Karaoke Forums

I have been at my downtown location for a year and a half now. I love the girls that run the bar and know they struggle from time to time with expenses. I want to do something to help them out.

They have a neon sign attached to the front of the Bar/Pub but one of the tubes is broken. At night, the only indication that it is a bar/pub is the sound (obvious) and the beer signs in the windows (also obvious), but there is nothing on the building that shows the name of the establishment. Somewhat problematic at nighttime when it is nearly impossible to read address information. So I am checking into getting the sign repaired for them. It also has no cover to protect it from the elements or vandalism. I called three neon repair companies today to arrange to meet with techs and get quotes on repair.

What I am curious about is how some of you have managed fund raisers and what might be a good format for raising money to get this sign repaired for them. I know I can tap some of the regulars to contribute but I also want to work in a karaoke event (maybe two depending on the cost) to help raise money. Since we do karaoke Fri/Sat it would be easy to do a weekend event covering both nights.

Once I get the quotes I can give a better estimate of what will need to be raised. This may factor into what kind of event and how we manage it. I suspect it could be as much as a couple thousand dollars to get it repaired and have a covering installed. But we could possibly get it repaired alone (no covering) for just a couple hundred dollars.

I am considering a "Donate to Sing" event with a suggested amount of $5 per song minimum. Also add in some other Donation amounts like -

$XX to move up in the list
$XX to be the next singer
$XX to change someone's song

I will donate my fee for the night(s) to the repair as well as have an open donation jar for the folks that don't sing.

I am interested in hearing other great suggestions that could make this happen!

-Chris

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-Chris

I wouldn't do it and I'll tell you why. Owners are cheap and you don't know what's going on, unless you are there day and night. They could be awash in money from day/food/bar sales but unless you see their books you don't know. I've seen places cry poor yet they buy this that and the other thing. And the biggest thing if you do this this time, they'll expect you to do it next time.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

Agree 100%...slippery slope. We as KJ's often get emotionally attached to our bars/owners, even though they may be complete buffoons at running a business. Is the local beer distributor going to donate a few free kegs for this fundraiser?

Seriously, it doesnt sound like they need a fundraiser. It sounds like they need to take a few business and/or accounting classes.

Thank you for the advise......I am doing it anyway.

Let's stick to the positive aspects of this please. Certainly some of you have done some fundraisers for some sort of cause so I am interested in how to make this successful.

-Chris

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-Chris

Sorry Chris, but if they cannot afford to fix their lights then a fundraiser won't do anything. They have more problems than you realize. Better to call "Bar Rescue". You may do it but how are you going to advertise it? "Save Our Bar"? People will go to benefits for people or charities in need not for a private business.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

We run a 50/50 draw every Saturday evening with 50% going to the winner and 50% to the club (Moose Lodge). Typically, the winner receives around $80. Tickets are $2 each or 3/$5.

Perhaps you could try running an on-going draw over a period of several nights.

Just a thought.

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Earl
(BS, PHD & Certified CurmuDJeon)

[font=Times New Roman]"Growing Old may be mandatory... but growing UP is still optional."[/font]

Chris, this sounds vaguely familiar to me. Didn't you discuss this exact same thing about a year or so ago?

edit... I just did a search... viewtopic.php?f=1&t=24087&p=334802&hilit=neon#p334802

That being said, so, in a year's time, these women still haven't fixed that neon sign???

Earl, correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the Moose Lodge a non-profit charitable organization?

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You can be strange but not a stranger

Correct. Same Bar, same place, same sign.

-Chris

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-Chris

To Repeat - I am not interested in hearing about why I shouldn't do this. I am only interested in hearing about ideas for making it happen.

Thanks for the suggestions, Earl!

-Chris

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-Chris

A free night or two of karaoke should cover it........

I have my opinion why or why you shouldn't do this but it's your thread. If you are going to do this, I say do it right. No neon sign! Tacky. Get a nice sign up in the air out front that can be seen from a long ways away.

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KingBing Entertainment C'mon Up! I have a song for you!!! [font=MS Sans Serif][/font]

Best advice there!!!!! 1+

Just save yourself the headache and just go write 'em a check to get the thing fixed. Don't force the PATRONS to pay for it.

That will make it "Happen", SIMPLE AND DIRECT!!

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

find out what the sign will cost to fix first. see what you are up against.

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

Maybe THEY dont want it fixed and would rather have an entirely NEW SIGN built and installed. There may be a REASON they havent fixed it.

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT