Celebrities & Charity Events: Making the Request That They Attend Your Event
Charities create some of the most outstanding events around town. Often the biggest obstacle the non profit faces is getting people to come out and attend the “outstanding” event. Competition is tough, there are so many events to choose from. Non profits have to work hard to get people interested in backing their cause and of course work hard at making their events stand out in the crowd.
Many non profits consider trying to bring in a Celebrity to help “draw” the crowd. But most really don’t know how to go about it or what’s involved.
How do you reach a celebrity? Will the come for free? What does the charity have to provide?
Before diving further into this subject I do want to warn you that trying to bring a celebrity to your event is challenging. And, unless the Celebrity you want to contact is a die hard for your cause, odds are they will not attend your event free of charge. Keep in mind they will also require you to cover the cost of travel, meals and hotel to bring them into your city, non to mention their personal appearance fee. Can it be done? Yes, it can, but I want you to be aware of the elements involved.
Before delving further into this subject, just remember if bringing the Celebrity to your event will see more money designated to “costs” then “fundraising,” then this is not the route to go. Opt to use “local” Celebrities like radio show personalities, Anchors from the news, Mayor of your city, or other recognizable folk from your area.
Sponsors can be found to cover the expenses of a national Celebrity, and perhaps you charity will have the backing to cover these costs, so where do you start?
How do you reach Sharon Stone or Orlando Bloom? You call SAG, also know as the Screen Actors Guild. They usually will give you up to 3 contacts per phone call. Now when I say contacts I don’t mean to the celebrity themselves but rather contacts to the celebrity’s agent, manager or representative. These are the “gate keepers” you have to get to. Once you get the “gate keeper” on the phone, give them a short, basic request. They will either ask you for a written request and provide you with a fax number or email address or they will let you know if they think the celebrity will even be available on the date of your event.
You might also ask what the celebrities requirements are.
If you are going after an “A list” Celebrity, odds are they will require one or two first class round trip tickets, and all expenses while they are in your town plus an appearance or performance fee. Ask questions, determine if pursuing this person is even in your realm of possibilities. Keep in mind the Celebrity is approached many times throughout the year and there is no way they could possibly attend every event. The larger the Celeb, the more demand for their time.
If the cost of travel, fees, etc is a deterrent for you, there may be a few other ways to bring a celebrity to your event. Concerts, Theater tours, andSporting events all involve those in the famous realm. Investigate what might be coming into your city over the next 6-10 months. Once you know the celeb will be in your city, then you go through SAG, get the number to the Celeb’s contact person and make a specific request to see if the Celebrity might have a night off while they are in town to attend your event.
If the celebrity is already going to be in your city, your expenses will be far less. Be as specific as possible with your request, in other words, know what you want the Celebrity to do at the event. For example, do you want them to host has MC, be a keynote speaker, accept an award? Remember the “gate keepers” are busy busy people, so be as specific and to the point as you can.
If your non profit’s budget is tight, try creating a “Star Sponsorship” and going after larger companies to back your bringing a “Star” to your event.
Brainstorm ways to offer this sponsor as much publicity as you can.
Be patient with the process. You may have to approach several Celebrities to find someone available, and someone who is in your budget. One last word of caution, often the “gate keeper” will let you know, the Celebrity will only commit to the event as long as they do not get booked for an industry job between now and your event. So it does happen that a booked Celebrity has to cancel after agreeing to appear at an event. Again, think long and hard about the pro’s and con’s before deciding to persue the Celebrity plan. With or without a known name, remember, your event can still be “star-studded,” and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
