Sorry for the cross posting, but I am trying to reach anybody that runs fundraising events like dinners, balls, etc. What courtesies if any are extended to staff? Do they get free or discounted tickets? Are staff who are required to work or attend the event required to pay the admission price? We are trying to gather some benchmarking info so please respond with size and type of organization as well as how you handle. Thanks much, Tina [Email Removed]

Our organization, an art museum and school, holds at least two fundraising events per year. Senior staff members who are required or "expected" to attend are sometimes given complimentary tickets, but often pay only for the per person cost of the event. For instance, if a ticket to the Art & Antique auction costs $75, the staff member might pay only for the cost of the dinner--$30. I am the volunteer coordinator, a half-time employee, and I feel that I must attend those events at which volunteers are working. Unless I have time to eat with the guests (unlikely), I do not purchase a ticket; I share whatever benefits the volunteers have at the event. Because the goal of our fund raisers is to make as much money as possible, the organization is very hesitant to "give away" benefits.

I guess I'm not too sure what 'benefits' are being given away that you're referring to when it comes to expecting employees to attend an event. For one, I assume these events are typically held outside of normal working hours, which sometimes can cause babysitting, etc. issues. Also, the employees that attend are representing the organization, so, in essence, are working. I guess a couple of my issues are: management respecting an employee's time outside of normal working hours; we also try to squeeze every penny out a of fundraiser we can, but not at the expense of an employee; and the event becoming a viable option for those who enjoy attending social events - without becoming a financial burden. We hold two fundraising events a year. Employees are expected to attend/volunteer/work at one. In turn, a 'free' day off is offered to the employee. There is no charge for staff to either event. At our auction, there are a lot of vounteers in addition to staff so the agency buys pizza for dinner. We don't have time to sit down with guests. The other is a dinner where certain senior staff do sit with guests and the agency pays for those dinners. For the rest of the staff, whatever leftover meals (from no-shows) there are, we get to share.

Sorry that I wasn't clear on several points. The benefits I refer to for volunteers are meals and snacks which the agency purchases. When we have fundraising events, such as the art & antique auction, seating at the dinner is limited--If staff are occupying seats at the table, that means fewer guests can buy tickets. Since an auction is often part of our fundraising events, we also want guests to buy tickets who will bid on the items.

Well, if employees are required to attend, can you serve them A) leftover food/snacks from guests that don't show up -since I assume you've paid for the food in advance or B) serve them a lower cost food item. If employees not required to attend, can you offer avaiable seating after your guests have registered? You may have to offer this on a first-come-first-served basis at the last minute, but at least they won't be occuping guest space. "Food' for thougt -

Dear Tina, As staff, we, at the Des Moines Area Religious Council, have been required to pay at least the cost of the meal while working at fundraising events etc. We have been paying the full amount which includes a tax deductible amount as well. Even our volunteers pay the full amount at fundraising events. We are a non-profit organization with only 7 employees. However, our volunteer base is more than 100. Hope this helps. Lyrio [Email Removed]

Hi.

We just had an annual fundraising event.  The staff worked the event and were not charged the admission price.    We had a casino night and we did not charge the price of admission to volunteers either. 

If you have any questions, email me at sosowski@symphonyhall.com.

Thanks and have a great day.

Stacey

We organize a black-tie fundraiser each year. Department heads are invited to the event and where possible, other staff members as well. Priority goes to selling every single seat to raise funds for our orchestra. In instances where we do not have enough seats, staff members will still attend for the purpose of networking although they may not be able to join in the dinner proper. We have a team of 40+ administrators of which about 8 are HODs. We usually have about 650 guests at such events. 

Hi Stacey,

You probably already know that Las Vegas Sands is opening in Singapore next year and there is a high likelihood that we will be approaching the Casino for financial support. Your casino event sounds interesting and I would be very glad to have some tips from you as to how you made it fun, interesting and more importantly, successful. Thanks.