Guests are ready for more than the same fundraising formula. In this post, Shannon highlights innovative revenue ideas that guests genuinely enjoy. Proving that fun, engagement, and strong fundraising results can go hand in hand.
Adaptability Is No Longer Optional
One of the biggest lessons the event industry has learned since 2020 is the importance of adaptability. What once worked year after year may no longer resonate with today’s audiences. Guests are eager to be back in the room, but they’re also craving experiences that feel engaging, interactive, and new.
That’s where revenue enhancers come in!
Revenue enhancers are creative fundraising elements designed to supplement, or even replace, more traditional gala components. While many events still rely on silent auctions, paddle raises, live auctions, and raffles, there are opportunities to refresh those formats and introduce something unexpected.
Interactive Revenue Enhancers Guests Love
Today’s donors want to participate, not just observe. Adding light physical interaction creates energy, movement, and momentum in the room, all of which support fundraising success.
Here are a few creative ideas that consistently drive engagement:
Wine Toss (A Fresh Take on the Wine Pull)
Instead of the traditional wine pull, consider a wine toss inspired by classic carnival games. Guests toss rings or balls to win donated bottles of wine or spirits. It’s nostalgic, interactive, and works well with donated inventory from board or committee members.
Punch Wall Surprise
Punch walls are a playful way to distribute gift certificates or prizes. Guests punch through numbered spaces to reveal what they’ve won, and a few “try again” surprises add to the fun. This element creates buzz and encourages participation throughout the event.
Arcade-Style Games
Arcade-style basketball tosses or similar games tap into friendly competition. Guests instantly understand how they work, and the casual, high-energy format keeps donors engaged between program moments.
Rethinking the Raffle: The Golden Ticket Concept
If you currently offer a “Best of Live” raffle, you may have noticed the same pattern…the winner always selects your most expensive item.
Enter the Golden Ticket Raffle.
Instead of risking a high-value live auction item, offer the winner a choice between several curated trips or experiences, or a premium wine package. For example, selling 100 tickets at $100 each creates a $10,000 gross. With a controlled prize cost, organizations often net a significant return while still preserving their full live auction lineup.
The best part? These raffles consistently sell out, and even conservative outcomes still result in meaningful net revenue.
Still relying on the same revenue tools year after year?
You’re not alone, but you do have options.
Download our Proven Revenue Generators Guide to explore a dozen creative swaps for traditional gala elements. Ideas that have been tested, refined, and proven to perform.
If you’ve been doing the same things year after year, this guide shows you what to do next.
Adding WOW Back Into the Live Auction
If your live auction looks similar year after year, it may be time to introduce something new. Consignment items can strategically fill gaps in your lineup and deliver strong results without donor fatigue.
We’ve seen organizations generate remarkable net revenue by selling multiples of a single consignment item, sometimes exceeding expectations by tens of thousands of dollars. When curated correctly, consignment offerings can elevate the auction while keeping risk low.
Ending the Night on a High Note
The final moments of an event matter. One effective way to close the evening is with a room sweep that invites guests to make a small additional gift by turning in their paddles for a chance to win a prize.
Promoted with a lighthearted “reduce, reuse, recycle” theme, this approach celebrates generosity while creating one last shared moment of excitement before guests head home.
Final Thoughts…
Creative revenue enhancers don’t replace thoughtful planning; they strengthen it. By offering guests interactive, fresh fundraising opportunities, you can increase engagement, elevate the guest experience, and drive stronger financial results.
If you’d like to explore which revenue ideas make sense for your event, the Everything Gala team is always happy to help.
written by…
Shannon Eason
CEO of Everything Gala &
International Auctioneer Champion
Shannon Eason, Founder and CEO of Everything Gala, is a dynamic and engaging force in the world of fundraising. As an International Auctioneer Champion, she’s mastered the art of captivating audiences—blending charisma, energy, and strategy to inspire generosity and help organizations crush their fundraising goals. A recognized expert in the field, Shannon has presented at workshops, seminars, and conferences from coast to coast, sharing her insights and passion for elevating fundraising events. Through Everything Gala, she partners with nonprofits, schools, and socially driven causes to turn purpose into powerful results.
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