The Art of Hosting for a Cause
Making a Difference, One Gathering at a Time
When it comes to making a positive impact in our communities, there are countless ways to contribute. However, one often-underestimated method is hosting events for a cause, arguably a kind of volunteering. A study by researchers at Exeter University found that adults who regularly engage in volunteer work are 20% less likely to suffer from depression and have higher levels of overall well-being.1 You can’t discredit the benefits that serving others brings, whether through hospitality or otherwise, especially when you’re not only providing something beneficial to others, but gifting them connection and joy too.
Whether you're looking to raise funds, collect gifts or donations, or simply bring your community together, hosting can be a powerful tool. In this article, we'll explore the wonderful world of hosting for a cause and how this can be particularly meaningful during key dates in the year, like Christmas.
The Magic of Hosting for a Cause
Hosting an event for a cause is like sprinkling a little magic into the world. People unite around a common purpose and use the power of community to support meaningful change. It is another way that people with similar interests and values can come together to connect and have an effect beyond the dining room table.
Here's how you can get started:
Step 1: Choose Your Cause
The first step in hosting for a cause is to decide what you're passionate about. Whether it's supporting a local charity, addressing an environmental concern, or assisting those in need, selecting a cause close to your heart will make your efforts all the more meaningful.
Step 2: Plan Your Event
The type of meal event you choose to host will depend on your cause and your community's interests. It could be a formal charity dinner, a cookathon, a restaurant takeover, or even a simple gathering at your home with some homely, hearty food. The key is to make it enjoyable and engaging for your audience.
Step 3: Spread the Word
Effective communication is vital. Use a platform like OpenSeat to leverage a community of people. You can then share your event listing easily across social media, local news outlets, flyers, and word-of-mouth to make people aware of the event. The more people who hear about it, the greater the potential impact in making people aware of your cause.
Tips on Fundraising
Fundraising is often the primary goal when hosting for a cause. Here are some tips to help you maximise your fundraising efforts:
Corporate Partnerships
Reach out to local businesses for sponsorship or partnership opportunities. They may be willing to donate funds or products to support your cause if this is something that aligns with their business or is close to them in locality. It could even mean that these partners cover the cost of the meal so that guest fees go entirely towards your fundraising goals.
Selling Merchandise
Create branded merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, or bags related to your cause. These can be sold at your meal, and the profits can go towards your fundraising goal.
Online Fundraising Platforms
Leverage online fundraising platforms, like BackABuddy or GoFundMe, or dedicated charity websites. These platforms make it easy for people to donate and share your cause. You can also apply for funding through various institutional grants or corporate social responsibility projects. Once you have your fundraising page set up, you can link to it on your OpenSeat profile, and even get specially-made OpenSeat napkins with a stamped QR code. This code would link to the fundraising page, making your call to action particularly easy!
Collecting Gifts or Donations
Sometimes, hosting for a cause involves collecting gifts or donations. You can even use this as your form of entry into your event. This can be particularly meaningful during the holiday season. Here's how to do it effectively:
Donation Stations
Pre-share information on your event if you are keen to include a gift drive. People can donate items like toys, clothing, or food. These gifts can be distributed to those in need, and it's a heartwarming way to give back during the holidays. Set up donation stations at your event where people can drop off items they wish to contribute. The key is to make it easy for attendees to participate.
Online Wish Lists
Create online wish lists on platforms like Takealot where people can purchase and donate items directly to your cause. This could be an alternate use of the QR code on OpenSeat napkins.
Whatever it is that you decide to do, make sure you effectively communicate how gifts or donations are to be made. You can do so on the OpenSeat platform by using the pricing of meals to collect funds and the description of your event to share where their money is going. If items are required instead of an entry fee, simply select the option of “Free to Attend” and make sure your event description lists what is required.
Storytelling and Personal Connection
One of the most beautiful aspects of hosting for a cause is the power of storytelling. It's through personal stories that you can create a profound connection with your audience and leverage the emotive side:
Share Personal Experiences
If the cause is close to your heart, share your personal connection to it. Explain why it matters to you and how you became involved. Authenticity is a powerful motivator.
Highlight Success Stories
Showcase stories of individuals or communities positively impacted as a result of work by the organisations or individuals your meal is helping to support. These success stories provide evidence of the real change your efforts can bring. It’s also very important to be as transparent as possible.
Encourage Guest’s Stories
During your meal, encourage all who attend to share their own experiences or reasons for supporting the cause. Creating a conversational platform for personal anecdotes and stories helps to highlight how change begins with people around the table.
Hosting for a Cause during Christmas
Christmas isn’t the only time of the year when hosting meals for a cause is a wonderful idea, but seeing as this is the next special occasion coming up, let’s focus on that. Here are some ideas of how you can make your Christmas-related meal particularly special:
Christmas Charity Auction: Organise a charity auction where people can bid on holiday-themed items, decorations, or even unique experiences. The proceeds can go towards your chosen cause.
Gift Wrapping Station: Set up a gift wrapping station where people can get their holiday gifts wrapped in exchange for a donation. It's a win-win, as it eases the holiday stress and raises funds.
Santa's Workshop: Create a Santa's workshop dinner table where kids can decorate cookies or cupcakes. The entry fees can support your cause.
Recognising Your Guests
Your meal guests are essentially volunteers towards your cause. Recognising their commitment is vital to maintaining their enthusiasm and developing a lasting community that will support you. Here’s some suggestions of how you can do this:
Thank You Notes
After your event, send personalised thank-you notes to your guests. Express your gratitude for their time and support.
Feature Stories
Share stories about guests and how they are supporting your cause through social media channels. Let the community know about the fantastic work you and fellow supporters do and how this support makes a tangible difference.
Conclusion
Hosting for a cause combines the power of community, compassion, shared purpose, and personal connection. As we approach the holiday season, consider how you can use the art of hosting for a cause to spread joy and hope. Remember, it's not just about the event itself; it’s about the positive change you can bring to the world, one gathering at a time.
Jenkinson, C.E., Dickens, A.P., Jones, K. et al. Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health 13, 773 (2013).