Lessons learned from two years hosting charity events
It is my two-year Missy Mahjong anniversary! I started this for two reasons: to build community and raise money for local charities.
The mission remains the same, but I have learned some powerful lessons from two years hosting charity events along the way. I have a lot of experience to share, y’all…
People love free lessons
I have never made a personal profit from teaching. The lessons I taught were either completely free for community building or came as a perk for a donation to the charity I was supporting.
Many people took lessons with me for free and never donated a cent or helped with a single charity event that I hosted. Yes… I took mental notes of those people. I must remind myself that instead of feeling used, I built a community and spread the love of games.
Lessons were the gift with purchase
Because my donations went directly to the charity, my lessons became the free gift with purchase. A home lesson with a minimum donation of $500? I was booked solid. I upped the minimum donation to $2500 per session. Guess what? I was still giving more than 2 lessons a month. I believe most of my students were already going to make that full donation at that level. I was just the gift with purchase.
I feel really good about using my time, talent and tiles to get players at the table. We were building community and supporting the charities. Now, I continue to support when I can and teach only select top tier donors. I am okay being the gift with purchase… but on my terms.
Giveaways are better than raffles or auctions
First of all, I learned when I started this that raffles are basically gambling. I do not have a gaming license, so I don’t operate any raffles, tournaments, etc. I know a lot of people do them and assume the government will look the other way, but I have too much to lose. I donate items to raffles and auctions, but I don’t collect any money or operate them.
All the affiliate marketing dollars I collect are turned into store credit and used for giveaways. I send these to events all over, whether I can attend or not. I am proud to give away a set of tiles or a rummikub set or a mat.
Once everyone is at the event, guests won’t feel pressure to keep giving. Giveaways are not competitive. Giveaways are all luck and keep parties fun!
Nobody wants included food or beverage
Whether I am running an open play or fundraiser, I always take food out of the ticket fee. I want the ticket fee to go directly to the charity. If I say the ticket fee is $100pp, each person is donating $100 to the charity directly. Ultimately, I have found that people want what they want and have no problem paying $10 for an extra soda or $100 for fancy wine and food they can choose.
With the rise of GLP-1s, non-drinkers and food allergies, the included food and beverage is not necessary for a great event. I rarely drink wine, so I am going to pass on the included Chardonnay. I have no problem paying for my own soda or martini depending on my mood. A lot of times I have the bartender pour ginger ale in a champagne glass. It’s easier to appear like I’m drinking and avoid weird questions. Yes… the sparkling wine might be included but I either pay for the ginger ale or even BYOB in my purse:)
Sometimes it’s easier for the venue to offer a buffet or charcuterie board or limited beverage menu. That is fine… but I like for it to all be donated. In fact, if it is donated or included in the event price, the staff won’t get tipped well either. I just think it is better all-around for guests paying their own way for food and beverage.
Party Favors
Again, ladies love free gifts. I have hosted events that give every guest a set of dice, travel sized jars of La Mer, playing cards, Chanel beauty puffs, mahjong cards, line readers, custom pencils, party cups, ornaments, magazines, custom cookies and bags of themed pasta. These are all donated by either a host, the teacher or the company.
It isn’t about the dollar amount, but it is about the gesture. People love getting a little gift. I also think it’s great marketing for the donor because everyone wants to talk about the gift!
Events are often about awareness
I have learned that the large donations do not come from the events. I like to think of the events as a fun way to give back collectively while we raise awareness about the charity.
I am advocating to disconnect from devices and connect with like- minded people in person. My fall event is an awareness event for a Nashville pediatric hospital at a designer boutique. The event is an experience, not a money maker. In a world of online shopping, we need to stop the scroll and appreciate the art of fashion, connect and remember what every dollar can do for a sick child.
Donor fatigue
My donors and friends can get fatigued with another give back or another charity event. I want to make sure my events are special.
I want to get guests into the events to remind them of the amazing work a charity is doing. I want to give my venue sponsors an audience offline.
Guests are coming because they can count on me for a great experience. If I hit guests with another raffle, auction or paddle raise, they will avoid my events.
There are many charity events happening every single week. I have a consistent following because I make sure everyone feels good about attending one of my events. When I send the next invitation, some of those same attendees will be happy to support another future event.
My network is my net worth: Every one of the lessons learned from hosting two years of charity events are useful
I am a natural connector. I want to share my knowledge and expertise and learn from others.
I am so grateful for all the feedback I have received over the past two years. I have had some successful events… and some unsuccessful events. I have encountered greedy people, kind people and the most incredibly generous people.
If you have knowledge about successful philanthropic endeavors, please share it with me. Have you hosted a complete flop of event? I want to hear about that too. We all are more powerful when we share our wins and losses with each other. We all have something to teach… and plenty to learn!
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