Events
Believe. You make it possible.
Host An Event
Top Ten Tips for Holding a Successful Event
Special Events are a wonderful way to raise funds for SickKids Foundation. However, they can be very time-consuming and have relatively high costs as well. We want to make sure you and your committee have fun organizing your event!
- Register your event:
Once you know what type of event you would like to organize, it is important to fill out an event proposal form and submit it to one of our Foundation Event Coordinators for approval. Please be aware you must receive permission from the Foundation to organize an event. - Form a planning committee:
The probability of success of any special event is increased by the enthusiasm and dedication of the people who plan and organize it. Your planning committee should have enough members to share the work, and represents a variety of skills. When selling tickets for a fundraiser, there should be at least one volunteer for every ten tickets you have to sell! - Establish goals:
Have a realistic and measurable financial goal. The budget section of the event proposal form is a necessary part of the approval process and will enable you to accurately gauge the scale of your event. - Brainstorm ideas:
Give free reign to your imagination. Several heads are better than one! The wackiest idea may be the best fundraiser. Then again, it may not. But it's worth thinking about. - Be sure you've chosen the 'right' event:
The type of event you choose should fit the size, interest, talents, goals, and time availability of your group. You want this event to be fun to plan and organize, as well as to attend. - Schedule the event:
Schedule your event for a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Remember that two fundraising events that cater to the same audience, on the same day, will divide the support for each event. - Budget:
Identify possible sources of income and all expenses. If you keep costs down, you'll generate a bigger donation - something everyone will feel good about. The budget section of the event proposal is a useful tool to clearly outline your business plan. Larger events with many attendees and/or sponsors should consider opening a bank account in the name of the event. - Promotion and publicity:
SickKids Foundation logo is a registered trademark. All uses of the Foundation or Hospital logo must be approved by a Foundation Event Coordinator. Publicity and promotion are key to a successful event, so get out there and promote, promote, promote, just remember to have all your materials approved before they are printed. - Collect the funds:
We ask that all funds be forwarded to SickKids Foundation within 90 days after your event. Please allow four weeks from that date for tax receipts to be issued (see information regarding receipting - some proceeds from your event are non-receiptable). - Thank you, thank you, thank you:
Here's the most important part: please acknowledge everyone who participated in or supported your activity and let them know how much you appreciate their help. They would also be proud to hear how much money was raised!