Public libraries in Pennsylvania have found success when holding fundraising events that serve alcohol. In fact, one library's annual wine and cheese pairing event raises roughly $10,000. If you are in charge of fundraising for a non-profit organization or are raising money to help a loved one pay for medical care, imagine how many candy bars or pizzas you would have to sell and cars you would have to wash to raise that same amount of money! Instead of going the traditional route, consider hosting an event that focuses, at least in some way, on alcohol. Here are a few ideas.
Drink Wine & Paint
Host an event in which the attendees become artists while sipping on wine. An instructor will guide the attendees while they recreate a painting through step-by-step instructions. If you organize this event yourself, you'll need to purchase art supplies, hire an instructor, find a venue, obtain a special event liquor license, advertise, and sell tickets. Alternatively, you may be able to find a franchise in your area that specializes in these events, such as Painting with a Twist. You can let them do all the work while you take in a percentage of the profits after the franchisee takes their costs into consideration.
Either way, you will need to choose a specific painting for the event. Include a photo of the painting on the tickets that will be sold to get into the door. That way, people will be able to see what they will take home from the event. Also, list the type(s) of wine that will be served. People will be more willing to part with their hard-earned money and buy a ticket for your fundraiser if they know what they'll be painting and drinking at the event.
Around the World
An around the world party is one in which food and alcohol is served from various parts of the world, such as a wiener schnitzel and Riesling from Germany. This event can be held either as a traditional banquet or as a buffet. As a banquet, staff will serve the attendees while they are seated at their tables. As a buffet, the attendees will roam from one station to the next. Of course, you'll likely need to hire a caterer (or several) for this event.
This event can be held in a banquet room, a tent outdoors, or anywhere that does not prohibit the sale of liquor. Attendees will get a "passport" when they pay to attend the event, which will list the countries (or stations) where they will "travel" as they go around the world sampling food and alcohol. Of course, you'll want to limit the number of stops in the "itinerary" so attendees won't get too intoxicated and be unable to drive home. If not, it's a good idea to station a taxi or two outside of the event, just in case someone goes around the world too many times. This is a great idea for a fundraiser because it is more unique and offers an experience rather than just a clean car or a piece of chocolate.
Microbrewery Oktoberfest
Host a microbrewery beer tasting event that focuses on the choices that are available from local microbreweries. You can hold this event in a large tent to make it feel like a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest or in a community center or banquet hall. Attendees can purchase tickets at the entrance of the event to exchange for a microbrewery beer selection of their choice. For example, you can sell each ticket for $10 and allow the attendees to choose how many tickets they'd like to purchase. This event is great for fundraising because it not only helps you but also helps local businesses and highlights the community.
Of course, the event will need to be held where alcohol is not prohibited. You can get a list of possible venues or locations for your event from your local city council's office or the local liquor board. You may or may not need to obtain a liquor license, depending on your state, county, and city laws and whether or not the microbreweries will have representatives at the event. For more information on how to get a liquor license, contact companies like Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants.
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