Easy Fund Raising Ideas

Posts Tagged ‘fundraising etiquette’

Question: Etiquette-Party Invitation (asking us to pay for ourselves)?

We just received a party invitation to a party. When we read the invitation it included a response date, a cost per person (not cheap, either) to attend (this includes a meal and beverage) and a request to bring cash for the fundraising drawings that will be going on during the party. If we dont want to attend, we are asked to give a donation to the birthday persons charities. I really like this person and wanted to attend a party for them. I would even have been willing to donate to a charity in lieu of a gift. But to be asked to go to someones party and pay to attend (it doesnt sound like the host/ birthday person is paying for much) is crazy to me. I have throw many, very expensive parties in the past and NEVER asked for people to pay, when I am the host. What are other peoples thoughts?
I am not sure of other invitees incomes? I am sure of both mine and my spouse’s. We earn far less than 100K together.

Answer: That was one nervy invitation you received. It almost sounds like the hosts want to make a large donation to some charity in their own name, but are not willing to actually pony up the money themselves. No one should ask for money for you to attend a party much less ask for any if you do not. It’s like saying, “Gotcha! We sent you an invitation and now it’s going to cost you no matter what you do.” A fundraiser should be labeled as such, not poorly disguised as a “party.”

If it offends you, which it should, send your regrets. If the host says they will send you the list of the guest of honor’s favorite charities, say, “Thank you, that won’t be necessary.”

Adventure 200 (21 to 23 Apr 2009) – One Singapore librarian’s fundraising attempt