So, your child’s team is getting ready to have a fundraiser, but isn’t sure what to do exactly? The team could go the usual route: bake sales, selling candy, etc. Those are perfectly viable and acceptable fundraising events. But what if the team is looking for something different and more exciting? Why not try hosting a video and board game event?

Kids already play tons of video games. It makes sense to cash in on that interest by incorporating them into fundraising. Board games are an awesome addition too. Not just for the adults, but as much as kids enjoy playing video games, a good board game always provides an entertaining time.

If you happen to be part of the group organizing a fundraiser, or you’re just looking for exciting ideas for one, a video and board game event could be the idea you’ve been waiting for.

Organizing the Event

First things first, if your kid’s team is gearing up for a video and board game fundraising event, you’ll need some games. The last thing you want to do is rush to the store and purchase a pile of video and board games. The team’s trying to raise money after all. Contact the other parents and ask them to bring any board games if they have them. As far as the video games are concerned, practically every kid as a console and some games you can borrow. It shouldn’t be difficult to compile a diverse list of games for the event.

There are a few options when considering how people will pay. One way is to have an entry fee into the event. Set a flat fee that all participants must pay to get in and they can enjoy all of the games available. This is probably the easiest way to collect payment. Another option to consider is to charge by game. Obviously this fee would be lower since everyone will be paying money throughout the night.

Next, figure how everyone would like to play. Some games can be set up in a tournament style. Not every game can be played in this format, but the more popular board and video games will definitely amass a large enough interest to set up a bracket style approach. Less popular games are best suited for a casual, relaxed pace. No brackets, no tournament, just good old fashioned fun.

Some great board games for a fundraising event are chess, checkers, Clue, Sorry, and Yahtzee. Card games would be a smart inclusion too. There are tons more board games that would fit the bill. Get creative with it. As for video games, most multiplayer games would be perfect. If your child and the team are on the younger side, the more “mature” video games might not be the appropriate however. Even without those, you have a huge quantity to pick from. Other games like Ping Pong, Cornhole, and CanJam aren’t bad ideas either.

Not everyone will be interested in playing games, but they still might want to support the team. One alternative to paying to play can be paying to watch. Parents will be bringing their kids. If they don’t want to play, they can pay a smaller fee to hangout and watch everyone. Along with a spectator fee, providing concessions is another smart idea to increase profits, especially if the fundraising event lasts more than an hour or two. People will get hungry after a while. Instead of them leaving to grab food, keep them at the event with some moderately priced meals.

Now you’re ready to organize and host one of the most exciting fundraisers in team history! A board and video game event will surely be the talk of the town, even after it’s over.