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Beef & Beer / Fundraising
This is long. Sorry in advance.
Do any of you ladies have any experience with throwing a B&B, Stag & Drag, Casino Night, etc?
DH's sister has cancer and this week she was forced to stop working due to the chemo. She is 27, has a 6 month old and a 4 year old. The chemo was just kicking her butt and she still has many treatments to go. Then after chemo, she will have radiation for 28 days straight. Since she had stop working, I know she is really worried about bills and things like that. DH and I thought about having a B&B for her to relieve some $$ stress off of her and her family but I'm not sure where to start.
It doesn't have to be anything fancy but we are looking to raise the most $ for her that we can. Our friends who live in Erie said they attend Stag & Drags as well Casino Nights a lot for fundraisers and the people hosting always make a ton of money for the fundraiser. I just don't know where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions for a hall or place to have something like this? Location can be Lower Bucks, NE Philly... in that area. Or do you have any experience for what's best (i.e. B&B vs. Casino Night)?
Our concern is the amount of work we would have to put in for it vs. the amount of money we could raise for her. We don't want to bust our butts and go crazy for weeks with it if all we are going to raise for her is $800.00. That probably sounds horrible but if that's the case, we would rather just give her the 800 ourselves and call it a day. We def don't mind putting the effort in to having one but we just want to make sure it's worth it. I know that probably came out sounding wrong on here because I know that every little bit helps (and I'm not saying $800.00 is chump change) but I hope you can get what I'm saying. I also know that a lot of it depends on how many people would be coming. We did a rough count a few nights ago and we have around 100-120 people who said they would absolutely come or if they couldn't make it, they would buy tickets.
Re: Beef & Beer / Fundraising
Sorry to hear about your situation, HW.
I would talk to local bars, VFWs, restaurants in the area. Many have a set menu/pricing for this stuff. You can charge tickets at the door, in advance, etc. I would also suggest a silent auction and raffles during the event. I have donated photography sessions to events like this, but people donate all kinds of gift baskets, sporting event tickets, signed jerseys, art, gift certs, etc.
A former co-worker planned one of these for her dad and they raised over 10K. She had it at a VFW and cut a deal with a local caterer. Many times people will buy a ticket even if they can't go.
Good luck!
Thanks girls!
I actually just got a reply from the one location and they emailed me back asking what my budget would be inclusive of tax and gratuity.
B&B tickets are usually around $30ish dollars, right? So should I tell them my budget is around 15.00 pp? I'm so clueless with this.
I love a good beef and beer!
I would call of the halls. There is a place off of Welsh and the Blvd by Gearo's -- it might be a Knights of Columbus? I think I have been to four or five beef and beers there. I am pretty sure they provide the basic menu and the lite beer. Oh, and "set ups", like soda and juice, so people can bring their Jack or whatever.
Ask around and you will find someone's brother's cousin's nephew who will DJ for free. It is always the way.
And the real money maker is ALWAYS the 50/50. Especially when the person who wins is hopefully not a jackhole, and donates at least part of it back.
HW, I'm sorry about this.
I think the B&B is the easiest to plan with the least amount of effort. You can add to your fundraising efforts with a basket raffle/auction or 50/50 available, too. Basket raffle: have items donated from stores or shops (reach out to the sports teams, too).
Many times, a food provider will donate or discount the items offered at the B&B. I would try to get as much donated as possible--even down to the paper products. Let the everyone know that this is a fundraiser for a person in need. The more items that are donated, the more money that is raised for this person.
Because it is not tied to a non-profit or foundation, businesses might be less likely to donate (b/c they cannot legally write it off). That said, your family may want to talk to their bank about setting up an account for your SIL. It could allow for more businesses to donate to the cause.
I think it is illegal in PA to get alcohol for free (aka: donated), but ask beer distributors if they would be willing to waive deposits on kegs or sell them to you at cost.
Good luck!!!!
I know exactly where you are talking about and DH's dad is a member of the Knights of Columbus so maybe we could even get a deal on the hall.
One of the mom's in my son's cub scout troop is a DJ and so I'll def have her do it so I'm all set there. I also intend to do the 50/50 as well as the other raffle prizes.
I hope I didn't come off sounding like a schmuck with the money bit. I just know it's a lot of work and I'll be doing the majority of this KU.
This isn't common in this part of the state but in Western PA, it's all the rage.
A stag `n drag is where the couple has a big party to raise money for the wedding or honeymoon. Generally, it`s an all-day affair and you tend to have games or drawings to help entice people to give money. Examples would be 50/50 tickets, scratch off`s, 50 cent shots, Chinese auction, etc. You don`t have to just invite the guest list... Anyone you`d like to come and be there. The more, the merrier!! It`s usually not an elegant affair, either. A barbecue or picnic styled stag n` drag is common. The parties are thrown anywhere from 2 months before the wedding to two week before.
So it's almost like a B&B but I hear it's a bit more elaborate with more money makin' games.
Sorry to hear about the situation Heather.
First, definitely let the halls know what type of event it is and what the situation is.There are some good people in the world that would be willing to cut you a break or give you a good deal. It you can get something for $20 a person and sell tickets for $40 a person, then you are at least getting what is being put out. ($20 a person).
AmyNumbers is dead on with the 50/50s. Ask people who work at places (bars, sporting event venues, etc) to see if their employer will donate. Call the phillies, tell them and they might do a signed baseball or ticket to a game, etc. Assignn "baskets" to close family and friends and have them make up all different ones and donate them.
Check with the Knights of Columbus near the OV Mall too, I went to a beef and beer there a few years ago and I want to say they either donated the hall, or did it for very cheap because one of the family members was a member.
Sorry to hear about your sister in law - My thoughts are with your family.
I'm sorry about your sister. I am really not much help, I've never planned any of those type of things. I'd certainly be willing to come to a B&B, etc to help out.
I just wanted to post and say a stag and drag sounds like possibly the most tacky wedding thing I've ever heard of. A fundraiser to help pay for the wedding/honeymoon?
Thanks Ooods.
Erbur- yes. DH is going to be helping quite a bit and I'm going to try to recruit other family members as well.
Land0- Thanks, you are too sweet. Re: the stag n drag, they are super common out that a ways to the point where when we asked what one was everyone was like, "OMG are you serious?!?! You don't have these?!?! Doesn't everyone have these?!" Apparently they are a good time and raise lots of money for the wedding. DH was on the phone with his friends last night asking about it and they made over 16K to put towards their wedding. It's seen as a common non-tacky thing on that side of the state.
Sorry about your situation Heather. But when it comes to "advertising" this and spreading the word, I know that P&S have a community page on their website in which they put things like this up. Just a suggestion.
I also know when our family friend had cancer they did a benefit in Conshy somewhere... and it was a bar crawl type then.
I also know that quite often the Tex Mex in North Wales will do benefits where a %age of the proceeds go towards a cause.
Oh Snap! That's right. I know Texas Road House in Bensalem does the % of proceeds go towards a cause, too! Thanks for reminding me of that.
I also know when I taught in Pottstown the Applebee's did too. Might be a chain thing so check there as well!
Also I sell for an at home company and I am more than willing to donate some things! Let me know and I can PM you what I sell.
Yes! Applebee's does it too. Thank you so much for reminding me of these. I really appreciate it!
Also, feel free to PM me. I'd also be happy to get the word out about your business at the event! I'm thinking we will probably do it around the end of March or beginning/mid April.
i know a lot of places will donate the food to you you might want to try rick's roast beef. also try local brewies to see if they will donate a keg if you buy one from them etc.
good luck & good thoughts coming your way.
Thank you, Lachute. Did you happen to mean Nick's roast beef by any chance or is it really Rick's? The only reason I ask is because I just googled Rick's and Nick's keeps coming up.
I am so sorry to hear this.
I agree with PP about raffle tickets for baskets. Start emailing, calling, and writing to every company you can find and ask them for anything. Also if you are in FB ask for items that people can donate... "Got a christmas present you don't want but can't justify throwing out??? give it to a great cause!"
also ask local delis and meat companies for food donations. That might help lower your costs even more! Beer distributors will also give a discount/ free beer!
I'm sorry about your SIL. That's really tough.
And I 100% get you about the $800 thing.
If your FIL is in the Knights, you've probably got this in the bag. They do this kind of stuff all the time and probably have the whole set up down to a T, including caterers who will donate, businesses that will donate for raffles, etc.
Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!
Heather, we are in our third year of running our B&B for MS, and I'm learning bit by bit each year. We send out letters to local theaters, businesses, etc. asking for donations for our auction (we do what some call a Chinese auction- where you buy tix and put as many as you want in each bag that corresponds with the prize you want, and then tix are drawn at random). Some family and friends also make baskets. We also do a 50/50 at the event. Most of the money we've raised has come from the auctions and 50/50.
We've used a different location each year. Year 1 was Paddywacks, but we outgrew the room right away. Year 2 we did Brookside at Somerton Springs- and that was awesome, but the guy is strict with a minimum number of tix sold, and I was making myself sick last year trying to make numbers. This year we are doing Cottage Green on Ashton Road in NE Philly.
Honestly, it is a LOT of work, so definitely accept all help you can get. I'm kind of wondering how much longer a B&B will be worth it for us, or if we should move on to find another fundraising angle, because I have a lot of people who say they'll help, or make a basket, or buy tix, and then never pull through, and it's a LOT of work on DH and me. Last year I did it all while PG and was ready to throw in the towel a lot. And, like you said, I don't feel like we're making enough money to make it worth all of this. I'm not saying this to deter you- I think part of the issue I have is that this is an annual thing for us, so it's not like a specific situation that people who know the person in trouble are coming out in large numbers for if that makes sense (my dad has MS, but the money isn't going directly to him)--so I wonder if the novelty wore off already which is part of why this is so difficult to pull off.
Anyway, I'd be glad to bounce ideas back and forth if you want/need...let me know when the event ends up being and maybe I can help make a basket or buy tickets or whatever. Our event is April 2 though, so I'm not sure if we'll end up with the same date, since you're looking around then...
h-dubs- i help organize a few of these a year for different things. shoot me a message if you need to delegate anything. it sounds like all of the ladies on here have given you a good start for what to do.
dh and i are always in for a beef and beer- or at least to buy tickets.
good luck and i will keep your sil in my prayers.
Thank you all again. You are all so much help and I'm glad you understand what I was saying about the money thing. I didn't want to come off sounding like an ungrateful schmuck because every little bit helps but I know this is going to be a lot of work especially since DH's dad is causing drama about it already! Already!! ugh. Anyway, I was just trying to weigh us just giving them some money vs. trying to raise as much as we can while planning it and dealing with FIL's drama.
I'm going to start emailing and calling around today. Thank you all for the suggestions. I really appreciate the help! I'm going to start with the KoC halls first and go from there.
If you are referring to the hall on Old Newtown it is American Legion 810.
To the OP: Avoid P&P, with their package you really don't make much a person.
I know nothing about B&Bs but have you considered setting up a GoFundMe site for her? I know people have varying opinions on them, but its an option. Also, in addition to restaurants that offer % proceeds to a cause or person, Ive seen some local kids consignment stores, hair salons, ice cream shops etc do the same thing....just a thought, especially if she is a "Regular" at some places, they might feel more strongly about supporting her and her family in this tough time.
Somewhat unrelated to your initial post, but another idea of something you could organize to help her would be a meal train (is that the right name?) where different friends and neighbors sign up for days that they will bring dinner to her house or even do her grocery shopping or babysit or other basic errands or chores. Maybe some neighborhood dudes would volunteer to mow their lawn each week etc.
Money is key for sure, but Im sure after enduring chemo she is going to be pretty spent and it might seem daunting to manage everyday life with 2 little kids. Knowing dinner is arriving at her door almost every day would be AMAZING!! And indirectly, it will save them grocery money!