Host a Birthday Party for a Cause

fundraiser birthday partyFor this year’s birthday party, why not party with a purpose? Do some good as you raise money or accept donations for the guest of honor’s charity of choice. Instead of gifts, guests will contribute to a fund or collection on behalf of a charity. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Let guests know it’s a birthday fundraiser: Use an online invitation to give all the guests details, collect and track RSVPs, etc. Use the invitation to tell guests about the charity of choice and clearly communicate that no gifts are necessary. Give details about how they can donate money or what to bring for a donation collection.
     
  • Choose a charity: Whether it’s a local food pantry or a national organization, any charity will be extremely grateful to receive donations raised through your birthday fundraiser! Consider hosting a sports-themed birthday party, for example, and donate funds to a charity such as Good Sports. They are a national non-profit that donates sports equipment, footwear and apparel to disadvantaged youth – and can be the recipient of donations from your party! You can also choose to collect financial donations for Good Sports and your child can keep track of donations to reach Bronze, Silver or Gold status. Download this one-page PDF to learn more
     
  • Pay it forward: If some guests do bring gifts, donate them to a local children’s hospital, school, or shelter. This will not only benefit someone in need, but also make use of gifts that guests may end up bringing. Take this opportunity to tell guests more about the cause and how they can continue to help after the party is over. A lot of organizations - like Good Sports - allow of the use of their logo and marketing materials for these occasions. Make custom t-shirts or water bottles as the take-home gift and continue to spread the word.

It’s easy to feel like we all have enough “things,” so it’s not a bad idea to shift the focus of a birthday on giving instead of receiving. Not only does it teach your child a valuable lesson, it gives you both a platform for teaching others about a cause they may not know anything about. 

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