I recently attended an annual fundraiser that featured a cash bar. In addition, there was a champagne table that was $10 per glass. In exchange for this, you received a raffle ticket for prizes announced at the end of the night. I raised an eyebrow at this for a couple of reasons:
- Last year it was an open bar.
- When purchasing a ticket online, the fact that it would be a cash bar was not mentioned.
- From previous experience, raffle tickets were provided with the purchase of a ticket for admittance to the event.
- $10 for a glass of non-descript champagne seemed a bit pricey for my taste.
There may not be a right or wrong answer as to whether or not a fundraiser should have an open bar vs. a cash bar. I happen to know one of the board members of the organization who mentioned that the venue, band, and food (slim pickings, by the way!) were all sponsored. For all these reasons, along with the hefty ticket price, I leaned toward the side of preferring an open bar for this particular event.
Yes, these types of events are very well intentioned; however, I do feel when hosting a fundraiser, food AND beverage should be included, especially if you want people to return the following year.
Understanding that non-profit budgets are not as extensive as corporate ones, perhaps my thoughts on a cash bar being tacky are not always valid. There are times where circumstances may not allow for such generosity, therefore, there are simple courses of action that can help:
-Keep it consistent. If it’s going to be a cash bar, keep it a cash bar every year. Always maintain expectations!
-Mention the fact of a cash bar, in small print if necessary, on your invitation or flyer. Again, maintain expectations and make sure people come with cash!
-You can still have an additional “revenue stream” like a champagne table, but leave it as just that. Provide the raffle tickets regardless and not in exchange for spending more money. After all, raffle tickets are free!
-In the case of a fundraiser, try and work out a deal with your venue where a portion of the drink proceeds go directly towards the charity. Guests are then not just paying for their drinks, they’re donating to a good cause. In response to the kindness of the venue’s heart, hopefully they will not say no!
