Michael’s Fundraising Gig!

Hi, I’m Michael. I’m currently training for the London Marathon and raising funds for VICTA. Alongside the marathon itself, I wanted to do something that brought people together and made fundraising feel joyful rather than transactional.

Can you describe the fundraising initiative?

Alongside my London Marathon fundraising, I decided to organise and host a charity gig. The idea came from previous charity nights I’ve hosted, which were hugely successful and reminded me how powerful live music and shared experiences can be when it comes to bringing people together for a good cause.

We have three bands performing on the night, all of whom have very kindly agreed to play for free, including my own band. In addition to the live music, we hosted a raffle to help push the fundraising even further.

Organising the raffle has probably been the most challenging part. Many businesses have understandably reduced their charitable giving or chosen to focus on a single charity, so securing prizes hasn’t been as easy as it once was. That said, friends and family have been incredibly supportive, particularly those who own businesses or work for generous organisations. Thanks to them, we’ve managed to pull together a brilliant range of prizes including cinema vouchers, reflexology and massage vouchers, afternoon tea, chocolates and treats, beers and drinks, and a few other lovely goodies.

For me, this kind of event offers people a chance to go out, enjoy themselves, and feel good knowing they’re supporting a charity at the same time, which feels more important than ever.

How much did you raise?

With ticket sales and the raffle we raised nearly £2,500 in one night!

What surprised you?

I was surprised by how challenging it’s become to secure raffle prizes compared to previous years, but equally, I was really moved by how generous individuals were once they understood what we were trying to do.

Would you organise this again?

Absolutely. I’ve hosted charity nights before and they’ve always been successful, not just financially but socially. They create a space where people can connect, celebrate, and support something meaningful all at once, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

What’s your advice for other team members?

Don’t underestimate the power of your personal network. Asking friends, family, and colleagues for help can feel daunting, but people genuinely like being given a clear and tangible way to support a cause. Also, start earlier than you think you need to, especially when it comes to organising events and sourcing prizes.

Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely. Fundraising can be uplifting, creative, and genuinely enjoyable. Events like this give people a chance to enjoy a night out, support a great cause, and feel part of something positive, which makes the experience rewarding for both organisers and supporters alike.