A charity event is a gathering of individuals to support a specific cause. It serves two purposes: to raise awareness and bring in funds. By bringing people together around your cause, you can help break down barriers that hinder the success of your organization.
Whether it’s a 5K run or a cocktail party, fundraising events are the highest-converting campaign type on Classy. These events offer supporters a chance to socialize, meet new people, and contribute to the charity of their choice. Often, these events come with a theme, which can be used to create engagement and excitement for the nonprofit.
The AIDS Foundation’s annual gala brings together fashion icons, philanthropists, and celebrities to raise money for AIDS research. The event includes a live auction and a paddle raise. This gala also asks guests to donate unwrapped toys for children in Houston. Lady Gaga’s dramatic jazz performance at the 2015 amfAR Gala brought attention to the cause and increased donations.
Another example is the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a walk that illuminates the sky with lanterns in honor of those battling blood cancers. The event celebrates survivors and those lost to the disease while raising money for research and education initiatives.
Other events are centered on a competition, such as an eating, singing, or dancing contest. These types of competitive events usually have lower entry fees and can be held for organizations of any size.