Host Logistics
We will do everything possible to support you as a Host Ambassador.
If you have questions that we have not answered here, please click the link below.
Custom Graphics For Your Event
To create custom graphics for your 'Save the Date' and 'Invitation' emails, we need information about your event.
- Your Custom 'Save the Date' Email Graphic
Please complete the form below to provide the information for your customized 'Save the Date' email graphic.
- On the PLANNING GUIDE, click on the PLAN tab – scroll down to view a sample graphic.
- Complete the form below. It will be sent to a volunteer who is helping us with our website and other graphics. The volunteer will create your custom graphic and send it to you directly via email, copying the Luce team.
- Allow for a 2+ day period for us to reply with your custom graphic.
- You will be able to communicate directly with our volunteer to make any changes from the first version created.
Submit Your 'Save the Date' Details
- Your Custom Email 'Invitation' Graphic
Please complete the form below to provide the information for your customized email 'Invitation' graphic.
- On the PLANNING GUIDE, click on the FINALIZE tab – scroll down to view a sample graphic.
- Complete the form below. It will be sent to a volunteer who is helping us with our website and other graphics. The volunteer will create your custom graphic and send it to you directly via email, copying the Luce team.
- Allow for a 2+ day period for us to reply with your custom graphic.
- You will be able to communicate directly with our volunteer to make any changes from the first version created.
Submit Your 'Invitation' Details
Questions & Answers
- How do I decide what type of event to hold?
Only you can answer this question, as it is about your comfort level as host(s) and the comfort level of your guests.
A casual backyard BBQ can be as impactful as a formal dinner event.
If you would like us to help you decide on an event type, please contact us.
- Regarding the date for my event, are there any guidelines or restrictions?
For our inaugural year, the majority of our Dine-a-Rounds are being held during Fall 2021.
This timing allows our fundraising events to not overlap with the busy early September and Holiday periods.
- How do we frame up the 'ask' to our guests?
Here are some guiding suggestion:
- Hosts should make it clear that the dinner is a fundraising event.
- If asked, you should be prepared to suggest a donation range that would fit with the particular guest.
- Our goal is to engage people who have a natural affinity for the cause, giving them opportunities to increase their engagement over time. Ideally, for instance, some of your guests this first year will become dinner hosts and ambassadors next year.
- How much are guests expected to donate?
Every donation is most appreciated.
Our goal is to engage guests at a level that is comfortable to them.
As a benchmark, we anticipate a 10- or 12-person event with guests to raise anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000.
- How will our guests be able to make a donation?
In this first year, 100% of our fundraising will go to Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project (FNP).
As such, all donations will be made directly through the FNP 'mini-site' on the Sunnybrook website.
This link will also be on all the collateral we develop for you, such as digital invitations.
Planning Guide
Plan your event
Timing: 2-3 months out
1. Create your guest list (10-16 people).
- Ideally you are looking for people with an affinity to the cause.
- Determine whether guests will be friends and/or family or whether you will be making this a business related event with work colleagues and/or contacts.
2. Choose the venue.
- Your home – Inside or outside; DIY or catered.
- Other venue – restaurant, golf club, etc.
3. Identify the date and time.
4. Determine your budget.
Personally invite your guest list
Timing: 2 - 3 months out
Reach out to your guest list and invite them to your fundraising event (email, telephone call, or in-person). View Sample Email Invitation
Important details for you include:
1. Why you are getting involved as a fundraising host.
- The need is great and you want to get involved and make a real difference now in a mental health care system that has significant gaps.
2. What the Luce Initiative does.
- Raise funds for mental health support services that provide real help now to individuals and families in immediate need.
3. Who Luce is help funding this year.
- Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project – A non-profit, philanthropically-funded program that provides help to youth, 13 to 26 years old experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues, and their families. This program provides expert navigation of the mental health and addictions service system for youth and their families living in the Greater Toronto Area.
4. Invite them to your fundraising event.
- This is my/our first fund-raising event and I/we would love for you to be part of this special evening and support this important initiative.
- After a very long time with only zoom meetings it is time to revel in getting together again – and support youth mental health.
5. Explain the event format.
- We are hosting a fundraising event.
- Please join us for an evening of great food and good company.
- We appreciate any amount you are able to give to support this initiative and tax receipts will be provided.
6. Thank them for agreeing to participate and follow-up with an email that includes:
- More information through lucehelps.com.
- An event ‘Save the Date’ will be coming shortly.
- Gratitude for their support.
Prepare for your event
Timing: 2 -3 months out
1. Finalize the details.
- Guest list
- Event date and time
- Location
- Menu
- Other event details
2. Utilize the form on this page to provide us with the details for your ‘Save the Date’ email graphic.
- Once completed you will receive a PDF of your personalized ‘Save the Date’ email graphic.
3. Email your personalized ‘Save the Date’ to your guest list.
Include a note of gratitude for their support and excitement over the opportunity to recharge and reconnect in person for this important initiative.
Finalize your event
Timing: 6-8 weeks out
1. Utilize the form on this page to provide us with the information for your 'Invitation' email graphic.
- Once completed you will receive a PDF of your personalized 'Invitation' email graphic.
2. Email your personalized ‘Invitation’ to your guest list.
- Include a note of gratitude for their support and excitement for the event.
- Identify in your email that all donations are gratefully appreciated and can be made at this link lucehelps.com/donate.
3. Finalize event details.
- Menu – Food & beverage
- Other logistics, such as rentals, if required, florist etc.
Hold your event
Timing: Day of Event
1. The Agenda for the Event
- Enjoy, reconnect and recharge with your guests. This is a special evening filled with special people supporting an important cause – mental health and this year in particular – youth mental health.
2. A Toast of Appreciation
- Before dinner is served - make a short toast in appreciation of your guest’s support.
- Thank them for their generosity in supporting this important initiative and supporting you on your first hosting event.
- Highlight the incredible work this year’s recipient is accomplishing – Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project in support of youths mental health.
- Provide a soft call to action for others is they would like to become involved as future host.
3. Send a Post Event Thank You Email (within 48 hours)
- Express your gratitude for their generosity.
- Include the amount your event raised due to their incredible support.
- Make a soft call to action for your guests to consider becoming Host Ambassadors.
Connect
Join our community and stay up-to-date on our progress.
You can opt-out at any time. Need more info? Contact Us