Charity Dinner

A charity dinner is a step up in organisation from a coffee morning, but the financial returns can be substantial. Ticket prices, a raffle, a live auction, and a collection during the evening all contribute to a multi-stream revenue event.

The format works best with a connected, generous community — think corporate sponsors, major donors, or a cause with deep personal meaning to the attendees. A well-run dinner for 50 people can raise £2,000–£5,000 in a single evening.

• A venue (restaurant private hire, function room, or marquee)
• A caterer or restaurant partner
• Tickets priced at full cost + donation margin
• A host or MC for the evening
• Raffle prizes and/or auction lots
• A professional presentation or video about the charity
• Kayana Aid QR codes and a fundraising page for the event

1. 01

   Confirm your venue and caterer

   Book a venue at least 6 weeks in advance. Negotiate a per-head price that allows you to set a ticket price covering costs with a margin for the cause.

2. 02

   Sell tickets and create your page

   Create a Kayana Aid campaign page for the event. Sell tickets via the page or a separate ticketing tool, and link to your donation page in all communications.

3. 03

   Secure auction and raffle prizes

   Ask local businesses, suppliers, and supporters for donated prizes. Experiences (restaurant vouchers, spa days, weekend breaks) auction better than physical goods.

4. 04

   Plan the evening's programme

   Keep speeches short and impactful — two to three minutes each. A video or photos showing the charity's work mid-evening is extremely effective at opening wallets.

5. 05

   Run the evening and follow up

   Ensure smooth donation collection — roaming card readers or QR codes on tables work well. Send a personal thank-you email to every guest within 48 hours with a final total raised.

• Corporate table bookings (10 people per table) are a high-value ask — target local businesses with a CSR budget.
• An auctioneer (even an enthusiastic volunteer) makes a live auction raise significantly more than a silent one.
• A giving moment during or after a speech — "Please take out your phone and scan the QR code" — is remarkably effective.
• Post the total raised on social media the next day to keep the momentum going and encourage last-minute online donations.