a survey!

The day after the film festival closed, a cohort and I started to plan our next big event - the fall fundraiser. 

The last fundraiser I helped plan for this organization included a live band, film, buffet and silent auction.  Even though a blizzard fell upon on the party, we still managed to bring in two thousand bucks and have an almost-full room.

But for the past several months, we haven't had the energy or attention to give to planning a fundraiser, even though we REALLY need to, to keep public awareness up and bring in a couple thou$.

So here's the plan.  We're gonna have a big blowout on Friday, October 13. 

SPOOKY-OOKY!

And I want to - no, NEED to know what you think:

1. How do you feel about masquerade parties?   Are they played out, superfun, annoying, just an excuse to dress like ho's, or what?
2. How do you feel about drag queens female impersonators, performing?   Are they entertaining, scary, ridiculous, gorgeous?
3. What kind of food do you like to eat at big crazy parties?  Hot buffets, pixie stix, sandwiches, fondue, pizza, tapas, cheez-n-crackers, jell-o shots (wait is that technically "food")?    Do you like when the hostess ties everything together as a theme, i.e. "One Night in Bangkok..."?
4. What's the maximum you'd pay to get into a benefit party that provides live entertainment, dancing, food, non-alcoholic drinks, cool door prizes?    AND has a full $cash$ bar (sorry - we have to do it that way right now)
5. How would you like to see a new burlesque show?  Not nude, silly.  And NOT the Pussycat Dolls.   Would this be: hot, stupid, inappropriate, really fun, a freak show, what?
6. Does Paris Hilton's new single make you feel like dancing or upchucking?   This is totally unrelated, of course.
7. Have you any other suggestions based on parties or festivals you've attended or organized?

Hey, thanks!!!!   You're the best!

Comments

[Beth!]

Personally...
I hate masquerades... but for creative film fest types, it might be a smashing success.
Definitely theme! One Night in Bangkok, Oktoberfest, Chili Cook-Off -- (o.k., that last one is the one we do here).

I think $150/couple is decent - so $75/person. Of course if you decide to advertise by dancing in a store window again, you may need to go considerably lower. Can you write a portion of that off on your taxes? That would be even better. The fancier the name/theme, the more you can charge. Like, I'll pay a lot to go to a Winter Soiree... but not so much for Beers & Brats Bash.

Definitely all the food listed above would be good - even the jello shots. You have to have some substantial food - so heavy appetizers at the least. Little sandwiches rock.

Good Luck. Please tell me you have help.

[Jane]

1. Love 'em! I never have a very good costume, but I don't even care because I enjoy looking at what everyone else is wearing.
2. Big thumbs up, especially if they're willing to share hair and makeup tips.
3. Themes are nice, but a big pain in the butt for the host. There's nothing wrong with the old appetizer and dessert free-for-all (with Jell-o shots, of course).
4. Even for a benefit, I think $75 per person is about the maximum I could justify with my teeny budget. $50 would make me significantly more likely to go.
5. Those seem to be making a comeback lately. I think I'd enjoy seeing one.
6. The answer would be c) upchucking.
7. I don't have any other suggestions, but I'll follow your experience closely for future reference!

[Lori]

All good ideas! - here's my two cents

Costume parties sound fun on paper - but stress me out and I wouldn't attend. But that's me. I love the drag queen show, very New York and fun had by all. The Burlesque show sounds fun too. Both those ideas would be great with the foods you listed. Themes are great too - like a beach party but no bathing suits.......please!

I think $50 per person is good - unless you are going for a richer clientelle - then I think $75 is good.

Any dates in mind??

[Beth P.]

1.Costume parties are fun except I never know what to wear and panic at the last sec. However with enough advance notice it would be fun. Definitely keep it themed. 2. Female impersonators can be a blast but go see them first because they can also s-ck! 3. Food should go with the theme. cocktail and lite fare work well with constumes cost you less 4. if no open bar, about $50 because people need to pay for their drinks and make sure the bar does not water them down. 5. Burlesque, I am wondering if that fits with you foundation and the south side?? 6. no comment 7. Hit up restaurants for food donations, appetizers and desserts, give them credit and free publicity in your mailings, etc.

[blaugra]

Thanks, smart broads! We always undercut ourselves. I don't think we've charged more than $20 for a fundraiser party - and even though this area is notoriously "cheap" from its Pennsylvania Dutch origins, I think we need to charge more for all we provide. Thanks for pointing that out and everything else!!!