Should There be alcohol at a Fundraiser Event?!


Question: My wife and I have decided to throw a fundraiser party/event. All proceeds will go to a great cause (not sure I should give specifics). We are throwing the party in honor of a young boy who passed away last year. The question here is at the party should we offer alcohol? The boy’s family (great people) will be there and so will the boy’s friends so we want a good turn out. My wife and I have been debating whether alcohol is appropriate for an event such as this. We are going to be providing dinner, soda, and water and some entertainment. I understand her point of view for not wanting it but I also know (Sad as it is to say) that several people won’t come because it is a Friday night event with no alcohol. I see the alcohol as a way to make more money for the event but if it is in bad taste then I understand not having it. We have never hosted an event such as this so if anyone has an opinion it would be great to hear it.


Answers: My wife and I have decided to throw a fundraiser party/event. All proceeds will go to a great cause (not sure I should give specifics). We are throwing the party in honor of a young boy who passed away last year. The question here is at the party should we offer alcohol? The boy’s family (great people) will be there and so will the boy’s friends so we want a good turn out. My wife and I have been debating whether alcohol is appropriate for an event such as this. We are going to be providing dinner, soda, and water and some entertainment. I understand her point of view for not wanting it but I also know (Sad as it is to say) that several people won’t come because it is a Friday night event with no alcohol. I see the alcohol as a way to make more money for the event but if it is in bad taste then I understand not having it. We have never hosted an event such as this so if anyone has an opinion it would be great to hear it.

It's awesome what you're doing and I can understand your dilemma.
If it was me and I knew the boys family was coming. His parents..I would call them and tell them, you want to raise a lot of money for the cause and ask them if they mind or not if you have alcohol. I think that would be the respectful thing to do. In the big picture it doesn't matter what any one else thinks but if his family thinks this was not appropriate then you would feel so bad and..well, you understand what I'm saying. I think they would respect you for asking them.
I hope you raise more money than you ever thought and hope they donate even more while they are there.

Yes, get them drunk and they will donate more.

Serve alcohol, it's not a funeral, it's a fundraiser.

no

Alcohol will loosen the purse strings, why do you think drinks in Vegas are free.

i wouldn't serve it a at fundraiser it might give people the wrong impression on why you are doing it and the guys that wont come unless there is beer or what ever there really shouldn't be there anyways and besides that what if they get drunk and something happened to them on the way home you gonna feel guilty and the cops are gonna say it your fault i really wouldn't do that but thats really nice what you are doing .........
,,,,,,,,,smiles

Alcohol lessens peoples inhibitions. They are more likely to spend more money. But to keep them from drinking TOO much, we have in the past sold tickets, but allow only so many per guest, for them to present when getting a drink. Price them right and you will make money and people will still have fun. There are several ways to do this, being creative about it and make what you need to, while preserving convention.

I assume the proceeds are to help defray the family's costs of the child's illness.

You go! WE need more people like ya'll.

You could be held legally responsible if someone has too much to drink at your party, and then gets into an accident. I wouldn't advise it. Have a silent auction or raffle instead.

The drunker they are the more they give. Just make sure your expenses are in order.

One of the oldest traditions around is for churches to host bingo nights and fish fries. It seems I always remember beer being served, and the old dudes sneaking sips out of a flask. Let them have a good time, but keep it respectful. Sounds like you have a perfect sense of what the night should be. Keep some wine out and some beer in an inconspicuous place. I think people will know not to get out of hand. Good Luck!

I think that it will not only help you raise more money, but will also serve as a way to break the ice. It will make people more social and bring them more together. However, stay away from vodka or tequila. Stay in the range of mild alcohol. Red and White whine is best. BY the way, I think that it is super nice of you guys to do that. Good Luck !

a mild bubbly never hurts

I don't see the problem with serving alchohol at a social gathering like this. And I don't think that people would have a problem with it or see it as being in bad taste. If you are putting out ads about it, you could mention it so people know, but it helps raise money, and most people that don't drink alcohohol are fine with othes drinking it, and have it as a personal choice. Good luck with your event, and hopefully everything goes well. Best wishes to the family of the boy that passed away.

I do not believe that it is a good idea to serve alcohol at a fundraiser it is to much of a questionable move.You may offend some of the largest dona-tors.

Most of these types of events do offer alcohol unless it is against it. You could offer a cash bar with proceeds going towards the cause also, say the caterers are charging $1.50 per drink to you have them charge $2.00 per drink and then you have $.50 more per drink to go to your cause.





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