Restaurant Fundraisers Benefit All

Balazs Doyle understands—from the inside and the outside—the challenges and misunderstandings that often surround fibromyalgia; both he and his mother have been diagnosed with the disorder. The 31-year-old decided to do something about it: he is using his position as general manager at California Pizza Kitchen’s Coral Gables, Fla., restaurant to help others.

Last month Doyle held a two-day fundraiser; he donated 20 percent of both days’ receipts to the National Fibromyalgia Association. For September, which is Pain Awareness Month, he has expanded his effort; he rallied the support of eight nearby restaurants and extended the promotion from two days to eight.

“It took me three years to get a diagnosis,” he says. “I would like to help make things better and easier for people.”

“It’s an easy way for groups to raise money. The only legwork is getting the word out to people.”

Restaurant fundraisers have grown in popularity among individuals and organizations seeking to raise money and awareness for a cause—both because of they are easy to execute, and because they require little or no out-of-pocket expenditure. They also benefit everyone involved. Participating restaurants bring in additional revenue while doing some good for the community; organizers raise needed funds; and patrons enjoy a meal while supporting a cause that’s important to them.

“It’s an easy way for groups to raise money,” says Doyle. “The only legwork is getting the word out to people.”

Whether you want to raise funds for the National Fibromyalgia Association, an FM support group, or another cause, Doyle recommends connecting the event with a related awareness day, week, or month. In the case of fibromyalgia, the months of May (May 12 is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day) and September (Pain Awareness Month) are ideal. Doyle also recommends that organizers contact the general manager at a local restaurant rather than the corporate office of a big franchise or restaurant chain.

Interested in planning a restaurant fundraiser of your own? Follow these steps to get started.

1. Contact the general manager and see if he/she is interested in partnering in a fundraising activity.
2. Find out what percentage of the sales will be donated to your cause.
3. Find out what is required from patrons. For example, diners are usually required to bring in a flyer or coupon.
4. Ask if the restaurant offers any guidance or tips on how to have a successful campaign.
5. Get the word out. Send an email with event details and a flyer to family members, friends and acquaintances, and colleagues and ask them to forward it to others as well. Print copies to hand out or post in high-traffic areas.
6. Let the general manager know approximately how many people you are expecting.

In most instances, organizers can find out how much money was raised the following day; donation checks are typically provided two to four weeks following the event.

For additional information on restaurant fundraisers, click here.