Charities to Support During Your Housewarming Party

Hosting a housewarming party is the perfect chance to celebrate your new home and support charities close to your heart. Incorporate giving into your festivities by clearly communicating the donation purpose on your invitation and offering multiple ways to contribute, like passing around envelopes and providing an easy online option. Highlight the donation impact by announcing a fundraising goal, and schedule the appeal 30-45 minutes in to allow initial socializing. If you're looking to maximize your impact, consider creating an Amazon registry or using Amazon Smile - the possibilities for meaningful celebration are endless.

Where to Hold the Fundraising Party

Your home is the ideal location for a successful house party fundraiser. You don't need a large or luxurious house - what matters is your enthusiasm and willingness to open up your home to your friends. In fact, the size of the event is less important, as long as you invite three or four times as many people as you hope will attend. This will help amplify the show-up rate, which is important given that a large percentage of invitees may end up as no-shows. Follow-up phone calls can also help increase attendance. The party should last a couple of hours, with the formal fundraising presentation occurring around 45 minutes into the event. As the host, your role is to make all attendees feel comfortable, without worrying about the size or grandeur of your home. With the right attitude and preparation, your house party can be a great success in supporting your chosen charity.

How Many Guests to Invite

When planning your housewarming party fundraiser, invite three to four times as many people as you hope will actually attend. This will help account for no-shows. Half of your invitation list should be contacts from the organization, and the other half should be friends of the host. Set an RSVP deadline and actively track invitee responses to get a sense of the expected turnout.

Follow-up phone calls to invitees can help increase the show-up rate. Be prepared that a large percentage of invitees may not attend the event. However, the enthusiasm of the host opening their home is more important than the size or luxury of the house. Send polite follow-up prompts a week before the event to encourage guests to RSVP and attend. With a little planning, you can create a successful housewarming party fundraiser that supports a worthy charity.

Agenda for the Fundraising Party

At your housewarming party fundraiser, plan for the event to last a couple of hours. Spend the majority of the time on informal socializing, allowing guests to mingle and get comfortable. Around 45 minutes into the party, present the formal fundraising appeal. Use enticements like good food or entertainment to draw attendees to this segment.

Throughout the event, have organization representatives present to greet guests, ease conversation, and thank them for attending. The invitation should clearly state this is a fundraising event, with options for a set donation amount or an open-ended request.

Make the fundraising appeal 30-45 minutes into the party. Announce the fundraising goal and pass around donation envelopes. This running schedule, guest check-in process, and donation gathering logistics will guarantee your housewarming party fundraiser runs smoothly.

Asking for Charitable Donations

Asking for charitable donations during your housewarming party fundraiser requires a thoughtful approach. Clearly communicate that the event is a fundraiser to set expectations. Offer the option of requesting a set donation amount or keeping it open-ended, as each has pros and cons.

Schedule the fundraising appeal 30-45 minutes into the party to allow for initial socializing. Announce a fundraising goal and pass donation envelopes during the appeal to facilitate giving. Provide information on how guests can learn more, such as by checking the organization's website or event calendar.

Consider offering donation methods like cash, check, or online giving. Incentivize donations by raffling off a prize or offering a matching donation. Follow up with guests after the event to thank them and provide updates on the fundraising efforts.

Promoting the Donation Opportunity

Promoting the donation opportunity at your housewarming party fundraiser doesn't have to be difficult. Clearly emphasize the donation purpose on the invitation to set the right expectations for your guests. Communicate multiple donation methods, such as passing around donation envelopes and providing an easy online option. This will guarantee your guests to contribute.

Highlight the donation impact by announcing a specific fundraising goal. When guests see the tangible difference their contributions can make, they'll be more inclined to donate. Aim to introduce the fundraising appeal about 30-45 minutes into the party, when your guests are settled and engaged. This timing will certify you have their attention and create a seamless flow to the event.

Creating a Registry on Amazon

Creating an Amazon registry for your housewarming party can streamline the gift-giving process for your guests. The registry setup is simple - just log into your Amazon account, create a new wish list, and customize it with items you'd like to receive. Include a mix of household essentials, decor, and gift cards to your favorite charities.

When choosing gift suggestions, consider items that align with your charitable giving preferences. This way, your guests can easily contribute to causes you care about. Additionally, donations made through your registry may qualify for charitable tax benefits, so be sure to provide that information.

Using Amazon Smile for Bigger Impact

Going a step further, you can use the Amazon Smile program to enhance your charitable impact. By selecting The Arc of Opportunity as the charity on Smile.Amazon.com, a portion of your eligible item purchases will be donated to this worthy cause. This not only grows your donor base but also raises awareness for the organization's mission, including the newly built group home.

Encouraging your party guests to shop through Smile.Amazon.com can considerably increase donations to The Arc of Opportunity. As loyal Amazon shoppers, your guests can make a bigger impact on the organization by utilizing the Smile program. This increased digital footprint helps The Arc of Opportunity secure additional funding to support its initiatives. The Smile program provides The Arc of Opportunity with these impactful resources, allowing them to continue their important work in the community.

Getting More Involved With the Arc

Beyond simply signing up for Amazon Smile, there are additional ways you can get more involved with The Arc of Opportunity. Understanding the organization's funding needs is essential - the newly built group home in Fitchburg requires furnishings, and the Arc is reaching out to friends and families for help. By contributing to their housewarming registry on Amazon.com, you can directly provide the necessary items to support the five individuals living there.

Connecting with the Arc's community of volunteers is another meaningful way to get involved. Reaching out to the organization and inquiring about volunteer opportunities can allow you to lend your time and skills to support their program initiatives. Whether it's assisting with events, providing transportation, or engaging in one-on-one activities, your involvement can make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.