Why it works
A fish and chip supper with a quiz, a raffle or a band is one of the easiest fundraisers to run. People know what they’re getting, it suits all ages, and it fills a village hall on a winter evening.
Tickets and numbers
Sell tickets in advance with the meal included, so you know numbers and the caterer can plan. Ask about allergies and choice of meal on the ticket form.
The venue and the van
A village hall, church hall or club with a car park is ideal: the van parks outside and serves at a set time, and food is carried straight to the tables. Check the hall allows a catering van in the car park.
Making money
Price tickets above the cost of the meal, and add a raffle, a quiz entry fee or an auction. Ask local businesses for raffle prizes.
Alcohol
If you want to sell alcohol and the venue doesn’t have a licence, you usually need a Temporary Event Notice from the council. Many fundraisers simply ask guests to bring their own instead. Check with your council and your venue.
A simple running order
- Doors open and drinks
- Fish and chips served from the van, carried to tables
- Quiz rounds or entertainment
- Raffle draw
- Thanks and close
Help on the night
Ask volunteers to run the door, carry plates to tables, sell raffle tickets and clear up. A clear list of jobs, agreed beforehand, keeps everyone happy.
Dietary needs
Ask about allergies and dietary needs when people buy tickets, and pass the list to your caterer. Plan an alternative for anyone the van can’t cater for.
Pricing tickets
Work out your costs first: the meal, the hall, any entertainment and prizes. Then set a ticket price that covers those and leaves a margin for the cause. Many fundraisers keep ticket prices modest and make most of their money from the raffle and extras.
Quick answers
How do we know how many meals to order?
Sell tickets in advance with the meal included.
Can the van serve at a set time?
Yes. Agree it with the caterer.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.