5 Reasons to Have a Professional Actor Host Your Fundraiser

If you work in the non-profit sector, you know how hard it can be to raise money. It can be a tireless field to work in and the pay isn’t always great because most of the money is going toward a good cause. Many of us who work in these types of careers know two things—one, the tireless effort is always worth it if it means making a positive change in the world, and two, you’ve got to spend money to raise money. The latter can be a scary concept.
Host actor

Image Credit : Pexels.

Fundraising is the most important part of any non-profit, charitable organization, or volunteer effort, and many times, these funds are raised at events, such as galas, dinners, 5K runs, auctions, or similar events. Unfortunately, all of these events cost money, but the hope is that you’ll make it all back, plus more to put toward your cause.

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Actress Anne Curtis hosting a Run-for-a-Cause event

When hosting your next fundraiser, consider hiring a professional actor or comedian to host the event. The price tag for a semi-famous emcee may be intimidating, but it’ll all be worth it in the end. Here’s why.

Dinner and a Show

Consider the average amount a couple spends on a night out. Dinner, drinks, and tickets to a show or move can easily be well over $100. And, considering what type of show that might be, it can be in the $200-300 range for just two people to head out on a Friday date night.

Many people attend fundraising events just to rub elbows, and that may mean your only guests end up being your high-tier donors. When you offer dinner AND a show to guests, you’ll be more likely to see the young couple next door or that new family in town in attendance. They may feel out of place mingling for the sake of mingling, but providing an entertaining show at an affordable price means more ticket sales for you, and more funds for your charity.

There are also restaurant fundraiser events that you can be part of. Restaurant fundraising is becoming more popular these days. These are social events where people eat at a restaurant on a particular day and the restaurant will donate a percentage of their sales to a given charity in return. This kind of event might not require a celebrity to host it but seemingly effective enough to raise funds.

Reduced Rates

One great thing about being a 501(c)(3) organization is that there are many discounts available. From discounted postage to software you need to run the company, there are many discounts available to non-profits if you just ask!

While the cost of hiring a professional actor like Chaunte Wayans may seem out of your budget, it’s always worth asking if they’d consider offering a discount, or even working for a cut of the proceeds. This way, you can spend money on marketing the event and put everything into gaining attendees, and worry about paying the talent after the money has been raised.

Breaking the Ice

As mentioned, fundraisers can end up being a bit intimidating. As someone who used to work many non-profit events, you often see the same faces throughout the night, and then again each year. These frequent donors and supporters are extremely important to any cause, but you also need to be bringing new faces through the door to continue making money. Hiring an entertainer can be a great way to break the ice between individuals in attendance and build relationships that can last a lifetime.

Show Me the Money

Getting a professional actor can actually improve your chances of raising money, aside from enticing people to buy tickets to your event. Often at fundraising events, guests are unsure of what different ways they can donate money, how to donate, etc. Because actors, comedians, and professional emcees have engaging personalities, they can even help you get guests involved and encourage them to buy raffle tickets, auction items, or make a donation.

A Seamless Production

There’s a lot you and your team needs to worry about, even months out of the event. One thing you shouldn’t worry about is helping move the event along through the agenda. Having a professional in place as your host ensures they deliver information to attendees accurately, so you can focus on the logistics on the back end. They can guide the crowd through the events of the evening, and you can ensure all goes according to plan.

17 thoughts on “5 Reasons to Have a Professional Actor Host Your Fundraiser

  • February 3, 2022 at 10:33 am
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    I’ve totally agreed with this post, and it’s definitely the right decision to have a professional actor host our fundraising event. Definitely it’s a great boost with the charming effect they will give.

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  • February 3, 2022 at 10:46 am
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    I used to work in a non-profit sector and I know how hard can it get to raise money. But I agree with hiring a professional actor in any show

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  • February 3, 2022 at 10:47 am
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    I’d say it’s all worth it to hire professionals for your next fundraising activity. people would love to participate and join in.

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  • February 3, 2022 at 10:49 am
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    I agree with all these reasons you mentioned. Based on my experience, it’s better to hire professional emcees or actors to entice more people and buy tickets

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  • February 3, 2022 at 10:51 am
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    Fundraising is a vital part of any non-profit or charitable organization. we will try and hire professionals next time

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  • February 3, 2022 at 1:02 pm
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    I haven’t experienced yet how to setup a fundraising event and it’s nice to learn something new while reading this. Will definitely take note of this.

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  • February 3, 2022 at 2:42 pm
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    What a great idea!!! I have been to a few fundraisers and having an actor host makes a vast difference. They really know how to engage with the audience.

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  • February 3, 2022 at 3:10 pm
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    I think you have a point. The draw alone of a well know actor can help get more donors through the door. They are also experienced in being in the public and communicating well.

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  • February 3, 2022 at 5:36 pm
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    I will consider this when I do fundraising in the future. I can see how it could be so helpful!

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  • February 4, 2022 at 1:28 am
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    This is so interesting, I never thought there could be an actor at a fundraiser but it does make a lot of sense!

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  • February 4, 2022 at 5:10 am
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    Hhhhmmmm…this is convincing enough. Besides, it feels good not to be in the driving seat, for once and let other people take charge of things!

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  • February 4, 2022 at 9:30 am
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    Thank you for sharing this info! I totally agree with you.

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  • February 4, 2022 at 10:56 am
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    I do suppose the success rate climbs exponentially when you have a celebrity hosting. What a wonderful idea.

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  • February 4, 2022 at 3:04 pm
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    That’s a fun idea! It is nice to have some interesting entertainment at a gathering.

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  • February 4, 2022 at 6:52 pm
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    Very good points. I’ve been to some actor-hosted fundraisers in New York. Most have been quite memorable!

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  • February 5, 2022 at 10:16 am
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    I suppose with a professional actor there it would make the whole thing look more professional too. That and it would help increase money made.

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  • February 7, 2022 at 8:17 am
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    Having an actor aa part of the lineup can equally raise the whole event to a whole new level.

    Reply

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