How Paige Hosted Her Trivia Night Fundraiser

Paige’s trivia night was hosted by Challenge Entertainment which is available in many states across the nation. They charged $250 for the event and provided a host to run the entire trivia portion. The venue provided nice food stations, a cash bar, and cocktail servers who brought drinks to tables all for a charge of $20/person. Paige sold tickets to her event for $250/person for a table of up to six people and also had spectator tickets available for $35/person. She offered 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams awards of $1,000, $250 and $75, respectively. It was imperative to have a large first place prize to attract people. In a perfect world, winners donate some back to the cause.

Paige used money from ticket sales (sold through Eventbrite) to pay for all event expenses. She calculated the event cost (including the cash prizes) and estimated the number of people she expected. Additionally many guests made direct (tax deductible donations) directly to LymeLight Foundation through the event’s Facebook page and checks collected prior to and at the event. Paige arranged for a local woman, who has struggled with Lyme disease for over ten years, to speak as a kick-off to the event and help all attending understand the impact Lyme disease has on those suffering. Paige felt this was key to the event’s success and spreading awareness.

Paige utilized a Silent Auction to increase the event’s impact. Paige was able to find local businesses to donate prizes. She also included a fun game called heads or tails for a $3.00 buy-in. Winners were given prizes which included a bottle of alcohol and a gift card to a local restaurant. Interestingly, 60% or $3,000 of the event proceeds came from the Silent Auction and $2,000 came from donations (checks collected at the event/ Facebook). Paige had a strong team of volunteers to help organize and execute her event.