3 Most Interesting Fundraising Events I’ve Seen
Written by Alex Sejdinaj, Founder & CEO
Over the years, as part of the GiveGrove team, I've had the privilege of witnessing some of the most creative and engaging fundraising events. Each event brought something unique to the table, and I'd love to share a few standout examples that left a lasting impression on me.
1. Mayor of Divide
One of the most charming and unique events I've seen is the Mayor of Divide election. In this peer-to-peer fundraising event, the residents of Divide, Colorado, get to vote for their favorite animal to become the "mayor" of the town. This event is organized by the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) and has quickly become a local sensation. The enthusiasm around this event was infectious; in the first year alone, residents were calling in, eager to nominate their pets for the position. The entire town rallied around the cause, which made for an incredibly fun and inclusive atmosphere.What makes this event so special is how well it taps into local culture. The idea of animals vying for political office is whimsical, but it’s the community's investment in the event that really makes it shine. Watching neighbors get into friendly competitions to raise the most funds for their animal candidate creates a perfect example of peer-to-peer fundraising done right. It’s hard to beat an entire town coming together for a cause as endearing as this one!
2. Penn Parking Pass Auction
You might not think a parking pass auction would be the most thrilling fundraising event, but this one caught my attention for a very personal reason. The Penn Parking Pass Auction held by the PHM Education Foundation leveraged a real pain point: parking at Penn High School, my alma mater. With thousands of students attending the school, finding parking was always a challenge. What I love about this event is how it turned a logistical headache into a valuable asset for fundraising. Bidding on a prime parking spot became a hot commodity, especially for parents and students who knew how much time and stress it could save them. It’s a simple yet clever approach, utilizing something that is already in high demand to raise money for education. Plus, it has that nostalgic element for me, having dealt with the parking chaos at Penn myself!
3. Mini Pie Bingo
If you’re looking for a fundraising event that stands out for its sheer creativity, Mini Pie Bingo is one of the quirkiest and most entertaining examples I’ve encountered. The concept might sound simple, but here’s how it works: participants purchase squares in a grid, which is laid out on the ground inside a pen filled with miniature horses. The twist? If one of the horses "goes to the bathroom" on your square, you win a gift card!I mean, how do you top that? It’s a lighthearted and fun event that pulls in spectators and participants for a good laugh, all while supporting the cause. The randomness of it all keeps everyone engaged, and it's an excellent way to create a fun, memorable experience for attendees.
Bonus: Lipsync With Our Stars
One fundraising model that has always impressed me is peer-to-peer events with a fun twist, and Lipsync With Our Stars from the Center for the Homeless does this exceptionally well. In this event, local community members put on lipsync performances, and donations are used as "votes" to determine the favorite performer. What I love about this concept is that it not only gets donors involved but encourages them to rally their networks to support the cause as well. Performers naturally bring in friends, family, and coworkers to vote and attend, creating a ripple effect of fundraising. It’s a clever way to combine entertainment with peer-driven support, all while strengthening ties within the community. It also brings everyone together for a night of fun, where they can watch their neighbors and friends take the stage in the name of charity.
Each of these events showcases the creativity that can be applied to fundraising. Whether it's through engaging the local community, leveraging common frustrations, or adding a touch of humor and unpredictability, they all have one thing in common: they bring people together to support a cause. Peer-to-peer fundraising can take many forms, but when it's tied to something as fun and meaningful as these events, it's hard not to get involved.
GiveGrove makes events and auctions for fundraising easy. Check us out at GiveGrove.com or email info@givegrove.com for more info. Click here to sign up for our mailing list.
