Maximizing Fundraising with the Last Paddle Up Game
How To Raise A Lot Of Money At The End Of Your Fund-A-Need!
In the world of fundraising, creativity and engagement are key to getting donors excited to contribute. One of the most thrilling additions to any Fund-A-Need campaign (also known as the Paddle Raise, Fund-Our-Mission, Cash Appeal, etc.) is the Last Paddle Up game, which adds an exhilarating element of competition and fun to the fundraising experience. This game, also often called The Last Hero or The Run Around, has proven to be a highly successful tool for driving donations, especially when used strategically at the end of the traditional paddle raise.
Case Study: Purple Pansies Pillars of Hope Gala
At the recent Purple Pansies Pillars of Hope Gala, we incorporated the Last Paddle Up game, raising an impressive $25,000 on top of the Fund-A-Need donations. The excitement began with two bottles of liquor as the initial prize, but as the giving intensified, the prizes grew—eventually culminating in a 15-year-old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. The anticipation in the room was electric, and the competitive spirit of our donors turned a fun game into a significant revenue boost.
Case Study: Waldorf School of Atlanta
We’ve seen the success of this game in other settings too. At the Waldorf School of Atlanta Gala, the Last Paddle Up was used to raise funds for a new school library. The thrilling finale saw the last donor walk away with a package of 8 tickets to an Atlanta United game, plus food and drinks. The Last Paddle Up generated a surge of enthusiasm, capturing the spirit of giving and the joy of winning.
Repurposing Silent Auction Items
A key strategy in making the Last Paddle Up game so successful is the repurposing of silent auction items. In many instances, items that would have brought in under $1,000 in a silent or online auction draw upwards of $3,000 to $10,000—or more—through the Last Paddle Up. For example, a collection of hand-blown margarita glasses and a fancy bottle of tequila, originally valued at $300, becomes a highly coveted prize when paired with a trip to Mexico, elevating the total prize value to $2,300. Similarly, we’ve taken a Yeti cooler, added premium liquor, and created a fully stocked bar worth $1,450!
Strategy and Execution
The key to success with the Last Paddle Up game lies in strategic layering. By starting with lower-value items and building up to something truly remarkable, we keep the energy and giving momentum high. Here are a few examples:
Start small, build big: Start with something like a set of hand-blown glass margarita glasses (valued at $150) and add a fancy bottle of tequila (another $150), before closing with a trip to Mexico (valued at $2,000).
Stacking items: Begin with a Yeti cooler (valued at $200), and as the giving progresses, add high-quality spirits and wines to ultimately create a fully stocked bar valued at $1,450.
Best Practices: Clear Rules and Audience Engagement
To ensure the success of the Last Paddle Up game, it's crucial to clearly explain the rules. Not only should the auctioneer lay out the process verbally, but the rules should also be displayed on screens or slides so everyone is on the same page. One pro tip: use a call-and-response technique to build energy in the room. For example, when someone raises their paddle, I’ll call out, “Bidder #100, thank you for your $500 donation!” It reinforces their contribution and keeps the excitement alive.
The Rules of the Last Paddle Up Game
For the Last Paddle Up game to be effective and fair, it's essential to ensure everyone understands the rules. At the Purple Pansies Pillars of Hope Gala, we kept it simple yet impactful:
Every Time You Raise Your Paddle, You Are Making a Donation – It’s important for participants to know that every raise counts as a donation to the cause.
Starting Donation Level – We began at a manageable donation level, typically $100, encouraging wide participation.
Pay Attention to Increasing Amounts – As the game progresses, the donation amount may increase, so participants need to listen carefully to the auctioneer.
Last Paddle Standing – The winner of the game is the last person with their paddle raised, securing the prize and making the final donation, when the auctioneer get’s to the D in SOLLLLLLLLLLD!
By keeping the rules clear and straightforward, we ensure the game is fun and fast-paced while maximizing contributions. This clarity is reinforced both verbally and visually on the event slides, helping participants stay engaged and focused.
Ready to Elevate Your Next Fundraising Event?
If you're looking to engage your donors, maximize contributions, and add excitement to your event, the Last Paddle Up game is a proven tool to drive impressive results. Contact us today to learn how we can tailor this and other revenue-generating strategies to your next fundraiser.
Let’s work together to create an unforgettable experience for your donors and boost your impact!