less work than starting a whole new event. We can help you with ideas or link you to other HSC Chapters who have successfully implemented this! The Tri-Cities Chapter hopes to raise more at their annual dinner/dance by adding a more comprehensive silent auction and multi-faceted activities to draw a larger attendance.
IDEA 11: Increase amaryllis sales volume
If you can find a High School, company, service club, sports associations (etc) who can sell amaryllis for you, you can decrease your work and increase your bulk sales!
IDEA 12: Save the tape
If you have someone who is good with adding and some time available, many grocery stores will give a percentage of the total cash register tapes saved! The HSC Corner Brook area representative has raised over $25,000 with the “save a tape” program over the past 25 years!
IDEA 13: Go where the people are
If you have a festival coming up, you may be able to get permission to sell tickets for a draw or some other creative (yet fun!) fundraising event at a booth. You might also approach the organizing committee to see if they would take you on as the event’s charity! It never hurts to ask!
IDEA 14: Plan, plan and...plan!
Planning isn’t always the most fun thing in the world, but it will certainly ensure the best success! We have critical path templates, helping hands manuals and a wealth of knowledge to provide guidance, support and a cheerful voice to you and your volunteers - all you need to do is ask!
Signature Events
The Society has developed two signature events - the national Amaryllis Campaign and the Huntington's Indy Go-Kart Challenge - that you can get also involved in. We have tons of resources and materials for these events.
Amaryllis Campaign
Huntington Society of Canada volunteers have been selling Amaryllis plants for the Society since 1985, raising more than a half million dollars for the fight against HD.
You can order Amaryllis kits in cases of 12 that will be delivered to you in October or November, depending on what's best for you. We supply brochures and posters, and you use your personal networks to sell the Amaryllis kits. Then you simply submit the proceeds back to National Office.
Each Amaryllis kit sells for $12 and contains a bulb, pot, saucer, soil and instructions for care. The kits are packaged in an attractive gift box containing information about Huntington disease and the work of the Society.
If you need more details, click here. The Amaryllis Campaign is a fantastic way to get started with fundraising in your community!
Huntington's Indy Go-Kart Challenge
The Indy is a fun, family event - and volunteers are the driving force! In the Spring and Fall, HSC volunteers organize this go-karting event at tracks across Canada.
We help you book the track and give you all the promotional materials you need, including posters, brochures and t-shirts for participants. You are responsible for recruiting teams of up to six people from your community.
Each team raises a minimum of $350 in pledges and joins you for a fun, family day of go-karting.
We'll provide you with detailed information on recruiting teams, securing media coverage and getting prizes and sponsorship donations. Join our race for a cure!
Amaryllis Campaign
Huntington Society of Canada volunteers have been selling Amaryllis plants for the Society since 1985, raising more than a half million dollars for the fight against HD.
You can order Amaryllis kits in cases of 12 that will be delivered to you in October or November, depending on what's best for you. We supply brochures and posters, and you use your personal networks to sell the Amaryllis kits. Then you simply submit the proceeds back to National Office.
Each Amaryllis kit sells for $12 and contains a bulb, pot, saucer, soil and instructions for care. The kits are packaged in an attractive gift box containing information about Huntington disease and the work of the Society.
If you need more details, click here. The Amaryllis Campaign is a fantastic way to get started with fundraising in your community!
Huntington's Indy Go-Kart Challenge
The Indy is a fun, family event - and volunteers are the driving force! In the Spring and Fall, HSC volunteers organize this go-karting event at tracks across Canada.
We help you book the track and give you all the promotional materials you need, including posters, brochures and t-shirts for participants. You are responsible for recruiting teams of up to six people from your community.
Each team raises a minimum of $350 in pledges and joins you for a fun, family day of go-karting.
We'll provide you with detailed information on recruiting teams, securing media coverage and getting prizes and sponsorship donations. Join our race for a cure!
Reaping the Benefits
Remember that good fundraising is about more than collecting cash on the event day. Events also communicate the HSC image and provide information about the Society and our cause. These are known as "warm fuzzies" and "hot flashes."
"Warm fuzzies" are the good feelings that can open doors tomorrow - including publicity, image, contact with people, credibility, education, motivation, increased commitment and good community relations.
"Hot flashes" enhance our ability to raise more in the long run - including "repeat-ability" of good ideas, leadership training, finding new volunteers, re-invigorating existing volunteers and finding new long-term supporters.
"Warm fuzzies" are the good feelings that can open doors tomorrow - including publicity, image, contact with people, credibility, education, motivation, increased commitment and good community relations.
"Hot flashes" enhance our ability to raise more in the long run - including "repeat-ability" of good ideas, leadership training, finding new volunteers, re-invigorating existing volunteers and finding new long-term supporters.