Need a fresh idea on how to fund raise or reach out to new members? Many of our chapters around the country have designed and implemented fantastic programs. So, why reinvent the wheel when much of the work has already been done? The following is a list of tried and true event ideas. If one looks good to you, get in touch with the and we will provide you with support materials for each event.

If you would like to share any of your chapter's effective fund raising techniques, please email us at .

• Adventures in Food & Wine - Imagine the finest restaurants, chefs, caterers and wineries in your town coming together for one truly delectable evening. Invite all members of your community to partake in food sampling and cooking workshops, all while raising funds for the ORT program.
• Gift Wrap With a Twist - Catch the spirit and provide a much-needed service to holiday shoppers at a local mall. Gift wrap is an effective way to raise significant funds and awareness for the ORT program.
• WINGO: Women Only BINGO - This one-of-a-kind event is a real blast! Yes, it's BINGO, but for ladies only. Raffles, a silent auction, dinner and lots of laughs make this event a huge success.
• Mah Jongg Tournament - A Mah Jongg Tournament can be a very effective fundraiser. The game has long been very popular among some groups and knowledge of the game and enthusiasm for it is spreading among a wider population. Organizing a tournament is less difficult than you think and can be done with a relatively minimal number of volunteers. Expenses can be kept to a minimum and are easily covered by admission fees.
• Black Tie Bowling "Ball" - Step out and be bowled over by a fun-filled night that will help support ORT. An elegant, fun bowling event that features a variety of themes, including Bobby Sox Bowling and Bowling Down Lover's Lane. Fund raising for this event includes admission from the bowlers and other guests, personal sponsorships, varied levels of participation and more!
• Accessory Fair - This event attracts large numbers of people to a central location for the purpose of buying designer-like purses, belts, and costume jewelry. Usually a percentage of sales is given to the organization and the greater number of shoppers (and purchases), the greater the profit. The vendor often assists with the cost of mailings and publicity.
• Couch Potatoes Can Be Heroes Too - Consider this a "non-event." You can participate without leaving home. A "couch potato" committee is created and the invitation invites everyone to be a hero by pledging their support to different gift levels. In return, they receive a special prize and/or gift for their support. This event's costs are quite minimal, yet the results can be very lucrative. Be sure to create an honoree committee which is made up of people who have access to businesses or companies that might be willing to donate prizes and gifts for this event.
• Reach For the Stars - Originally coined "Academy Awards Night," the event is now called Reach For The Stars (RFTS) so that chapters can plan their events any time of year and not only in conjunction with the Academy Awards. It is a minimum donor event. To further enhance participation, a 4-Star Planning Guide is available from the National Office, which includes sample press materials, time lines, event ideas and more.
• Honoree Event - This event is an opportunity to pay tribute to a person who deserves special recognition for his/her commitment and contributions to the ORT community, and is an excellent way to raise funds.
• Passover Wine Tasting and Recipe Exchange - Taste the best in Kosher wines from California, France and Israel. Discover the pleasure of fine wine. Taste delicious Passover hors d'oeuvres and share your non-traditional recipes. This is definitely not your Bubbe's Pesach Party!
• Spa Day - Pamper yourself! This event offers a day-long program of beauty salon services in either a private setting or commercial facility.
• Ports of Call - An international food festival...from hot dogs to haute cuisine. Sample the many flavors of the world of ORT. A true festival of nations!
• A Traditional English High Tea - An elegant setting for candid conversation, a silent auction, and light refreshments. A perfect Sunday afternoon activity. Some high teas even include guest speakers. End your weekend (or begin your week) on the right note.
• Party Planning Showcase - Planning something special? Wedding? Sweet Sixteen? Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Fund Raiser? This event offers attendees the opportunity to meet a variety of exhibitors involved in the production of special events. Exhibitors pay for the space. ORT advertises and brings in the public.
• Movie Premiere Night - A favorite night among young, Jewish professionals. An opportunity for a sneak preview movie, as well as networking and schmoozing.
• Design House...Home Tours...Gourmet Kitchens and Designer Baths... Playhouses on Parade...Celebrate the Jewish Holidays - Remember the house tours of years ago when you went inside large, beautifully decorated homes, either in or around your community? Here is an updated version guaranteed to appeal to the many styles of today's living that's usually run by the American Society of Interior Designers.
• Let Your Favorite Store Host Your Event - Hold an event at a store where your members and friends like to shop. Former chapter events have been held at Ann Taylor, Chicos, Talbots. Stores are eager to assist and often pick up some of the expenses.
• Night of 1,000 Laughs - We could all use a good laugh from time to time, right? Perfect Saturday evening event. An informal dinner followed by a night of laughter and relaxation, a very popular event.