Animal Trustees of Austin Dinner

Contributed by:
Animal Trustees of Austin
5129 Cameron Road
Austin, TX 78755-0742
http://www.animaltrustees.org

Each year, in the spring or early summer, Animal Trustees of Austin nets approximately $11,500 with a dinner and raffle at a popular 5 star restaurant. According to the planners, this works because people come together in a setting they know and love for the common purpose of supporting a cause they know and love. Tickets are $85 each or $500 for a table of six. The event sells out every year. (133 tickets sold last year). Sale of raffle tickets, at $20 each or 3 for $50, brought in $2,500 last year.

What You’ll Do

Set the date and negotiate the price with the restaurant. (ATA uses the same very popular venue every year). There is no need for decorations if restaurant is well appointed.

• Plan the menu with the chef. (ATA serves a fabulous vegetarian buffet).
  
• Serve a cash bar.
  
• Design the invitations and mail them out 4-6 weeks in advance by bulk mail. ATA sends out 1800 invitations.
  
• Get about 12 raffle items donated with an average value of $200 - $300.
  
• Secure some quiet live music for the cocktail hour.
  
• Ask board members to act as hosts.
  
• Plan a brief program about the work of the organization.
  
• Take reservations. Arrange seating.
  

You’ll need 2-4 staff members and 6-10 volunteers to work on the event. The time involved is 2-3 hours to assign tables, 30-45 minutes for setup (raffle, table tents etc.) and about 30 minutes to wrap up after the event.

Cost

The main costs are for food and 17% gratuity, printing and mailing. The event costs approximately $4,600 to produce. Gross receipts are approximately $16,000.

Visit the ASPCA Online Store for more Great Shelter Ideas.