12 Things To Do Before Tabletop Weekend

Tabletop Weekend is fast approaching, and it is one of my favorite times for fundraising throughout the year. Card games, tabletop RPGs, online, offline, fundraiser, donor, it doesn’t matter! If you’re reading this article, you’re ready to make the biggest impact that you can and we’re here to help!  

Here are 12 tips for fundraisers and donors for Tabletop Weekend: 

For Fundraisers: 

1. Set your Fundraising Goal & Update Your Page 

This seems like a given, but as someone who has run tons of events to benefit Extra Life, you are going want to make sure this is set up before you start linking people to your socials and texts.  

2. Rally your friends and family! 

If you’re anything like me, nearly everyone you know is aware that you are an Extra Lifer, but it never hurts to remind them as your fundraising event approaches. Never forget that the people who choose to donate to you not only do it for the wonderful help it provides to partnered children’s hospitals, but it’s also to reinforce that they believe in you and what you are doing. Never forget that! 

3. Plan Your Game Lineup  

Not streaming? Doesn’t matter! About 80% of my fundraising comes from what you would consider “offline” methods, from running Dungeons and Dragons games to getting my friends together for some party games. Having a game night with your friends or LGS is a great way to fundraise! Be sure to check our help articles for some tips! 

Wait, you ARE streaming? Make sure you have everything set up! I will be streaming myself and I already plan on checking everything at least 3 times. If you do any kind of recorded media, you know that no matter how many checks you make, something will go awry. Just roll with it! It’s important that you’re having fun even when the tech gremlins are after you.  

4. Talk about your fundraiser prior to Tabletop Weekend 
 
This makes it so when you bring it up to people again come event day, it isn’t catching them off guard. They may even be inclined to donate more because you allowed them the courtesy of a heads up.  

5. Offer Donor Incentives 

Using the incentives function on your fundraising page is a great way to not only amp up your donations, but it makes your fundraiser interactive. This year I will be eating some gross jellybeans, letting folks donate to have (family friendly!) things drawn on me. Gear your incentives toward fun activities you are willing to do in return for your donor’s generosity! 

6. Eat. Hydrate. Sleep. Have FUN! 

Your wellbeing is more important than your fundraising. If you feel tired or you need a break, make sure you take care of yourself.  

For Donors: 

7. Consider Sharing the “Why” of Your Donation 

This is of course optional, but if you feel comfortable doing so leave words of encouragement to your fundraiser! We always go back to look at them because they are motivators! You can do this in the comments section of your donation.  

8. Ask About Matching Gifts 

You may not even know it, but your employer may contribute a matching gift to your donation! Reach out to your Human Resources department and ask if they have a matching gifts donation program set up, and if they don’t consider asking if they would think about putting one in place for the future. Matching gifts is an enormous way to increase the impact you are already making. All it takes is a single question.  

9. Get Involved! 

If you’re looking to do more than donate, consider fundraising or looking for events in your area! A great place to start would be to join the Extra Life Discord if you haven’t already. If you’re not already in contact with your local children’s hospital reach out to us at support@extra-life.org and we’ll put you in touch! 

10. Talk About Extra Life 

This is an excellent way to help the program. Simply bringing the program to the attention of those in your social network is a great way to educate others who may not have known about it before, and a great way to reinforce what they may already know about why you’ve made it your charity of choice. 

11. Attend Your Fundraiser’s Events! 

And why not! You’ll get to hang with your fundraiser, play some games, meet some people or see some folks you haven’t seen in a while, and do awesome things for kids in need.  

12. Recurring Donations 

An excellent way to reinforce your fundraiser’s progress is to schedule donations throughout the fundraising year. Of course, only give what you can, but it makes a fundraiser feel amazing that someone has chosen to not only support them, but to reinforce that you are there to help them achieve a wonderful goal for this fundraising year.  

Tabletop Games are about being with those you care about, making sure all the snacks are prepared, screaming when you nail that much needed dice roll to go in your favor, and laughing so hard your gut hurts. Bring those memories and that energy to help patients and their families at your local hospitals. They need your kindness and donations so they can continue to have their own wonderful and memorable moments. Take care of yourselves and each other.