Fundraising for charities: Fun is the key

Fundraisers are how most charitable organizations raise money or other resources for the causes they represent. Traditionally, fundraising consists of people going door-to-door or roaming the streets and asking for donations.

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Nowadays, however, there are many ways to do a fundraiser, and while these can be tiring, the key to a successful fundraiser is fun. After all, a charity event that has guest enjoying their time is likely to generate more donations.

One important thing that people should remember when doing fundraisers is that the more unique and exciting they are, the more people will be encouraged to support them.

This website lists some great fundraising ideas:

• Slave auctions. While real slave auctions may raise some concerns, a slave auction fundraiser works like a traditional auction, where people can bid to have a “slave” (usually a volunteer) for a day. The highest bidder will have the volunteer cook, do the dishes, or perform other household chores for him or her.

• 24-hour event. A 24-hour event can be something simple, like a marathon or a basketball match, or something unusual, like video gaming or tea drinking. The participants will have to pay to join the event, the winner of which will receive an award or a prize.

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• Eating competition. People love to eat, and this may be the reason why people love attending eating competitions. Participants pay to eat hotdogs, pancakes, or even hamburgers for a certain length of time, and the winner gets an award.

A fundraiser is not just a great way to raise money for a chosen cause but also an opportunity for guests to get to know each other and have fun.

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Most of Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropic efforts are done through the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation. Visit the foundation’s website for more information.

Self-fulfillment: Why the rich really give

In a time filled with news about an unstable economy, unemployment, and terrorism, it is refreshing to see the following headlines: “Alex von Furstenberg supports American Tall Ship Institute,” “Warren Buffett and Bill Gates' ‘giving pledge’ gets 11 more billionaires to pledge half of wealth,” and “Former NFL team owner champions controversial causes.” Such good news reminds people that there is still something good happening amidst the chaos, and this includes the wealthy helping the less fortunate.

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But why do the rich support charity? The Wall Street Journal states that the rich may have an altogether different reason behind why they give.

A philanthropy study conducted by the Center on Philanthropy and Bank of America found that 46 percent of respondents said that giving to charitable institutions had a “greater impact on their own personal fulfillment” than on those who received the donations; only 20 percent believe that their contributions make a major impact on organizations they support, and only 6 percent believe that their contributions are going to help improve society.

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To make things simple, these people actually do not believe that their contributions will make a significant impact to the world; however, they still continue with their philanthropic efforts because it makes them feel good. The article notes that philanthropists are aware that “changing the world through charity can often be an illusion since the problems they’re trying to solve are so vast and complex” but they “feel better for trying, and charity makes them better people.”

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The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFF) serves as the headquarters for Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropic efforts. Visit this website for a list of the organizations DVFF supports.