How to Organize a Community Fundraiser with Entertainment

Community fundraisers that feature live entertainment are a great way to bring people together for a good cause while ensuring everyone has a memorable time. Whether it’s a comedy hypnosis show, a talent competition, or a themed event, including entertainment can significantly boost participation and fundraising efforts. This guide will help you plan an engaging community fundraiser that makes the most of live entertainment.

What You’ll Need:

  • A venue that can accommodate the entertainment and audience size

  • A suitable entertainer (e.g., comedian, hypnotist, musician, or other acts)

  • Volunteers to help manage the event

  • Promotional materials to advertise the event

  • Fundraising activities to increase profitability

  • A timeline for planning (at least 2-3 months)

Choosing the Entertainment

Selecting the right type of entertainment is crucial to making your community fundraiser a success. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Know Your Audience: Choose entertainment that resonates with the type of audience you expect. For family-friendly events, a hypnotist or comedian with a clean, fun routine can be a great choice.

  • Engagement Potential: Consider entertainment that encourages audience participation. Shows that get the audience involved, such as a comedy hypnosis act, can create more energy and excitement, which in turn leads to better fundraising opportunities.

  • Budget: Make sure the entertainment fits within your budget while also leaving room for additional fundraising activities.

Incorporating Fundraising Activities

To make the most of your community fundraiser, it’s important to have multiple ways to raise money throughout the event. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Ticket Sales and VIP Packages

  • General Admission: Set a reasonable ticket price for general admission. Offering early-bird discounts can help boost early ticket sales.

  • VIP Packages: Sell VIP tickets that include premium perks like front-row seating, a meet-and-greet with the entertainer, or exclusive refreshments. VIP packages not only increase ticket sales but also give guests an enhanced experience.

2. Raffles and Silent Auctions

  • Raffle Tickets: Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win donated prizes, such as gift baskets or gift certificates from local businesses. Make sure to mention the raffle during the entertainment to keep interest high.

  • Silent Auction: Hold a silent auction for valuable items or unique experiences. Announce the auction results at the end of the entertainment to add excitement.

3. Concessions and Merchandise Sales

  • Concessions: Sell snacks and beverages during the event. The Gypsy Queen Food Truck is an excellent option, offering items like burgers, hot dogs, lemonade, mini donuts, and more. A portion of sales can also go back to the fundraiser to increase total proceeds.

  • Merchandise: Sell event-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, or hats. If the entertainer has their own merchandise, offer it for sale, with a percentage going to the fundraiser.

4. Games and Interactive Activities

  • Interactive Games: Offer games like “Heads or Tails” where participants pay to join and have a chance to win a prize. This is an easy way to increase engagement and raise extra funds.

  • Themed Contests: Run contests related to the event, such as a costume contest for a themed event. Charge a small fee for participation, and offer prizes donated by local businesses.

Securing Sponsors

Sponsorships can greatly offset event costs and increase the overall amount you raise for your cause. Here’s how to secure sponsors:

  • Local Businesses: Approach local businesses for sponsorship opportunities. In return, offer them recognition during the event, space for banners, or a mention in promotional materials.

  • Sponsored Activities: Have businesses sponsor specific activities, like the raffle or a game. This adds extra promotion for the sponsors and reduces costs for your organization.

Promoting the Event

Promotion is key to getting a good turnout. Here are some strategies to effectively promote your community fundraiser:

  • Social Media: Use social media platforms to create an event page, share updates, and generate excitement. Post engaging content like videos from previous events or teasers about the entertainment.

  • Community Involvement: Promote through local community groups, schools, bulletin boards, and newsletters. Highlight the charitable aspect of the event and the entertainment to attract more attendees.

  • Flyers and Posters: Place flyers and posters around town—at community centers, schools, and popular local businesses. Make sure to include key details like the event date, time, and ticket information.

Event Timeline

Proper planning is crucial for a smooth event. Here’s a suggested timeline to help you stay organized:

  • 3 Months Before: Secure a venue and book your entertainer. Reach out to local businesses for sponsorship and start planning fundraising activities.

  • 2 Months Before: Start promoting the event through social media, newsletters, and flyers. Finalize the list of fundraising activities.

  • 1 Month Before: Assign volunteer roles, confirm sponsor commitments, and begin selling tickets. Order any merchandise or concessions that are needed.

  • 1 Week Before: Finalize logistics with vendors, entertainers, and volunteers. Ensure promotional materials are ready and distributed.

During the Event

On the day of the event, keep everything organized to maximize fundraising potential:

  • Set Up the Venue: Arrange tables, chairs, raffle stations, concession areas, and merchandise stalls. Make sure everything is easily accessible.

  • Engage the Audience: Have the entertainer or host engage the audience and mention fundraising activities like raffles and auctions during breaks in the show.

  • Make a Donation Appeal: A heartfelt appeal at the right moment can encourage additional donations. Schedule this after a high-energy portion of the entertainment to maximize its impact.

After the Event

To maintain momentum after the event, be sure to follow up with everyone involved:

  • Thank Guests and Sponsors: Send thank-you notes to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. Let them know how their contributions have made a difference.

  • Share Results: Post highlights from the event on social media, including photos, videos, and the total amount raised. This builds trust and encourages participation in future events.

  • Evaluate: Meet with your team to evaluate what went well and what could be improved for future events.


By incorporating entertainment, sponsorships, and strategic fundraising activities, you can create a community event that is both enjoyable and highly successful at raising money for your cause. Use this guide to help plan and execute a fundraiser that leaves a lasting positive impact on both the community and your organization.