4 Reasons You Need Entertainment at Your Fundraiser
From helping to raise money and awareness for worthy causes to boosting employee engagement, morale and even retention rates in some cases, workplace fundraisers account for approximately $4 billion in annual charitable giving according to industry data. But a successful fundraiser involves more than asking for a donation or selling tickets or merchandise to raise funds. Like any transaction, fundraising also involves relationship building that will add both value to the event and organization, and reward donors and guests for their generosity and commitment to the cause.
Whether your event is designed to raise funds and awareness for education, the environment, or medical issues, offering entertainment like comedians and variety acts can help elevate your fundraiser to the big leagues.
What Hiring Professional Entertainment Can Bring to Your Fundraising Events
Fundraisers may come in all shapes, sizes, budgets and status levels, but the impact and benefits of humor are universal. Studies have found that humor can help with everything from reducing stress and anxiety, to fostering empathy. Simply put, making people laugh will make them feel good, and in turn even more sympathetic to your cause, whatever it may be.
To help generate buzz, motivate staff and volunteers, and make the most out of your next event, consider some of the many benefits of booking entertainment for your next private, corporate or non-profit fundraiser.
Generate Attention and Interest in the Event
Hiring a comedian is a great way to make an event fun and entertaining, and can also help to draw a larger and more diverse crowd. Even dedicated donors can use a little motivation to attend or volunteer at a fundraiser (as opposed to just mailing in a check, which is fine too). An interesting act or entertainer can also help to attract new donors who may be unfamiliar with your cause or organization.
Add Value to the Event and Cause
Although fundraisers are designed by nature to raise money for a good cause, which is obviously its own reward for most people, at an institutional level they are still events that need to be marketed like any other. Hiring professional entertainers will elevate the perceived value of the ticket, and help to encourage larger donations at the event, and possibly in the future.
Make It Fun (Happy People are Generous People)
It might be a well-worn cliche, but there is a reason why people say laughter is the best medicine. Even fundraising events that deal with serious issues like natural disasters or illnesses can benefit from the levity and dose of optimism by way of a good laugh. A comedian can warm up the crowd and build positive associations with the program’s issue and message.
Thank and Reward Your Donors and Guests
People donate to charity and various causes for a number of reasons, and most would agree that they do not expect a reward for their generosity. However, with seemingly endless options for worthy places to give, showing donors and guests at your fundraiser your gratitude and appreciation for their patronage can help to build lasting relationships and encourage future giving. It will also make your event stand out among a crowded field.
For more information on how to hire a comedian or variety act for your next fundraiser, contact us today!