Planning a Fundraising Gala

Fundraising galas are high-end events with a main focus on raising funds to benefit a nonprofit organization. At the Iroquois Club, we look forward to any chance to design our space with amazing decorations while supporting a good cause. Our venue can accommodate 25-180 guests, so whether you’re looking to plan a small or large event, we have you covered! 

Champagne Preview 

Kick-off your night with a champagne preview! This opening toast encourages guests to arrive on time because they have something to look forward to as soon as they arrive. Pass out champagne as guests arrive and let them mingle with one another before finding their seats. This sets the evening with a more relaxed and comfortable tone.

Silent/Live Auction 

Aside from direct donations, a common way to raise funds at a gala is through a silent and live auction. Contact local businesses to see if they’d be willing to donate anything to help your cause. Local businesses will benefit from the ability to promote themselves, so it’s a win-win situation. You may also want to consider a big-ticket raffle item to generate excitement! Guests will love that they can take something tangible home while supporting a great cause at the same time.

Open Space for Guests 

When planning a fundraising gala, you’ll want to consider having enough space for guests to interact and network. At the Iroquois Club, we have plenty of spacious options to fit this bill. Our Great Room flows nicely into two smaller Prairie Rooms so guests can have a designated mingling area away from the big event.

Spacing also comes in handy when trying to determine your menu. Will you want a sit-down dinner? Or do you want to keep guests mingling by offering strolling appetizers? You can choose from a variety of menu options at the Iroquois Club to ensure you have the best service at your gala.

Hire a Photographer 

You and your guests won’t want to forget this incredible night! A photographer will capture everything, even the parts that you might not experience personally. From mingling guests to the auction and presentations, hiring a photographer will ensure you will have it all documented at the end of the evening. Event photos are great assets for marketing campaigns you may do after the event. If you need help finding a photographer, we are more than happy to share a list of excellent vendors we have worked with in the past.

Multiple Ways to Donate

Give guests various options for donating so they won’t feel limited to donate via a cash donation or through an auction. Text-to-give campaigns and cash-only (manned) stations are alternate ways to allow people to donate during the event. The main focus of this event is to raise funds, so make it as easy as possible for guests to donate!

Different Themes 

If this is an annual event for you, consider switching up the theme every year. You’ll want to create buzz and excitement around your gala year after year, so don’t let it get stagnant. Some popular themes include a masquerade, Moulin Rouge and the Oscars. Consider having live entertainment to correspond with your theme, like a cover band for an 80s themed gala. Aside from guests being excited for a new theme every year, you’ll get to have fun planning, a different event each year!