Host a Fundraiser
Throughout the year, many companies, community groups and individuals organize successful fundraising events to benefit Starlight Midwest. Whether it is a traditional fundraiser – such as a bake sale, car wash, loose change drive – or something out of the ordinary, these events help to minimize our expenses so that more of every dollar can go directly to bringing smiles to the faces of the kids we serve.
A Few Ideas to Get Started
Jeans Day– Organize a company-wide fundraiser. For a small donation, co-workers are allowed to wear jeans to work on a certain day.- Marathons – Organize a small marathon. Participants can collect pledges for each mile they bike, walk, run or swim.
- Holiday Party – During the holidays, integrate a fundraiser into your company party.
- Picnics – Integrate a home run contest or bean bag tournament into your summer picnic. Charge a small fee to be a part of the competition.
- Cookie Exchange – Have a cookie exchange and charge a small fee to participate. Everyone feels good about giving to a great cause, but they also get to enjoy a wide-variety of treats!
- Golf Tournament – Hold a golf outing fundraiser for your friends. Proceeds can be raised from tournament entry fees, a silent auction and or a raffle. Integrate fun contests that players can pay to participate in like closest to the pin and beat the pro.
- Garage Sale – Clean out your house and donate a portion of what you make to Starlight.
What Others are Doing
The Annual Breier Bash
For the past five years, Starlight volunteer Mark Breier has hosted the “Annual Breier Bash” at Joe’s Sports Bar in Chicago. For only $35, guests enjoy appetizers, an open bar and live music. Funds are raised through ticket sales, a silent auction and a raffle. Last year’s event raised more than $5,500!
Karlins’ Dinner Party
Dedicated Starlight supporters Russ and Laura Karlins invited their personal friends and family to join them for a lovely dinner party in their own home. The Karlins wanted to share Starlight’s mission and impact with their guests, as it is an organization near to their hearts. Almost $6,000 was raised through donations and a raffle.
Casino Nights
Many companies and organizations want to throw a fun casino event for their employees, clients, or members. Starlight can help make it happen by providing event consultation, experienced dealers, volunteers, equipment contacts all for a tax deductible donation. Each year, Starlight Midwest partners up with four different groups to host entertaining Casino Nights where guests leave with a memorable impression.
Think Tank Networking Event
Ruth Windsor in Michigan used her head by talking nails. As a nail technician herself, Ruth has organized an annual Think Tank Networking event where 30 nail technicians join together and exchange innovative ideas and successful strategies. Through contributions and a silent auction, this event has raised $1,000 annually for the past three years.
Getting Started
Your support will help Starlight Midwest bring happiness to thousands of seriously ill children!
Contact Meredith Stadel, Development Manager, at (312) 251-7827, ext. 14 or mstadel@starlightmidwest.org.