When CT sent out its flyer asking people to host a fundraising party to mark its 20th birthday it was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: to get my friends together and to raise some cash for the Cambodia Trust.
To organise the party took no time at all – sending out a few emails, texts and an invite on Facebook and it was done. The only other thing to remember, a friend told me, was not to try and do everything myself. This was invaluable advice.
As soon as I had enlisted other people to contribute cakes, and another friend, Lara, offered to help me bake the day before the party, the workload became entirely manageable.
I downloaded the marketing material from the Trust website and put up posters and flyers around the house (even on the bathroom mirrors and by the loo!) to gently remind people why they were there and I made two donation boxes to place in the lounge and in the kitchen (near all the cakes, of course).
And I am so pleased to say it all went swimmingly. Around 40 people came to my house on October 25 and the feedback was heart-warming – everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy it and were impressed by the effort Lara and I had gone to with the baking.
Everyone tucked into various cakes we had made which included carrot cake, banana bread, chocolate orange cupcakes and some delicious scones made by my mum.
The piece de resistance had to be, however, my friend Andrea’s two-tiered chocolate cake covered in pink icing and glitter. Over-the-top yet strangely mesmerising, it truly was the Jordan of cakes.
And all the effort did the trick. When we emptied the donation boxes, we had collected £718. When this was added to donations made by guests who could not make it, the whole event raised a big fat £1,100.
I am so thrilled, especially as this will be matched by the Reed Foundation when I donate the money to CT on December 7 through The Big Give.
So, if you’re toying with the idea of hosting a party – just do it. It’s a bit of work (but not too much) and so very enjoyable.
And the best bit is that you can sit down, socialise and eat loads of food without feeling guilty about expanding your waist line – because it’s expanding CT’s coffers too.
Tips:
- Invite loads of people as not all will be able to make it. Some of those who cannot come will make a donation anyway.
- Make some of the food yourself. The more effort you go to, the more generous your guests will be.
- If you do bake or cook, keep the menu simple.
- Get your family or friends to help out.
- During the party, don’t be shy to shake the donation box and encourage people to cough up!
- If guests turn up without cash and have promised to donate after the party, don’t be afraid to send a friendly, follow-up email to say: ‘Hey, hope you enjoyed the party etc Just thought I’d send you the account details so you can transfer the donation….’
Among the madness of having a house full of guests, remember to take a moment and enjoy it – it’s loads of fun (and you’ll feel so proud of yourself afterwards!).
Check out more photos from Caroline's party on our Flickr photostream
