We launched this idea in January of 2017 and were pleasantly surprised to see the enthusiastic response.  We had anticipated 10 people to sign up but we got 29!! Since then we have been hosting monthly luncheons in partnership with different restaurants across the Bay Area. So far we have partnered with PF Changs, Zareen, Panda Express, Mirchi, Kettle, The Holy Land, Vons Chicken, and working with many more.

If you are ready to take this idea to your city,  read on to find quick and easy steps on how to make your restaurant campaign a success!

Step 1: Pick a Date

Work with your group to pick a couple of dates for the event. Restaurants will want to schedule them during the week from 11am to 2pm.  Make sure you have dates selected Monday through Thursday ready.

Step 2: Pick a Restaurant

Find a local restaurant to help you. Call or visit your favorite local restaurant and request to fundraise on behalf of Givelight Foundation. Share with them the GiveLight story and mission.  Most restaurants will give between 10% to 30% of the total during the fundraising time.

Step 3: Promote your Event

Once you have the restaurant designated and the date confirmed you need to activate registration and promote the event.  Contact the GiveLight office to help you activate an online event registration page and a Facebook event page.  Call 408-809-5798 or email event-reg@givelight.org

To promote the event, use social media such as Facebook or Twitter, email list, flyers, and let businesses nearby know what your cause is and how the restaurant is willing to help. For guidance on how to best promote your event, please email resto@givelight.org.  Please see a sample of invitation text below*.

Step 4: Build a Team of Volunteers

Get volunteers to help on the day of the fundraiser by greeting your guests as they come in the door. Bring your Givelight posters, brochures, and flyers as well.

Step 5: Share the Fun!

Have fun! Tell everyone about the joy of gathering for lunch while impacting an amazing cause for the sake of global orphans.  Next time, you’ll find more people will join in the fun!

Thank you so much for sharing our passion. For any questions you can call 408-809-5798 or email resto@givelight.org.

Promote Event – Sample Text:

We are excited to invite you to join us at Falafel Corner, in Fremont.  They have agreed to partner with us for our “Blessed Meals Campaign” and will donate 15% of this lunch to our children.

The cost is $30 with 100% of net proceeds (after paying Falafel Corner) going directly to our children. Please process payment here: https://www.givelight.org/support-us/donate.html and note Falafel Corner on the memo.

GiveLight Foundation is a Non Profit based in Silicon Valley founded in the wake of the 2004 Tsunami.

The Foundation’s mission is to build beautiful homes and futures for orphans around the world. Today they care for 800+ orphans around the world.  To learn more about the work, visit www.givelight.org.

Hope you join us in our blessed meal.

Best,

Name

GL Volunteer, City