BIG BBQ fundraising ideas

Thank you for choosing to take part in The BIG BBQ. The money you raise will make a huge difference, helping us to support families whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastation of bereavement.

To inspire you, our friendly fundraising team has devised a few fundraising ideas and activities that will work whatever the weather - but, as always, feel free to do your own thing. Share the fun - use the hashtag #CBUKBBQ and show others your BIG BBQ.

Charge an entry fee of £2/£5/£10 or more. To avoid handling cash on the day, why not set up a fundraising page and encourage guests to donate in advance? Head to Virgin Money Giving to get started and use our guide to make the most of your page, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.

Charge per item of food or drink, or per plate.

Donate in lieu of giving a gift, or in memory of someone, and make a real difference.

The ‘steaks’ are high! Encourage healthy competition and make your workload a little lighter by asking each guest to bring their best homemade BBQ sauce, side dish or dessert. Ask for a small entry fee and reward the winner with a small prize.

Organise a mini sports day with a tug of war, welly throwing, egg and spoon or sack race.

Ask your guests to sign up to take part in a Child Bereavement UK challenge event or create your own. A sponsored leg wax, head shave or ice bucket challenge on a hot summer’s day could be a ‘fun’ addition to your Big BBQ event and help raise even more money!

Hold an auction of promises and ask each guest to donate something that other guests can bid for – an evening of ironing, a home cooked meal, or maybe a taxi service for the weekend? Read our guide to keeping it safe and legal.

Set up a sweepstake. Tie it into a current sporting event such as The Euros, Tour de France or Wimbledon Championships.

Play a game of Bingo or host a quiz and ‘grill’ your guests with rounds such as general knowledge, food & drink, or know your host. Feel like you’ve got enough on your plate already? Then go for the easy option and use Child Bereavement UK's quiz and answer sheet.

Remember to ask your local shop or supermarket to donate food, cups, plates and napkins to save on outgoings and therefore increase donations.

COVID-19 Information
Pease follow government guidelines and current Covid regulations when hosting your event and subsequent fundraising activities.

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