How to stage a benefit for someone sick?

Question

Friend's of mine have a child that needed a bone marrow transplant. they have been in the hospital for over a month. Bills are piling up and I was wondering if anyone has ever staged a benefit, and if so, which steps were taken to get donations and such. Thanks

The transplant is done. The boy's older sister was a match. Problem is mom and dad can't work as much and insurance will eventually max out.

Answer 1

While I've never held a benefit myself I do work for a non-profit and have seen and heard of others doing it. So I'll answer as best I can. First thing you want to decide is this going to be a one-time event or an ongoing thing. A one time event would be something like a golf tournament and an ongoing thing would be something like a can drive. The big difference is you'll have a lot of work leading up to the one time event and then it's over (except for thank yous) and with an ongoing event you'll have less work but it will be constant. A few things I've seen for big events is things like a opening of a movie theater, a fashion show, golf tournaments, walks, concerts, a pizza place used to hold fundraiser nights, etc. Be creative when choosing and choose something you have some knowledge of. It can be anything that brings people together. If you know anyone that owns/works at a restaurant, a concert hall, etc see if you get them to sponsor the event. Next thing you'll want to gather up volunteers. You can't do it alone so you will need a team. Make sure everyone has a say in what is going to happen so no ones feelings get hurt and use their abilities anyway you can. Don't be picky. Anyone can carry a box. And if they can't then they can call people. So once you have your core team together figure out how you’re going to advertise it. Posters, signs, flyers, newspaper ads. Realize that things cost money so tap as many sources as you can. Many places will donate things if you ask nicely. But you will always end up spending some money, usually due to time. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need additional volunteers for the night of the event (if you hold a one time event) so get family, friends, everybody.

Now one thing I haven't mention so far is how to take donations. I'm assuming you’re from the US on this one. One thing you need to do is get in touch with a tax attorney/lawyer. See if you can find one willing to donate his/her time to your worthy cause. You will probably have to set up some sort of entity to take the donations. The government doesn't take kindly to people being handed large sums of money. And you don't want to end up with having to pay 1/4 out in taxes (Yes it happens). If it's small they probably won't notice but since I know how high hospital bills can get I'm assuming your not going for a small amount. Also you want the donations to your cause to be tax deductible.

Other ideas: Hold an event within your event. Something like a silent auction where you call up places and have them donate items and then you auction them off.
Hold a multi day event encompassing different things. One night have an auction/dinner and the next day have concert. You get more people to come.
"Sell" sponsorships. Have a program book and sell ads in it. It will cost to get it made so make sure you charge appropriately.
And always remember all money/items received are a donation.

Well hopefully some of that made sense and you find it useful.

Answer 2

Go 2 a local auction.Talk 2'm.My oldest only weighed 1 & 1/2 pounds.We held a benefit.He did a great job.R they needed someone 2 get tested 4 the bone marrow?If so,I'd do it in a sec.I'm getting ready 2 get tested 2 c if I'm a match 4 a friend.He needs a kidney.I wish I culd get a hold of u & find out!Good luck 2 yur friends!!*

Answer 3

first try to find some sponsors, like resturants, fast food places, sotres, everything like that. then find a place that is willing to let you have the building for the night and you can usually set it up the way you want to, especially if you tell them why. also, if you need money to get it, ask places to set up a donation can or something like that on their counters near the cash register. i see those ALL the time. :] i hoped i helped.