CLLS 30th Celebration Ideas
Bookies Event Conducted by Contra Costa County Project Second Chance
Fund Raising Event with average net of $ 8,000-10,000
“The Bookies” has been the major fund-raising event in support of the Contra Costa County literacy program. The connection between this event & literacy is clear in the minds of the community. In summary, the audience is a ready-made group of book club members in the community. Event components consist of a nice dinner, a silent auction that generates 95% of their proceeds, a program, and publicity that fosters name recognition within the community.
On average, 150 participants who are members of book clubs throughout the county pay $60 per person to “meet up” with other club members for an evening of fun.
Invitations are mailed to past participants + general mailing list along with a “ballot” of 5 book titles recommended by a local bookseller. The ballot is also posted on their website. Book club members and anyone can vote for their favorite book, even if they do not attend the Bookies event. Ballots are tallied, and the “winning” title is announced at the dinner.
Book clubs bring their own list of “reads” for the past year, which are compiled and displayed on a large poster. Book club members do not have to attend the event to submit their titles.
The event consists of
A nice dinner with wine at a local hotel. Tables are set with white tablecloths and napkins and a centerpiece. Wine donations are solicited. There is also a no host cocktail hour for those who choose. Tables of 10, primarily with book clubs sitting together, have assigned seats (though seating is sometimes difficult to please everyone.). The hotel can accommodate a maximum of 170 people. All attendees receive a printed program.
Silent auction - The Silent Auction generates about 95% of the income! Example of auction items: one night at Lafayette Park Hotel, books, golf rounds, wine-tasting, baskets, gift cards, artwork.
Program: An author; is invited to speak pro bono for about 20 minutes followed by questions from the audience. An adult learner speaks of his/her experience and success. Staff tallies the ballots of favorite title in advance and announces the top pick during the dinner. There is one raffle item, such as a 3 night stay at a fine hotel. Silent Auction bidding ends at 7 PM, then winners are announced. A credit card machine is set up for silent auction sales. During the event, a local bookstore sells books. Guest author is available to sign his/her book(s).
Publicity – press releases, post blurb and event invitation on library website, Staff Net page, library newsletter, program’s mailing list, “free” community magazines, Chamber of Commerce. Friends’ newsletters, flyers, invitation for Library Commission, flyer to branches to post.
This event is held the second or third week in March. Planning starts in late fall.