How to Plan a Social Gathering Event with Fundraise Your Way

At the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), some of the most meaningful fundraising moments don’t happen on a race course or in a field: they happen around tables, at bars, in backyards, and in rooms filled with conversation, laughter, and shared purpose.

Social gathering fundraisers — such as happy hours, brewery events, dinner parties, trivia nights, and backyard get-togethers — bring people together in a way that feels natural, inclusive, and deeply personal. Through NBTS’s Fundraise Your Way (FYW) program, supporters across the country are turning simple gatherings into powerful moments of impact.

The Impact of Fundraise Your Way

Fundraise Your Way empowers individuals, families, schools, and businesses to host events in support of NBTS on their own terms, in their own communities, and inspired by their own stories. In 2025 alone, FYW organizers raised more than $1 million to support brain tumor research, advocacy, and patient services through more than 120 community-led events.

From idea brainstorming and timeline planning to logistics, fundraising tools, and more, our in-house FYW team provides guidance every step of the way, while keeping the event fully community-driven. Leading the day-to-day work of FYW is Ashlyn Moon, NBTS’s Assistant Director of Development, Community Fundraising, who partners directly with organizers to help transform an idea, or even just a feeling, into a meaningful fundraiser.

“I often talk to people before they even know what their event will look like,” Ashlyn says. “My job is to help them take an idea and shape it into an impactful experience for their community — typically in honor or memory of themselves or a loved one — that also supports our mission.”

Why Social Gatherings Work

There’s been a noticeable rise in social-style fundraisers, and for good reason.

“Traditional events like 5Ks and golf tournaments are incredible, but they’re not always accessible to everyone,” Ashlyn explains. “Not everyone wants to run or play a sport, but everyone likes to gather with friends and family.”

Social gatherings lower the barrier to participation. They don’t require athletic ability, special equipment, or extensive training. Instead, they focus on connection, bringing people together around a shared cause in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Whether it’s a happy hour at a favorite bar, a backyard barbecue, or a casual game night, this type of event allows supporters of all ages and abilities to participate, give, and feel part of something bigger.

A Fundraise Your Way Highlight: Fight for the Brain Happy Hour

How to Host Your Own Social Gathering Fundraiser

Step 1: Choose the Gathering Style That Fits Your Story

The most successful social fundraisers reflect the person being honored or the organizer’s passions. Think about what feels natural for you and your community. Options include (but are not limited to):

• Happy hour or brewery night
• Dinner party or potluck
• Trivia night or game night
• Backyard barbecue or open house
• Birthday, anniversary, or celebration of life

Step 2: Partner with the Fundraise Your Way Team at NBTS

When you host a fundraiser through Fundraise Your Way, you’re never doing it alone.

NBTS provides:

• One-on-one support from the FYW team
• A custom online donation page and QR code
• Fundraising tools, templates, and promotional resources

“Having NBTS involved makes everything easier,” Ashlyn says. “We help organizers focus on gathering their people while we handle the fundraising tools.”

Step 3: Set a Goal and Keep It Simple

Start by setting a realistic fundraising goal based on:

• How many people you expect to attend
• A suggested donation amount
• Additional fundraising elements like raffles, auctions, or games

TIP: Social gatherings often work best with a low barrier to entry — a suggested donation, free admission with optional giving, or a “give what you can” approach. This approach keeps the event inclusive while still encouraging generosity.

Step 4: Pick a Venue or Host at Home

Social fundraisers can happen almost anywhere:

• Local bars, breweries, or restaurants
• Community spaces
• Backyards or living rooms

Many venues are happy to donate space, offer a percentage of sales, or support community-driven causes. 

Once your location and date are set, you can finalize your budget and event details.

Step 5: Promote the Gathering

Once the details are locked in, promotion is key:

• Email and text your personal network
• Post about your event on the social media channels your community uses; consider creating a Facebook page for the event
• Share your donation page early and often
• Encourage attendees to invite others

The most effective promotion is personal, so sharing why the event matters to you and who you’re honoring is very important.

Step 6: Make Giving Simple (and Digital)

Social fundraisers thrive when giving is a low lift. NBTS encourages organizers to use online donation pages with QR codes so guests can give before, during, or after the event.

“We’re seeing less cash and more touchless giving,” Ashlyn said. “Digital tools help extend the impact beyond the room.”

Step 7: Celebrate and Say Thank You

After your event, take time to reflect and celebrate what you’ve accomplished. Thank attendees, donors, and volunteers; share your results on social media; and acknowledge the collective impact your community made together.

These moments of gratitude help build momentum for future events and show supporters the difference they helped create.

Community, Your Way

At its core, Fundraise Your Way is about bringing the brain tumor community together in meaningful ways.

“If you loved your loved one, so did your community,” Ashlyn reflects. “FYW brings everyone into one space with a shared goal to honor that person and create impact for NBTS.”

TAGGED WITH: Fundraise Your Way

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