It’s been a while since I’ve put my stupidest ideas in print (could have fooled you, right?). Here’s a couple with potential that, if the right people saw them, could really take-off (and crash soon after):
*Warning: Do not go past the idea “fundraiser wedding” if you do not want to read about me getting thrown into helicopter blades.
• The non-profit Fundraiser Wedding:
Between weddings and fundraisers, it’s easy to dish out a lot of money in the summer. My wallet’s gotten hit pretty hard from both sides. Of the two, weddings seem to suck out a little more dough from people – that’s probably because they don’t mind forking it over when open bars and buffets are involved. When the dough is for a good cause though, good luck getting any.
That’s why weddings and fundraisers should combine forces to create: “The non-profit Fundraiser Wedding.”
It’s easy. Arrange a few marriages between employees and/or volunteers within your non-profit organization (if the match isn’t suitable, coerce them by saying “don’t think of it as giving up your freedom to a disgusting co-worker, think of it like getting dropped in a dunk tank”). Then invite the whole town and collect boatloads of cash. Pretty simple. It doesn’t have to be fancy either – just so long as there is plenty of cheap beer and meat products.
There are ways to stretch it even further, too. Dollar dances at the reception have always been a staple. Pass around a “send us on a great honeymoon” hat. When the honeymoon is over, non-profit newlyweds can receive donations for every day they make the loveless marriage last. When it finally, and painfully, ends, there could be a “divorce drive” to get money for “legal fees.” Angry “non-profit mothers” can collect “child support” checks that’ll go toward beating hunger or whatever worthy cause they’re fighting for.
Writing a check to a non-profit is so boring. People want a little dance floor action and some of Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Partyoohh! Dancing in September! Partyoohh! Things that you remember, babyyy!” Trust me, you get that going, and it won’t just be the donation thermometers that’ll be getting hot.
