Thank you for your interest in supporting New Stride by hosting a third party event. Third party events are an important part of our fundraising efforts and we look to our supporters to help us reach out to their networks, work places, and community groups in order to reach our fundraising goals.
It is easy to support New Stride by hosting your own third party event, and we are here to help you get started. Every little bit helps and we appreciate your efforts to help us raise money to continue finding adoptive homes and new careers for former Thoroughbred racehorses.
Once you have decided what type of event you would like to hold please download a copy of our Third Party Event Guidelines and Agreement Form.
Third Party Event Toolkit
Our Third Party Event Toolkit outlines everything you need to know to make your event a BIG success. Download a copy of our Third Party Event Toolkit here.
What are Third Party Events?
Third Party Events are organized by community groups (e.g. school groups, unions or corporations) to help raise funds necessary for New Stride to operate our programs.
A Third Party Fundraising Event is any activity by a non-affiliated group or individual where New Stride has no fiduciary responsibility and little or no staff involvement. However, we will support you and your event as much as possible to help it be a success.
Events Ideas
The purpose of this list is to provide your group with guidelines and suggestions only – Be Creative! The event is what you make it!
Matching Gift: Before you organize any event approach your employer to see if they have a matching gift program. A matching gift, is a charitable gift made toward a non-profit organization by a matching donor (e.g., an employer) under the provision that an original donor (e.g., an employee) first makes a gift toward that organization. Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. This is a great way to double your fundraising efforts!
Holiday Party: Is your office hosting a Holiday Party this year? Consider making New Stride your charitable partner and asking employees to make a donation in lieu of a Secret Santa. Or consider making one larger donation on behalf of your organization instead of individual gifts this year. Often companies will consider matching a portion of the donations made so set a Fundraising Goal of $1000 or more and start a holiday drive. Celebrate your success at your Holiday Party.
A-thons: Almost any activity can be made into an “A-Thon”. Get participants to raise pledges and sign up for any number of a-thon appropriate activities. Eg. Walk, skip, read, bike, dance, knit, swim, bowl, skate, aerobics
Raffles: Set up prizes or incentives and hold a raffle for a chance to win things like, a day off, company swag or products, free lunch, or any other items. Or, hold a 50/50 draw that can definitely give you the extra push you need to reach your fundraising objective.
Auctions: Host a silent or live auction at your next event, meeting or in your office and have people bid on items in support of New Stride. Eg. Donated goods, vacations, art, furniture, handmade goods, quilts, services, catered meals
Other Galas/Parties: Essentially a ticketed event where proceeds are directed to New Stride. Eg. Black tie dinner, concert, garden tour, art show, performance of a play, BBQ beach party, boat cruise, theme party, dress rehearsal performance, food fair, gala premiere, dance, celebrity luncheon, talent show.
Sporting Events and Tournaments: Host a sports game or tournament with an entrance fee, or have participants raise money to participate. Split the pot or donate it all to New Stride! Eg. Baseball game, football game, golf tournament, tennis tournament, fishing derby, poker tournament, ping pong/pool/billiards/darts tournament, soccer tournament.
Other Ideas:
- Garage Sale
- BBQ
- Bake Sale
- Head Shaving
- Loonie/Twoonie Drive
- Car Wash/Pet Wash
- Arts and Crafts sale/show
- “Dress Down” Day
- Automatic paycheck contributions
- Raise a set $ amount to make your boss/principal do something: eg., dress up, make lunch for the team, etc.
Tips for Success
The most important way to ensure that your event is successful is to plan carefully. Start with brainstorming event ideas, then develop a work plan and set deadlines for tasks to be accomplished. Also ensure that your budget is realistic and keep detailed records of your expenses. Make sure everyone knows what they are responsible and accountable for.
Don’t forget to promote your event and your fundraising goals! The more people you get involved the more money you can raise.
Download your Third Party Event Toolkit here.