Garden Party

A charity garden party is a warm, relaxed fundraiser that works beautifully in summer. Whether it's in a private garden, a community green space, or a school field, the setting does a lot of the work — people arrive in a generous mood when the sun is out and the atmosphere is celebratory.

Multiple income streams make garden parties particularly effective: an entry charge, a raffle, games with entry fees, a plant or produce sale, and refreshments all combine to a healthy total.

• A garden or outdoor venue with enough space for guests
• Marquee or gazebo for weather protection
• Tables, chairs, and outdoor games
• Catering — homemade or donated food and drink
• A raffle and/or plant sale
• Kayana Aid QR codes and fundraising page
• Volunteer helpers for setup, serving, and running games

1. 01

   Confirm your venue and date

   Choose a weekend afternoon in June–August and have a fallback date in case of bad weather. A private garden works for smaller events; hire a community space for larger ones.

2. 02

   Plan your revenue streams

   Decide which income streams you'll run — entry charge, raffle, games, refreshments, plant sale. Each adds modestly but they combine well. Aim for at least 3–4 streams.

3. 03

   Promote and sell tickets

   Share your Kayana Aid event page and sell advance tickets. Personal invitations via WhatsApp to friends and family are more effective than social media posts alone for a private event.

4. 04

   Set up and decorate

   Create an inviting atmosphere — bunting, flowers, and a clear welcome sign with your charity's name build the mood. Display your charity's story on a printed board near the entrance.

5. 05

   Run the event and collect donations

   Have QR codes on every table and a clear donation collection point at the exit. A brief (2-minute) speech about your cause mid-afternoon is well-received in this relaxed atmosphere.

• A plant sale — with donated plants, cuttings, and seeds — is a uniquely high-margin garden party revenue stream. Most plants are donated by keen gardeners, so almost 100% of proceeds are profit.
• Outdoor games with a small entry fee (coconut shy, welly wanging, giant Jenga, croquet) generate income and keep guests on site longer.
• A cream tea stall (scones, jam, clotted cream, tea) is both high-margin and universally popular at a British garden party.
• Consider a "naming rights" sponsor — a local business pays £200–£300 to have their name on the event materials and a mention in all publicity.