Fundraising Gala Ideas
- Build upon the popularity of one of the most-watched television series in history, American Idol. Title your event in such a way that it is evident you are creating a gala that will be based upon the popular series, such as "Save the Monkeys Idol." Allow your guests to "compete" for donated prizes in front of a group of judges who will offer witty critiques of their performances. Depending on your budget, you may consider hiring a former contestant of the show to perform at the gala.
- This traditional gala continues to be a favorite. Invite guests to come in their masquerade attire to settle in for a night of high-class entertainment. Using swag donated from local businesses, hold a costume contest with tiered prizes. Make sure to advertise your contest on all your invitations and advertising literature.
- Create a gala that transports guests to the heyday of Hollywood. Encourage guests to come as their favorite classic film star or create their own classic star character. Hire a few impersonators to walk the gala and interact with guests. Make sure you roll out the red carpet for your guests as they arrive and have a member of the "paparazzi" on hand to take photos of guests as they enter the gala.
- Recreate the rooftops of a comic book landscape for your fundraising gala. Decorate the venue so that your guests feel as if they have stepped into the panels of their favorite comic. Score the event with music from popular film soundtracks such as Batman and Superman while employing a couple of "superheroes" to mingle with the guests for photo opportunities.
- Transport your gala's guests back to the 1940s and the adventure serials of the day. Encourage guests on your invitation to come dressed in their best 1940s-style adventurer's attire. Prepare the gala location with scattered "artifacts" and old maps. Concoct a scavenger hunt in which guests can participate while a skilled storyteller works the room, telling of his latest adventures.
- Hold a science-fiction-themed gala in which guests can come dressed as their favorite sci-fi characters. Decorate the location as if it were the inside of an alien spaceship by utilizing dimmed lighting and blacklight décor. If your budget permits, you may consider hiring a science fiction celebrity to appear at the event.