Organizing a successful charity poker tournament requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to plan and host a memorable event.

Event Set-up and Breakdown

To ensure a smooth event, it's essential to have a team of volunteers who can help set up and break down the venue. This includes:

• Coat Check: Providing a secure area for guests to store their belongings
• Photographer/Videographer: Capturing the momentous occasion to create lasting memories
• Raffle Sales Volunteers: Handling ticket sales and managing the raffle process
• Food and Beverage Servers (hors d'oeuvres and limited drinks): Providing refreshments for attendees
• Runners: Assisting with tasks such as delivering items, collecting prizes, and providing support

Master of Ceremony/MC

Assign a charismatic Master of Ceremony to keep the event running smoothly. This person should be responsible for introducing games, announcing winners, and keeping the atmosphere lively.

Approximately 1-2 weeks before the event, hold a meeting at the tournament venue

Invite vendors and volunteers to ensure everyone is on the same page with the event agenda and assigned tasks. This is also an excellent opportunity to conduct a technical rehearsal for audio/visual equipment, if necessary.

Host a Great Poker Tournament

• Review all materials that should be brought to the venue the night before the tourney
• Have plenty of cash on hand to handle change for rebuys and raffles
• Arrive at the venue several hours early to work with the poker table rental company to set up the tables in a way that works for the venue layout
• Run through tasks one final time with volunteers before doors open, offer a venue tour as needed (to know bathroom locations and other information), and assign them to their locations

Wrap Up the Charity Tournament

• Host a committee meeting within a week of the tournament to discuss successes and failures, and identify areas for improvement
• Review feedback received during the event to see where there is room for improvement at future events
• Determine the amount of funds raised from the event after all final expenses are figured

Don't Forget to Send Hand-written Thank-yous

Express gratitude to your sponsors by sending personalized thank-you notes. This will help keep them engaged and willing to support future events.

Drawing a Crowd through Prizes and Entertainment

• Offer additional incentives to draw in a larger crowd, such as prizes and entertainment
• Contact local organizations to donate prizes and create a large prize pool
• Partner with an airline for free flights or a Vegas casino for an all-inclusive trip

Charity Poker Tournament Planning Checklist

To ensure a successful charity poker planning process, follow these steps and pro tips:

1. Make sure your organization is legally able to host a gambling event at the location selected and obtain necessary permits.
2. Establish fundraising goals: How much money do you want to raise? What is your budget?
3. Choose a tournament date and location.
4. Establish an event planning timeline. You'll want at least 90 days to plan any charity event, and more time is better.
5. Select a leadership team, including the Charity Poker Event Director, Sponsorship Director, Marketing Manager (for media relations and promotions), Prize & Gift Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, etc.
6. Develop a list of potential sponsors and create sponsorship packages that include promotional opportunities for business sponsors.
7. Develop promotional materials, including fundraising event flyers, tournament brochures, and event signage.
8. Create player packages, including registration instructions, tournament rules, event activities, prizes, and more.
9. Set up a charity poker website for online registration and processing secure payments.
10. Choose an MC for the event.
11. Recruit players via radio, local news calendars, networking emails, sponsors, volunteers, and your network of supporters.
12. Send out a press release to all media. Make sure to include the reason funds are being raised.
13. Create a fun and exciting environment with special activities: i.e., door prizes, fundraising raffle events, silent auction, entertainment, food and drinks.
14. Create a schedule for volunteers. You'll need people to staff the registration table, games, food and beverage area, distribute prizes, event set-up & clean-up, and more.
15. Acquire winners' prizes, player gift bags, auction, or raffle items.
16. Outline a thorough Event Day Schedule for the MC and staff to follow.
17. Make sure to thank players and volunteers and acknowledge sponsors at the event.
18. After the event, send out thank-you letters and player surveys.

More Charity Poker and Casino Night Resources

Don't go it alone! DoJiggy can help in your charity poker event management. We offer more for organizations hosting charity poker events:

• Event Ticketing Software
• Raffle Fundraising
• Vacation Package Prizes

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to planning a successful and memorable charity poker tournament that will leave a lasting impact on your community.