House Party Checklist
Why have a house party?
Inviting your friends, family, coworkers and loved ones to join you in a fundraising party to benefit the Cat's Meow is a great way to raise awareness and much needed funds. The Cat's Meow is a nonprofit organization that depends heavily on donations to support our work. We receive no government funding and the majority of our budget is supported by individual contributions.
What happens at the house party?
House parties usually last about two hours, and often follow these general guidelines: 50 minutes for mingling, 30 minutes for presentation, 20 minutes for questions, and 20 minutes for final mingling.
Who will be invited?
This is up to you as the host. You may want to invite friends, neighbors, and/or colleagues. In general, we aim to have 20-30 attendees per party.
Who will speak on behalf of the Cat's Meow?
One or more board members from the Cat's Meow will attend.
Design and preparation of invitations:
Invitations should be sent out four weeks prior to the house party. The Cat's Meow can supply a template for invitations, along with suggested content, but you are also welcome to design your own. A suggested donation can be indicated and you may also want to indicate what your fundraising goal is for the event.
Mailing of invitations:
Ideally, invitations should be hand addressed. If you prefer, the Cat's Meow can take responsibility for addressing and mailing the invitations. Adding a brief, personal note on the invitations is usually helpful.
Plans for food and drink:
Typically, the host arranges for appropriate food and drink (this depends upon the time of day). Light hors d’oeuvres (cheese, fruit), and wine and a non-alcoholic beverage, for example, would be very suitable. Quantities are adjusted as RSVPs come in. Please feel free to discuss this with us.
RSVPs and follow-up calls (or emails) to those who have not RSVP'd:
Typically, the host follows up on friends she’s invited who have not RSVP’d.
Designation of host or other person to invite donations after formal remarks by the Cat's Meow:
If you would like another person to take on this role, the Cat's Meow can invite a person familiar with the organization to do this.
Additional issues, questions:
On the party day, the Cat's Meow will bring sign-up sheets, receipts, name badges, a basket for checks (unless the host can offer one to use for the evening), and selected informational handouts. Please let us know of any other considerations you might have related to the event.
The Cat's Meow will send out thank-you notes afterwards, acknowledging donations for IRS purposes.
If I’m still interested in having a house party, what should I do next?
If you are interested in having a house party, please contact Michele Onorato at michele@meowanacortes.org.