Whether it's out of the goodness of your heart or part of your strategic plan, giving back to your community is good for business. By hosting a charity event at your zip line, climbing gym, or adventure park, you can introduce new people to your offerings, get positive press exposure and also help your community. You have the infrastructure to accommodate large groups and have something fun for them to do, so why not partner with a local charity to raise some money at the same time?
There are many ways to host a charity event at your facility, with varying levels of responsibility and cost. Here are just a couple examples of successful charity events for inspiration.
SlotZilla Charity Challenge
SlotZilla, a zip line as part of the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, takes hosting a charity event to new heights with a series of charity events they call the Charity Challenge. On Charity Challenge days, SlotZilla donates all ticket sales between noon and 6 pm to the chosen charity. As an example, the Charity Challenge was able to raise $7,020 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas Charity Challenge. Ronald McDonald himself was there to take a trip down both of SlotZilla's lines.
Since they started doing these Charity Challenges, SlotZilla has donated over $50,000 to local charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen of Southern Nevada and Opportunity Village.
To learn more about SlotZilla or buy your tickets, click here.
ZipZone Peachland Zip Naked
Every year, ZipZone in Peachland, British Columbia, hosts a unique opportunity to ride their zip lines naked. One year this women-only event raised $25,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Foundation. ZipZone markets this charity event as a fun event for ladies to let their hair down and do something a little risque and adventurous. Of course nudity is optional, but rumor has it that the event is much more fun and adventurous for those who choose to go naked or semi-naked.
To make sure the ladies feel safe, the park is closed to the public and spectators are not allowed (registered participants only!). With an event like this, safety and comfort becomes the top priority.
Each participant must raise at least $250 to get the opportunity to zip line naked.
To learn more about the rules and see an awesome image to help you visualize how this event works, click here (Note: semi-nudity!).
Holiday Valley - Play it Forward
Every year, Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, New York, holds a full-day charity event during the winter ski season featuring various events including a silent auction, live auction, Vertical Challenge, vendor village and after-ski party. All proceeds from the day go to Camp Good Days, the Ellicottville Food Pantry, Almost Home Animal Sanctuary, Ellicottville Great Valley Ambulance and the local Adaptive Ski programs.
Holiday Valley made use of their space by holding events out on the slopes and in the lodge, appealing to their loyal customers and newcomers alike. Since not all events involved skiing, they appealed to a wider range of people. By ending the day with awards, the event enticed people to stick around all day, participating in other events, perhaps bidding on silent auction items. This event worked on the donation and fundraising model where participants of certain events were asked/expected to raise $40 to participate.
Learn more about Holiday Valley.
Do you host a charity event at your facility? We'd love to see photos! Tag us @headrushtech on Twitter or Instagram.