It’s coming up with the idea that will kill you. You’ve read all the “dos and don’ts” about fundraising events (including our Robyn’s Rules series), but no one ever tells you what your event is supposed to BE. I mean, do you go with the Street Carnival theme (again), or do you take a risk on something new?
New doesn’t have to mean ferret races. (Although we wholly support that concept.) It can just mean new to you and your supporters. We were talking with event chairman David Katz about past fundraiser events for the Boys & Girls Club of Venice 
and learned that for the past four years they’ve held a golf tournament. Solid, familiar, easy to understand – a sound idea. Except that you need, well, a golf course. And golf carts and caddies and marshalls and signage and volunteers, and, and, and. Certainly many charities have successful golf tournaments, but they can be a tremendous amount of work and often don’t make enough money to balance out the effort.
The B&G club wanted to keep the idea of a tournament… without any unnecessary sweating… with the opportunity to chat (trash talk?) with your opponent… all with the option of having a drink… or three. And, man, if there was a way to do it all while sitting in air conditioning, boy howdy, that would be GREAT.
Hence the first annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. Well played, sirs, well played.
If an event like this appeals to you and your board, it’s easy to adapt. Katz says they simply charge a “buy-in” for each player and use a portion of the proceeds to create a winner’s pot. One super clever element is the “rebuy” option. If you’re knocked out of the game, you’re allowed to buy your way back in for another shot at the big pot. We love optimistic poker fiends! (More tourney details below.)
Obviously, you need space and a little atmosphere for a card tournament. For the Boys & Girls Club, a casino is providing the location in exchange for a small cut of the buy-in fee, knowing they’ll make money on food and drink. A local restaurant in your town might be willing to do the same. Take a look at your base of supporters to make other adjustments such as playing blackjack or gin rummy or crazy eights. Add a raffle. Divide the play by skill level so more people can participate with a hope of winning. Know your audience!
One thing you don’t want to forget is to spread the word in as many ways as possible. Use that email list, get your pals to tweet and repost on Facebook. You’re asking people if they want to play, not just give money. Folks who might not usually chuck a fiver in the bucket, will pay good money for a chance at a big poker pot! So go outside your “usual suspects” list and tell everyone and their buddies and their pals. A fun concept like this helps raise your profile in your community and lets new friends (and old) know that your organization is active and fun and vibrant.
What have you done that was a little scary because it was new to your organization, but turned out well? We’re always looking for ideas to share – whether it’s fundraising or friendraising. Tell us your faves and we’ll spread the word!
No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
Sunday, May 15
Hustler Casino, Gardena, CA
1pm — Registration
2pm — Cards in the Air
$200 Buy-In (includes Entry Fee)
First Place Grand Prize — $2,500 cash!
Register online: www.bgcv.org/poker2011
Questions: aileen@bgcv.org
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Tags: Boys & Girls Club of Venice, David Katz, fundraising, poker
