Heartbeat

Planning your own Event

Once you have chosen your event there are many areas that you must cover to make it a success. The keyword is planning - allow plenty of time to look at the various aspects of the challenge that lies before you.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before booking anything:

• Do we have enough people to make all parts of the project run smoothly?
• Will the event cost us anything to get off the ground?
• Discuss with friends, colleagues, and management how easily the event can be organised.
• Arrange a date.
• What resources do we need?
• What can go wrong?
• Can we get a celebrity? ( There are often "tame" celeb's in your local area, or local personalities who may give their time)
• How can we get publicity for our event?

See our 'Steps to Success' below for more guidance.

Whatever you choose to do, you can use the following ‘Steps to Success' as a guide to ensuring your fundraising works:

Step 1: What, Where and When?
• Decide on what you want do, where you want to do it and when. Think about your skills, interests and any resources you will need - often it's the simple ideas that are the best;
• Let us know what you are doing and ask for advice if you need to.

Step 2: List Tasks and Helpers
• Plan what will be involved and what your budget is - you can then think about who you will need to help you;
• Allow enough time to prepare.

Step 3: Publicise your Event
• Think about the most appropriate way to advertise your event; banners, invitations, emails, letters, posters.... and so on;
• Why are you supporting us? If you have a personal story that you would be happy to include in your promotional material, you may find that it makes your event even more popular.

Step 4: On the day
• Have check lists and contingency plans;
• Make sure you have enough help;
• Enjoy it!

Step 5: Afterwards
• Account for the money that has been raised;
• Thank everyone that has helped you;
• Celebrate your success!

Next Step: Getting noticed - publicity >>

(N.B. Wessex Heartbeat cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss or damage sustained as a result of fundraising for the charity.)