Special events include: dinners, fairs, sales, auctions, tournaments, races, balls, festivals, carnivals, derbies, banquets, walk-a-thons (and any other a-thon you can think of). The possibilities are endless.

PROS

• They attract new supporters.
• They raise your organization's visibility.
• They involve a large number of people.
• They encourage board involvement.
• They pull diverse groups together.
• They help build mailing lists.
• They unite people in a common goal and increase commitment.

CONS

• They take lots of time, planning, and organizational skills.
• An event can be ruined because of the weather, a competing event on the same day, a promised celebrity not showing up, and many other details over which you have little control.
• The money raised may not justify all the time involved.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Details are everything. Be sure a detail-oriented person is in charge.
• Have local businesses donate as many of the necessary products and services as possible. Examples: printing, prizes, food, entertainment, postage, volunteer labor.
• Take care in choosing the time for your event. Check with your Chamber of Commerce to be sure your event doesn't conflict with other community activities.
• The rule on when to start planning your event: The earlier the better. (See the Sample Timetable) . Put at least as much into advertising (paid or free) as you do into entertainment.