What’s Hosting a Gathering / Party All About?
A very fun way to donate to the Night of Spirit Auction and raise funds greater than your donation is to host a gathering or party. One you can host yourself, or as most people do, with a group of friends, parents, friends, and parishioners.
-The Idea
The idea is that you will host a party, taking on the cost of hosting (which you can deduct from taxes), and people will pay (at the auction) to come to the party on your designated date. This provides a great way to build community, while also raising funds being donated to Holy Spirit’s School & Youth Development Programs!
‐ Pick a Theme
Think of a fun theme that would attract people to want to buy a seat at your gathering or party. Some ideas that have been done over the years include: parties involving families from classes, bowling, backyard barbeque or movie nights, swim parties, block parties, progressive dinners, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, dinners, etc. Have fun with it, and get creative!
‐Hosting
Think about if you want to host a party alone, or want to do it with a group of people. Doing it with a group of friends is more fun, and it can offset hosting costs for larger parties/events. Plus, there are more people to share in the responsibilities of hosting.
‐Pick a date
This is important. There will be other great parties donated by others, and a date must to be set for two reasons: One, avoid date conflicts with other parties before they are placed into the online or silent auctions. Two, inform auction patrons of the date before they commit to purchase a seat.
‐Guest List (how many seats can you accommodate/offer?)
Think about how many people your party could accommodate. Many people have an initial number of people they want to invite. If your offering sells out, be prepared ahead of time what the maximum number of people your party/gathering can accommodate so more seats can be offered in a 2nd offering (if possible).
‐Per Seat Charge?
When people host a party, they choose an amount to charge per person or per family, depending on the theme. Remember, the point is to raise money, so don’t underestimate the lure of your party.
For a party that would include dinner and drinks, a price of $40+/person would be appropriate.
If you have a party that costs more to host (such as a private chef cooking dinner for a select number of people or having a special wine or scotch tasting party), a higher price certainly would be appropriate for the unique experience of the event.
If you’re hosting an end of year class party that will be more casual (like pizza) and will include families, a lesser amount would be charged per person or you may choose to charge by family.
‐General Guidelines on Hosting Costs:
As a general rule of thumb, it should not cost you (and possibly your other hosts) more to host a party than what is raised. One measure is that the party should cost 40%‐60% to host that what party raises (# of seats * per seat charge) in revenue for the school.
-Pricing your party
Remember, the point is to raise as much money for our children’s development and environment at Holy Spirit’s School and Youth Formation Programs. Don’t underestimate the value of your party, but do be mindful pricing each seat relative to the guest value and experience they are receiving.
BOTTOM LINE: In the end, do what works and feels right for you and your follow hosts. Hosting a gathering or party is just as much as community building and getting to know other parents and parishioners, as it is to raise funds for Holy Spirit’s School & Youth Formation Programs. Thank you! Have Fun!
A very fun way to donate to the Night of Spirit Auction and raise funds greater than your donation is to host a gathering or party. One you can host yourself, or as most people do, with a group of friends, parents, friends, and parishioners.
-The Idea
The idea is that you will host a party, taking on the cost of hosting (which you can deduct from taxes), and people will pay (at the auction) to come to the party on your designated date. This provides a great way to build community, while also raising funds being donated to Holy Spirit’s School & Youth Development Programs!
‐ Pick a Theme
Think of a fun theme that would attract people to want to buy a seat at your gathering or party. Some ideas that have been done over the years include: parties involving families from classes, bowling, backyard barbeque or movie nights, swim parties, block parties, progressive dinners, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, dinners, etc. Have fun with it, and get creative!
‐Hosting
Think about if you want to host a party alone, or want to do it with a group of people. Doing it with a group of friends is more fun, and it can offset hosting costs for larger parties/events. Plus, there are more people to share in the responsibilities of hosting.
‐Pick a date
This is important. There will be other great parties donated by others, and a date must to be set for two reasons: One, avoid date conflicts with other parties before they are placed into the online or silent auctions. Two, inform auction patrons of the date before they commit to purchase a seat.
‐Guest List (how many seats can you accommodate/offer?)
Think about how many people your party could accommodate. Many people have an initial number of people they want to invite. If your offering sells out, be prepared ahead of time what the maximum number of people your party/gathering can accommodate so more seats can be offered in a 2nd offering (if possible).
‐Per Seat Charge?
When people host a party, they choose an amount to charge per person or per family, depending on the theme. Remember, the point is to raise money, so don’t underestimate the lure of your party.
For a party that would include dinner and drinks, a price of $40+/person would be appropriate.
If you have a party that costs more to host (such as a private chef cooking dinner for a select number of people or having a special wine or scotch tasting party), a higher price certainly would be appropriate for the unique experience of the event.
If you’re hosting an end of year class party that will be more casual (like pizza) and will include families, a lesser amount would be charged per person or you may choose to charge by family.
‐General Guidelines on Hosting Costs:
As a general rule of thumb, it should not cost you (and possibly your other hosts) more to host a party than what is raised. One measure is that the party should cost 40%‐60% to host that what party raises (# of seats * per seat charge) in revenue for the school.
-Pricing your party
Remember, the point is to raise as much money for our children’s development and environment at Holy Spirit’s School and Youth Formation Programs. Don’t underestimate the value of your party, but do be mindful pricing each seat relative to the guest value and experience they are receiving.
BOTTOM LINE: In the end, do what works and feels right for you and your follow hosts. Hosting a gathering or party is just as much as community building and getting to know other parents and parishioners, as it is to raise funds for Holy Spirit’s School & Youth Formation Programs. Thank you! Have Fun!
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