It is the season for giving. This means that there are hopefully fundraisers and benefits going on to support the local community. If you are organizing or hosting such an event, the key to making it successful is to prepare well in advance. 

In order to garner attention, you need to do the proper level of press. Utilize Facebook and other social networking sites, since this form of advertising is both free and incredibly effective. Contact the media department of local radio stations; they will generally advertise community benefits for no cost to you. To create flyers, posters, etc., you may want to lease a copier; depending on the size of the benefit and the amount of press it needs, this may be a more cost effective option. Leasing a copier will give you better control over advertising the benefit.

The economy has yet to hit its stride, so people have less money to spend across the board. In order for your fundraiser to be successful, you need to be sensitive to this issue. For example, instead of asking for donations of a specific dollar amount, request that attendees just offer what they are able. This way, participants will feel less pressure and thus be more inclined to participate. And, every little bit helps. Even if you do not raise as much money as you have in previous years, think of it this way; the money generated is more than your cause would have had without the benefit.