During this football season, don’t sideline giving back to your community. Score your altruistic two-point conversion by being on a special team: fundraising. Support a local nonprofit and support your favorite football team by hosting a fundraiser tailgate. Tailgates are fun, family friendly and easy to do.
Plan the logistics—Host the fundraiser in conjunction with a local sporting event, whether it be a little league game or a National Football League game. When planning the tailgate, decide to host it at the game or host it the night before the game (to provide flexibility with schedules). Become familiar with the space and reserve tables and chairs. If the tailgate is outdoors, reserve a tent to provide shade, bring a couple of coolers of ice and a grill.
Feed the crowds—Entice your family and friends to buy a ticket to the fundraiser tailgate by offering traditional tailgate food and activities. Skim newspaper inserts for coupons for chips, hamburger, buns, and condiments to keep the cost low. Provide enough food to feed the expected amount of fans. Keep the tailgate family oriented by serving lemonade, Kool-aid and other kid-friendly drinks.
Let the games begin—Plan activities to keep guests entertained at the tailgate. While all outdoor games are welcomed, no tailgate is complete without a bean bag toss. Guaranteed to attract players of all ages, the bean bag toss never fails to entertain for hours. Mix it up with ladder ball, frisbee and ping pong. Incorporate a raffle or silent auction to raise more funds. Raffle off two tickets to a college football game or raffle off signed memorabilia from famous local players.
Kick off this football season by volunteering and reminding fans to give back. Fundraiser tailgates are an easy way to contribute to your community’s nonprofit organizations while cheering on your team. If planning a tailgate is too stressful, you may be a nonprofit’s volunteer reserve player and research which organizations need volunteers for an already-planned fundraising tailgate.
