Games to Raise Money at an Event: A Comprehensive Guide

Hosting an event is a fantastic way to bring people together, raise funds, and have a great time. Incorporating games into your event can be a fun and engaging way to boost fundraising efforts. Whether you’re organizing a charity gala, a school fundraiser, or a community event, here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the right games to raise money at your event.

Interactive Games

Interactive games are a great way to get everyone involved and excited. They can be simple or complex, depending on your audience and the resources you have available.

• Charity Bingo: This classic game is always a hit. Players can purchase bingo cards, and each square can be filled with items related to your cause. As you draw items, players mark off their squares. The first to get a full line wins a prize, and a portion of the proceeds goes to your charity.
• Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props and costumes that reflect your event’s theme. Charge a small fee for each photo taken, and donate the proceeds to your cause.
• Guess the Number: This game is simple and can be played with any number of participants. The host chooses a number between 1 and 100, and participants take turns guessing. The person who guesses the number correctly wins a prize, and a portion of the entry fee goes to your charity.

Competitive Games

Competitive games can be a great way to foster teamwork and friendly rivalry among participants. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Relay Races: Organize relay races with various obstacles or tasks. Teams can compete for the fastest time, and a portion of the entry fee can be donated to your cause.
• Minute to Win It: This game involves completing a series of challenges within a minute. Participants can form teams or compete individually, and the proceeds can be donated to your charity.
• Trivia Night: Host a trivia night with questions related to your cause or general knowledge. Charge an entry fee, and donate the proceeds to your charity.

Charity Auctions

Charity auctions are a great way to raise money and offer unique experiences to your attendees. Here are some tips for hosting a successful charity auction:

• Item Selection: Choose items that are appealing to your audience, such as experiences, memorabilia, or unique services.
• Preparation: Advertise the auction in advance, and provide detailed descriptions of the items up for bid.
• Live Auctioneer: Hire a professional auctioneer to keep the bidding exciting and fast-paced.
• Online Bidding: Consider offering online bidding to reach a wider audience and increase the chances of high bids.

Table Games

Table games are a great way to keep your attendees entertained and engaged. Here are some popular options:

• Card Games: Poker, blackjack, and Texas Hold’em are popular card games that can be played for small stakes. A portion of the proceeds can be donated to your charity.
• Board Games: Set up a variety of board games, such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or chess, and charge a small fee for each game played.
• Trivia Puzzles: Create trivia puzzles or word searches with questions related to your cause. Participants can purchase the puzzles, and the proceeds can be donated to your charity.

Virtual Games

With the rise of virtual events, incorporating virtual games can be a great way to engage attendees from all over the world. Here are some ideas:

• Online Trivia: Host a virtual trivia night using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. Charge an entry fee, and donate the proceeds to your charity.
• Virtual Escape Rooms: Partner with a virtual escape room company to offer a unique experience for your attendees. A portion of the proceeds can be donated to your charity.
• Online Poker Tournaments: Organize online poker tournaments and charge an entry fee. A portion of the proceeds can be donated to your charity.