Planning your event

The great thing about Girls Night In is that you can plan whatever you like – you can do just organise a simple catch up with your girlfriends or choose to make it something bigger. The size and scope of the event is really up to you.

For those of you looking for some assistance in planning your event we have developed the following simple tips.

• When should I host my Girls Night In?
• Who should I invite?
• Where should I hold my Girls Night In?
• What’s expected on the night?
• How do I go about raising money at my event?
• How do I go about collecting donations?

When should I host my Girls Night In?

Girls Night In is held nationally throughout October. You can choose the date that best suits you and your friends. We know how busy women are these days so we recommend you get your invitations out early to ensure the best turn out to your event.

If October doesn’t suit you or your social circle you can hold your Girls Night In at another time of year that suits you better. For more information and to receive a kit outside of October call our Events Administration Team on 1300 65 65 85.

If you would like to register as a host for 2008, please select your state from the right hand column to go through to our registration and donation portal.

Who should I invite?

This is your event - so invite your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.  Your event can be as big or small as you like.  We have included invitations as part of the voucher booklet in your host kit or if you would prefer to invite your guests via email, set up your fundraising page online and send e-invitations with the option to RSVP and donate online.

	Top tip - Let your friends know when you invite them that you’re raising funds as well as having fun so they come ready to donate.

Where should I hold my Girls Night In?

You can hold your Girls Night In wherever you choose. Most people host their event at home but last year we had plenty of Girls Night In events held in workplaces, schools and restaurants.

	Top tip - If you are hosting at home, pre-prepare food or ask people to bring a plate so you have time to enjoy yourself on the night.

What’s expected on the night?

The event can be whatever you want to make it. We have included plenty of ideas for you in our Ideas and Fundraising section. Click here to go through to the Ideas and Fundraising section.

How do I go about raising money at my event?

The easiest way to raise funds is to ask your guests for a donation of what they would usually spend on a night out or to charge a set entry fee. However, many of our hosts like to be creative in raising extra funds. Click here for some inspiration on fundraising for your event.

How do I go about collecting donations?

We have provided donation slips in your host kit. These are for your guests to use to donate. We have designed this process to ensure that your guests feel comfortable with the donation process and have a way to leave their details for receipts (all donations over $2 are tax deductible). All you have to do is hand a donation slip to each of your guests and ask them to donate generously – the forms are simple to complete and include instructions. At the end of the night just collect the donation and slips from your guests.

You can now also collect donations from your guests online.  Just set up your own fundraising page where you can upload photos and messages for your guests about your event.  Then you can send e-invites from your page with the option to RSVP or donate online.

	Top tip - Give the friends that don’t make it on the night a donation slip anyway – they will probably want to contribute even if they can’t join in the fun.

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© 2008 Cancer Council