Having worked a number of events to raise money, there is one thing that I have learned early on...you must have a fundraising goal in mind.  It is so easy to get caught up in the designing and executing of the event that you don't plan for the amount of money you would like to raise, especially, when you have limited help to assist you with the event.  To raise more money, you have to be able to raise more awareness through your PR and media campaigns, as well as utilizing your board of directors,  corporate sponsors, and  key donors and guests.  If you are lucky enough to have an “honorary” chair for your event, this person can be of great assistance to pull in those numbers of people because of who they know. 

For one non-profit I worked with, we roasted a person that had great community image as the draw for the event.  And, we utilized the key leaders connected with this person to act as the roasters, including the Governor.  When you promote this type of high profile event, you can imagine the numbers and types of people this would bring to your event.  This particular event had an overwhelming turnout and for the first time, this nonprofit was able to get in front of people they had never attracted before.  The second part of fundraising success, is to make sure you do have a first rate event by having great table décor, event décor, silent and live auctions, dinner and wine choices, and a “playbook” of how all  of it will be  executed by your staff, volunteers, and key guests.  The last part of a successful program is to ask for the financial help you need and make this a  key part of the message; and,  always make sure you promptly send out thank you cards to everyone involved from staff, event planners, special guests, contributors, board members, and your new donors.  Happy planning.