A charity event, especially a fundraiser, is all about creating the perfect atmosphere for your guests. That atmosphere can be created in every different aspect of event planning: venue, décor, food, entertainment…even with an ice bar. From the moment your guests enter through the reception doors until the end of the program, your goal as the charity event planner is to create an over-the-top, enjoyable and entertaining evening that compels your guests to contribute to your worthy cause. You can enhance that experience with entertainers that fit with your charity event theme (we’ve got a few ideas for themes here) or can build your event around these entertainment acts perfect for your event:
Jazz musicians
Make your guests feel like they are stepping into an old jazz club. Find the perfect venue for your night of jazz, and book entertainers such a jazz duo or singer that can make your guests feel like they stepped back in time. Discuss refreshments with your caterer that complete the feel, and find décor that gives your venue a dark jazz club vibe. If you have a large venue, talk to your entertainment agent about other options for entertainers that can give areas of your event their own unique feel (such as by your silent auction tables, or if you want to create multiple jazz lounges where you can talk with your guests).
Piano bar
Are you holding a smaller gathering? Create a piano bar themed event (or rent a room at a piano bar). Hire a pianist and singer that can charm your guests in your cozy setting. Talk to your venue or vendor about cocktails appropriate for the evening, and a meal or appetizers appropriate for your theme. Invite a guest of honor, either the head of your charity or an acquaintance touched by the cause, and give them a place of honor during your piano-bar themed evening.
Dinner and a show
Want to give your guests a night out together? Coordinate the ultimate night out for your guests, with show girls as greeters, a red carpet (and red carpet treatment), appetizers, cocktails, a fantastic dinner, and a show they won’t forget. Depending on your audience, choose an entertainment act that keeps their attention throughout the night, such as a comedian, play, show band (3 musicians, 30 instruments, WOW!) orchestra or mentalist. Decide what kind of event you want—and who you hope to attract—when deciding on your entertainment, or discuss your vision with an experienced entertainment agent who can give their recommendation and handle all the details. If you want to have a semiformal evening with a comedian or other act, hire a caricature artist to up the level of fun, and give your guests a memento of a fantastic night for a great cause.
Masquerade ball
If you want a one-of-a-kind event that your guests never forget, go all-out with a masquerade ball in a ballroom that leaves your guests awe-struck. Set the theme with your invitations and promotional pieces, and back them up with a beautiful event with lights, masks and feather décor. Complete the event atmosphere with entertainers and an unforgettable main event.
Need any more ideas for your charity event? We’ve planned and attended quite a few (okay, a ton) in our 25 plus years of business. Contact us. We’ll work with you to bring your vision alive, and create the atmosphere you and your guests want and sets the stage for a successful charity event.
