Getting Started

 

• Generate an invite list. Creating a "House Party Host Committee" can help generate an invite list that is large and varied… invite members of your church or club you are involved in, friends, family, and co-workers!

• Set a party Date, Time, and Location.

• Determine the House Party theme/ Goal.

  • Will there be a "ticket" per person to enter? (Set the price)…or if dinner will be served—a cost per plate?

  • Depending on the invitees, you may opt to ask guests to "bring their questions and checkbooks"— many may have the potential to contribute much more than a $50 party ticket

• Create a pitch. Pick a particular current issue relevant to Haiti, or a Lambi Fund project or area of work that will strike a chord with guests (like the environment, gender equity, or the Ox-Plow Service)…asking attendees to support a specific and particularly urgent campaign is most effective

 

More fun ideas

 

• A compassion meal (see a description of this in the box to the right)

• Wine and cheese tasting

• Have a Haitian band perform, charge a cover!

• Send out the invitations. Send using either conventional mail, E-vite, or Facebook

• Encourage RSVPs Offer an opportunity for individuals to give if they cannot attend the event by including donation forms in the invitations or links to donate online at: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/LambiFundofHaiti_1/OnlineGiving.html

 

 

Work Out the Details

 

• What food will be served? Dinner, Hors Dóeuvres, drinks, etc.

• • Arrange a caterer

  • If planning to cook, serve Haitian dishes or arrange a potluck (this is very Haitian)

  • Try these links for recipe ideas:

    • http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/recipes/countryrecipe.asp?country=Haiti

    • http://www.everythinghaitian.com/HaitianCuisine/Default.aspx

• Serve wine from Laurel Glen Vineyards. All proceeds of their Chévere label go to the Lambi Fund

• • Chévere wine

• Arrange to borrow or rent tables and chairs.

• Play Haitian music.

• Start to generate a number of guests based on RSVPs. Call those who have not yet responded.

• • Arrange for door prizes, a raffle, or silent auction. A nice Haitian rum, popular Haitian music CD, or Haitian book make great gifts

• Download and print out Lambi Fund literature.

 

A Sample Agenda

 

Prior to the Party

 

• Set up a large basket or donation box that says, "Donations for The Lambi Fund of Haiti"

• Place a welcome sign outside. Using a Haitian flag is a nice touch.

 

Schedule

 

• 6:00 - 7:00 pm — Mingle, Socialize, Eat and Drink

• 7:00 - 7:10 — Ask all guests to gather in the main room

• Welcome and Introductions - Offer your personal perspective and reasons for hosting this house party

• 7:10 - 7:20 —Overview of Lambi Fund - Specific insights and information on the featured project or issue

• 7:20 - 7:35 — Watch Lambi video and/or show pictures

• 7:35 - 7:40 — Follow- up comments or explanations

• 7:40 - 7:55 — Question and Answer/Discussion

• 7:55 - 8:00 — Wrap up - Encourage support and explain menu of options (donation basket, take a brochure, sign up for mailing list, Door Prize, etc.)Thanks for Coming!

• 8:00 - 8:30 —More discussion for those who want more info. Mingle with those who want to do more socializing.