The Gift of Giving

Photo: mira66 (Flickr)

Many people—maybe even you—have convinced themselves that in order to make a difference with charity work, they have to be able to write out a huge check or it’s just not worth the effort. The truth is, it doesn’t take much to make a difference. You’ll have a great feeling of accomplishment knowing that you are doing something for the greater good. Make it a goal for 2014 to hold at least one charity event in your pizzeria.

  

Pick a Passion

There are many creative ways to raise money for charity. Do you want to help the industry, children, animals? Make a list of great causes and when you’ve narrowed it down to one subject, check into some charities on the Better Business Bureau website. Contact the organization and tell them what you’re planning; they’ll be happy to help you with advice on planning and coordinating a successful event.

If you’re lost when it comes to thinking of how to raise money, just start small in the beginning. Try the following promotions to get things started and ask others around you for additional ideas.

Charity Pizza of the Month. Create a special pizza for the charity of your choice and have a portion of the proceeds go toward your charity.

Gift Card Raffle. Run a week-long or month-long raffle to win a $100 gift card to the pizzeria. Tell entrants that the raffle money raised is going toward your designated charity.

Host a Pizza Making Class. Teach a class on pizza making in the pizzeria and have all entry fees go to your charity.

Hold a Pizza Eating Contest. Charge your competitors to enter and have the funds raised go to charity.

The most important thing to remember is that no donation is too small. Don’t feel discouraged if you run a month-long promotion and you have only $250 to send to your charity. You have still made a difference by showing your customers and staff what it feels like to give back. Don’t lose your momentum; each small success leads to a greater one.