By Pauline Reid
Hello! My name is Pauline Reid, and I’m from a small town near Aberdeen, Scotland. Recently, I held a fundraising event to support my chosen charity, and I’m thrilled to share that we raised a fantastic total of £1,200. It was a delightful afternoon tea event, attended by family, friends, and colleagues.
Here’s a look at how I organised it, the challenges I faced, and the joy of seeing it all come together. Hopefully, this will inspire others who are looking to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.
How I Organized the Event
- Booking the venue
I rented a room at a local church, which provided the perfect space for our gathering. A total of 40 guests attended, which was just right for the venue size. - Invitations
I personally invited family, friends, and colleagues to join us. Their enthusiasm was incredibly encouraging! - Gathering contributions
To keep costs manageable, I asked attendees to contribute baked goods, sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones, and jam. Everyone was eager to help, and their contributions were nothing short of amazing. - Adding a touch of sparkle
I served prosecco alongside the tea. To avoid the need for an alcohol license, I didn’t advertise this as part of the event. It was a lovely surprise for guests and added an extra layer of enjoyment. - Essential preparations
I purchased insurance for the event, which cost £60, sourcing it online. While this was an additional expense, it gave me peace of mind. - Extra fundraising
At the end of the day, I sold jars of my mum’s homemade jam and some of the whole cakes that hadn’t been served. These small extras added a nice boost to the total raised.
Highlights of the day
- The atmosphere
When the room was fully set up, it was simply beautiful. Seeing it all come together exceeded my expectations. - Support from friends and family
Their help with setting up, serving, and clearing away was invaluable. I couldn’t have done it without them! - Delicious food
Every single guest loved the variety of treats on offer, and many commented on how delicious everything was. - Goodie bags
Guests left not only satisfied but also with a goodie bag to share with their families. - A generous surprise
A close family friend kindly offered to sponsor me £10 per mile when I complete my upcoming charity race. Their generosity was a wonderful surprise and a testament to how much the event resonated with everyone.
Challenges along the way
- Attendance worries
Like anyone organizing an event, I worried about whether people would show up. Thankfully, the turnout was fantastic! - Initial costs
Covering initial costs, like insurance and decorations, was a bit stressful. I also had to navigate asking people to donate directly into my fundraising account.
What I learned and what’s next
This event taught me so much about planning and community support. If you’re considering organizing a fundraiser, I highly recommend an afternoon tea—it’s affordable, fun, and appeals to everyone. After all, who doesn’t love tea and homemade treats?
I’m already planning my next afternoon tea for February next year and can’t wait to see what we can achieve. If you’re thinking about hosting a similar event, go for it! Not only is it a great way to raise funds, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to bring people together.
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