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Beef and Beer Fundraiser in Bucks County

Hello All, My best friend, a Doylestown resident and Penn State alumna, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 24. Her friends and family are actively searching for a venue to hold a Beef and Beer fundraiser (or something similar) to help subsidize a portion of the overwhelming medical bills and expenses that will be incurred during treatment. I attempted a simple Google search for places in the area and have e-mailed/contacted numerous venues but have not heard back from many. We need a venue with ample space and seating for 300+ guests. Also, we are strategizing to make as much profit as possible so we need somewhere that is not going to charge an outrageous amount for use of the space. Ideally, we would provide the food and alcohol for the event via donations, but if the space requires catering we are looking for simple plates at minimal cost. We are having trouble finding a space to fit as many guests as are interested in supporting Heather through this event. We are interested in holding the fundraiser sometime in early October. Our main priority is to come out with plenty of PROFIT to help the family, so we must keep expenses to a minimum. We are looking for places as close to Doylestown, PA/ Central Bucks as possible. We also are not opposed to going outside of this immediate area if the venue is suitable, but would like to try to stay close as this is where the majority of her family and friends live. Any suggestions? Also, any additional ideas/tips for hosting and planning Beef & Beers would be helpful as well. Thank you!

Re: Beef and Beer Fundraiser in Bucks County

  • I'm in Delaware Co., and have seen large Beef & Beers at the local Catholic high schools as well as a local Catholic church (different parishes).  Some of these events were cancer related. You can usually reach out to local bars and have them donate kegs of beer. The same goes for local businesses to donate items/baskets to be auctioned off during the event.  I'm not sure what was done for food.

    I've also been to Beef & Beers at local bars, where the bar takes care of the food and drinks. Tickets are usually $25-30, and a portion of that goes right to the bar. 

    It would probably be more cost effective to have it somewhere other than a bar, plus you may have a harder time finding a large enough bar for your needs.
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  • And I'm sorry to hear about your friend.  I had a school mate go through it last year, and she pulled through it with  flying colors!
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  • What about a fire hall?  I'd suggest a church hall but they may not allow alcohol.

    Depending on time of year, rent a large tent?
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    #1  12.11.11
    #2  10.23.13 EDD
  • We've had a few at churches and obviously always had alcohol. The baskets are a big money maker. Start sending letters out now to get donations. It can take a while to get responses. We always got them from movie theaters and restaurants consistently. Also bowling alleys and Dave and busters are good about donations.

    Doing the food yourself is most cost effective. Each person brings baked ziti or something to help. You can sometimes get the beef donated or buy x pounds get x pounds free. That's
    A huge help.


    Good luck and I hope she beats this quickly!! T&p's
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  • Also baskets of cheer always sell a lot of tickets.
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  • Thank you all of the the support and ideas! I am going to get in touch with our local Catholic church and see if they would allow alcohol in thier school's gym facility. We were thinking about taking the route of a bar that will provide food, but it is a last resort and would not be as profitable. The outdoor idea wouldn't be bad but sometime in mid/late fall could be unpredictable with hurricane season coming to a close and fluctuating temperatures. I have researched every fire hall in the area and the max cap i could find was 220, so that's not an option for our event unfortunately. All of the big halls that we could find are banquet halls that require caterers and hired bartenders and charge per head, so it is really hiking up our costs.

    I will most definitely get on the donation letters ASAP. We need as much help and as many donated prizes as we can get!

    Thanks again for all your help everyone.

  • I'm very sorry about your friend.  I am a 10 year brain tumor survivor and understand some of what your friend is going through.  I am very involved in the brain tumor community of Philadelphia and the National Brain Tumor Society.  If I can offer any support or resources, please do not hesitate to PM me. 

    Like PPs said, firehall and/or church hall are going to be your lowest cost option for a venue. Once you have the date, you can reach out to delis, caterers, etc. to ask for donations of products/staff time. B&Bs are like any other party, so you'll want entertainment (even if it's an iPod on shuffle) and if this is kid-friendly, something for the kiddies to do.

    A 50/50 is also an easy way to raise more funds in addition to the baskets. 
  • romanoc62 said:

    Thank you all of the the support and ideas! I am going to get in touch with our local Catholic church and see if they would allow alcohol in thier school's gym facility. We were thinking about taking the route of a bar that will provide food, but it is a last resort and would not be as profitable.

    I know of no Catholic church that is "dry." 
    :-j

    Also, if you do a bar, there's tax and gratuity that is usually added on.  The NBTS Race for Hope holds an annual fundraiser at McFadden's at the Ballpark (www.thenobrainer.org). Tix were $40 or $50 per adult, and the ticket covers the cost of your first drink---that way, people can enjoy more if they want and it doesn't take away from the profits of the event. 

    Good luck and I hope you have success with the B&B!
  • matthew24matthew24 member
    Sixth Anniversary 500 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2013

    First, I am very sorry about your friend and wish her all the best. I would try the Moose Lodge on State Street in Doylestown (I believe it is State Street). It is very large and inexpensive and bet they would work with you on holding a benefit. The Bar Association off of State Street is pretty large and might work. I would also look at some firehouses in Doylestown and the surrounding area as they hold a lot of different type of fundraisers. If I think of anything else I will let you know.

    Edit- Moose Lodge- 127 E. State Street, Doylestown 215-348-9135. Someone may have to be a member but I am sure if you ask around someone is a member. Also, they definitely do charity events and you can bring in booze.

  • Not sure if it can accomodate 300, but we went to a wedding at Polanka Park in Bensalem-it is the Polish VFW. If I recall it did seem like a fairly large room and there is an outdoor area as well.
    Sorry about your friend! Good luck!
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