Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (2024)

Sarah Knox

Fundraising Games, Auctions

Sarah Knox

Fundraising Games, Auctions

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (1)

A great way to make your event stand out and engage your guests is to create a theme or the night and everyone loves a GAME NIGHT! Even those people who “hate games” get caught up in the playfulness once the festivities get started. The best part about hosting a Game Night Themed Fundraiser is that you can use your game stations as a way to earn more revenue at your event!

I recently worked with one of our largest school districts in our state and they hosted a game night and they went all out!

Their centerpieces were giant versions of Monopoly pieces (simple and inexpensive to make).
They brought in an awesome Bar Trivia company to run a fun game during the program.
AND they had awesome game themed stations where they raised extra revenue and kept their guests engaged!

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (2)

There are so many games you can play at a gala to generate revenue.

Some of the most popular games are , the Wine Pull, Punch Board, or the Golden Ticket, but this particular client had some fun takes on classic gala games!

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (3)

If you can get your hands on a plinko board or build one yourself this game is a great option to raise some money and use some of the smaller donations you received for the silent auction. Maybe a $10 gas card or a discounted service to some company in your community. You could also have them win cash prizes. You’ll see in the picture below that they had the prizes listed at the bottom of the Plinko board. When one of the non cash prizes was won, they’d remove the sign and replace it with a different prize. This is a great option for those items that were generously donated, but wouldn’t raise much revenue in the silent auction. Think of items that aren’t worth much or maybe don’t have a broad appeal. It’s still fun to win something, but you’ll end up raising more money in the long run!

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (8)

The wine pull is a crowd favorite and always one of the first games to sell out at galas (especially when the price is right. To learn the basics of a Wine Pull, visit this post or go here if you want to learn how to get wine and alcohol donated to your event. Now, let me tell you what made this wine pull so special.

Guests paid to play and everyone won.
When they paid to play, they rolled the dice.
All the wine bottles were wrapped to look like the pieces from the game “Sorry”
Guests picked the corresponding color that went with their roll.

This was a hit! All of the bottles were hidden and you didn’t know what you got until you unwrapped them. I’ll be honest, I even played this game a handful of times (we all have to do our part, right?).

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (9)

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (10)

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (11)

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (12)

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (13)

While this was not a “pay to play” game, it was a fun way to give guests memories from the event. They had a giant “clue board in the background, a huge selection of “CLUE” themed props and a professional photographer there to snap a photo of the guests pretending to be their favorite clue characters. Most people pretended to murder their loved ones with a candlestick during the photos, which left them all laughing.

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (14)

Featured

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Dessert Dash: A Revenue-Generating Game for your Fundraising Event

Whiskey Wall: A revenue-generating game for fundraisers that all the men will love

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event)

11 Ideas for Silent Auction Baskets or Raffle Baskets

Golden Ticket: A Fundraising Auction Enhancer to Raise Money At Your Next Event

Wine Pull: A revenue generating game for fundraising events

3 Ways to get Wine and Alcohol Donated for Auction Items and Fundraising Games

Additional Fundraising Idea: PUNCH BOARD

Gala Theme: Game Night (these ideas will raise you more money at your event) — Sarah Knox Auctioneer for Fundraising Benefit & Charity Events (2024)

FAQs

What is a fundraising gala? ›

A gala event is a popular fundraiser idea for nonprofit organizations of all sizes. Typically, they occur annually and recognize a nonprofit's successes that year, building a case for supporters' continued donations. They raise funds through ticket sales to the event and activities like auctions and other appeals.

What is a gala event example? ›

This might mean a black-tie dress code, catered dinner, live band, and speeches or presentations on the guest (or cause) of honor. Sometimes, though, galas can also describe a casual social outing or festival with a large guest list.

What makes a gala special? ›

A grand and formal social gathering, typically organized to celebrate a special occasion, raise funds for a cause, or honor individuals is gala event. Galas are known for their elegant atmosphere, exquisite food and drinks, and high-profile attendees. They often involve entertainment, speeches, auctions, and dancing.

How do you raise money for a gala? ›

One of the key fundraising strategies for galas is to raise money through selling tickets, tables, and sponsorships. Donorbox Events makes creating many different types of ticket tiers and managing each of them easy.

Does the Met Gala actually fundraise? ›

The Met Gala is a charity event and fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. It has traditionally been timed to mark the opening of its annual fashion exhibition. Year after year, the event raises eight-figure sums.

What is the purpose of a gala night? ›

Gala dinners serve diverse purposes, ranging from fundraising and awards ceremonies to product launches and networking events. The event's purpose dictates its organization.

What is the meaning of gala night? ›

A gala is a big party. If you're going to a gala, you'll want to wear your fanciest ball gown — you'll want to look great for the best party of the year. A gala often features entertainment and dinner, and sometimes dancing and an auction. It's like a prom — but for adults.

What does a gala event meaning? ›

1. : a festive celebration. especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion. 2.

How do you get invited to a gala? ›

Identify Galas that Align with Your Interests and Affiliations: Focus on galas that are related to causes you support, organizations you're involved in, or industries you're passionate about. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and make you a more appealing guest.

What is the dress code for a gala? ›

Typically, attire at galas is very formal and dress codes range from black tie to co*cktail attire. Some common gala dress codes include: Black Tie: This is one of the most formal types of dress codes.

Can you go to a gala alone? ›

Come alone(ish)

For that reason, choosing a date for purely personal reasons will only complicate your work (and burden your companion). If gala-ing solo seems too lonely, attend with colleagues who share an interest in the crowd or who feel obliged to attend because you asked them.

What do people do at Gala? ›

A gala dinner is a large formal or semi-formal event, including a drinks reception, a sit-down dinner, and dancing. There will usually be some form of presentation, speech, awards ceremony, or announcement between dinner and dancing.

What is the most famous gala? ›

It was during the Vreeland years that the Gala was first held at the Met and that Gala themes were introduced. The Met Gala is widely regarded as among the most prominent and most exclusive social events in the world.

What is the purpose of a fundraising event? ›

Fundraising events are crucial for nonprofits and charities, and they serve a dual purpose: raising awareness and garnering support for their vital missions. The primary goal of any fundraising event is to shine a light on the organization's cause.

What does going to a gala mean? ›

Other forms: galas. A gala is a big party. If you're going to a gala, you'll want to wear your fanciest ball gown — you'll want to look great for the best party of the year. A gala often features entertainment and dinner, and sometimes dancing and an auction.

What is the meaning of gala event? ›

: a festive celebration. especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion.

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