Donating an event to charity

sarahg1969

Unfortunately, a good friend of mine has to cancel her wedding, which is due to take place in just two month's time. As a result, she has lost the entire cost of the wedding - a lunch for 50, and an evening reception with barbecue for 100.

She's making some enquiries with the venue about transferring the event.

Does anyone think it's possible that a local charity would be able to use it, if she were to donate it to them? Is two months long enough for them to organise an event?

It seems such a shame for the whole thing to go to waste - although her father thinks they should go for the meal anyway! Not sure she's going to be up to that.

brazilianwax

I am involved with a charity - depending where it is and the type of venue, I could be interested.

GiveItBack

It's a shame she's had to cancel, but I think some organisations would be able to use it.

I'd suggest a local charity that is well known, or possibly a larger one with more staff.

perhaps if a local radio station or newspaper has a chosen charity they could use it, or alternatively any company with a charity partner might?

Hope this is a help, if you want to pm me with more details, then I may be able to help more..

all the best

brightonman123

ebay!? i take it no canx insurance was arranged..

I am sure MSE'ers will come to the bunfight, er, meal, if you get no takers!

sarahg1969

Yes, we have thought about ebay too.

She's going to speak to the organisers today, to find out if she's allowed to transfer the event to someone else. If not, there's no reason why she can't "host" the charity event, is there? Could be tricky in the case of another wedding, though.

Savvy_Sue

sarahg1969 wrote: »

If not, there's no reason why she can't "host" the charity event, is there? Could be tricky in the case of another wedding, though.

No, but she does need to get it cleared by the charity first, if she's using their name. Quick phone call for starters, they may need to run it past their trustees before saying "Yes, that's very generous of you". A local charity might be able to give some help with publicity, and send someone along on the night to do a quick "TYVM" speech.

sarahg1969

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

No, but she does need to get it cleared by the charity first, if she's using their name. Quick phone call for starters, they may need to run it past their trustees before saying "Yes, that's very generous of you". A local charity might be able to give some help with publicity, and send someone along on the night to do a quick "TYVM" speech.

Yes, I see what you mean. But I wasn't suggesting she'd host an event in the charity's name without obtaining their permission. I was thinking she could donate it, and as far as the wedding organisers are concerned, it could still be "her" event, if transferring it were to be a problem. I don't think she's up to organising anything just at the moment! And I'm pretty sure she won't want to attend on what should be her special day.

Savvy_Sue

OK I see what you mean. And I did wonder whether she would want to be organising a charity event for that date!

Anyway, my point still stands: ANYONE organising an event which uses a charity's name in the publicity needs to clear it with the charity first. Usually there is no problem, but, for example, a 'gala casino' evening raising funds for a gambling help charity probably isn't appropriate, nor a cheese and wine party for AA!