Themed fundraising galas can be extremely fun, engaging and profitable. A good theme can galvanize your crowd, give them a focal point, and get them excited to attend your event. To make the most of a themed event, follow these guidelines.
If your event has not had a theme in the past, evaluate whether a theme will work with the culture of your existing crowd and event. School events often have themes, and some of the most committed-to-a-theme crowds we’ve ever seen have been for school fundraisers. But we’ve also worked with many other organizations that have successful themed events. If you are exploring adding a theme to your event, start with your core group of supporters to see if they are interested, and think it would work.
These customized “Playbills” featuring the names of event sponsors were also included in the program as those sponsors’ advertisements. It was a wonderful use of theme for decor, recognition, and marketing.
Once you are committed to doing a themed event, you need to get your supporters’ and committee’s buy-in on the specific theme for your event. The best theme is the theme the most people are excited about. Once you have agreed upon a theme, embrace it!
Turn the décor committee loose! Let them transform your space into Broadway, Tuscany, the sock-hop from Grease, or Saturday Night Live.
In addition to décor, incorporate the theme into your signage, marketing and invitations. If you can honor donors with theme-related signage at the event, use those same images in your program for their program ads. Utilize the theme to give special recognition to donors and supporters and add personal touches where possible.
Communicate your theme to attendees in advance and let them know expectations. Should they come in costumes? Create a mood board in advance of your event to give attendees ideas on how they can or should dress to match the theme.
If your theme lends itself to a live auction item, great! “An Evening in Venice” themed event, for example, almost requires a trip to Italy in the live auction. Similarly, New York, Mardis Gras, or Paris-themed events all benefit from an auction lot that is theme-related. But you don’t have to overdo it, one theme-related live auction lot should suffice.
Done correctly, a well-themed event can provide unique opportunities to engage donors and give your attendees something new to look forward to every year.
