Sample Press Release for a Charity Event

Sample Press Release for a Charity Event

Looking for a sample press release for a event? Press releases are a great way to spread the word about your fundraising walk. The local media is always interested in activities and events happening in the community, especially when there is a positive angle, such as an opportunity for the public to give back. Here are a few tips to help you successfully promote your fundraiser  or charity event through the local media. Download our sample press release for a event to get started.

Pre-Event Press Release

Distribute a press release six months in advance to announce the upcoming event or charity event. Make sure to not only distribute this to editors, but also editorial calendars in your local papers and "what's happening" magazines. In addition to the charity/fundraiser date, be sure to include information about the benefiting organization, details about where participants can sign up, and contact information. You don't need to have every detail worked out at this point. You can still be in your planning phase, but this "early release" will put your walk on the radar screen for media and give you the chance to be featured in monthly or quarterly publications that have longer lead times. It also starts the buzz about the upcoming event generating interest in possible participants and local businesses looking for a way to give back to the local community.

Week of the Event Press Release

The week of your event or charity event, you should update your earlier release by fattening out the details. At this point you should have sponsors signed up. This is a good time to mention them. You may also have booked entertainment or local celebrities, make sure to highlight these points. Include basic event details such as: location, start time, registration information, and prizes. At this time you may also want to reference how well the fundraising efforts have gone. Did you make your goal? And if not, perhaps this is a call to request for last-minute support of your cause.

Post Event Press Release

Following your charity, you may want to do one more press release to summarize your fundraising efforts. Were you able to accomplish your goals? What was the event turnout like? Perhaps mention local businesses or individuals that went above and beyond. You may also want to highlight top fundraising individuals or teams, celebrity involvement, and any fun details from the walkathon celebration.

Writing Your Event Press Release

Your  press release needs to give the essential specifics, but should also be short and sweet, and leave some questions for a reporter to ask. Without the need for questions, there is not much reason for a reporter to attend the event or call to ask for more information.

General Event Press Release Guidelines:

1. Print the release on company or organization letterhead
2. Write a title to announce your event in bold caps
3. Write the main content for the release, remembering to keep it short, but informative including essentials (who, what, when, where, why), and leaving some "interest factor" or element of surprise
4. Include a human interest factor such as a quote from a representative of the organization, sponsor or someone well-known in the local community
5. Write the press release in a professional and objective tone and make sure to proof thoroughly so there are no errors.
6. Summarize the release, and include organization contact information here.

Here is a press release sample letter of The Deshon Johnson College Scholarship Foundation “Legacy Cocktail Fashion Show “Charity/ Fundraiser Event