Tips For Planning a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Dive in to get tips for planning a Sand and Sea fundraiser. These ideas also work for a Rock the Yacht fundraiser theme. These themes are versatile and can be customized for different audiences. The nautical and beach-inspired decor, entertainment, games, food, and live/silent auction ideas provided in this blog will add waves of fun and excitement for your guests.

To get started send a save the date for your event. This is an example from a recent fundraiser:

You also need to create a great event program.

Venue Decor Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

To create the right atmosphere, transform your venue into a coastal oasis or luxury yacht scene. Incorporate beach signs, seashells, tropical flowers, anchors, ship wheels, ropes, and buoys for an authentic nautical or beachy vibe.

Here are some examples from recent Sand and Sea and Rock the Yacht fundraisers:

Table Décor Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Bring the sea and beach to each table. Tables are a big part of the decor experience. Here are some ideas for beachy, yacht-inspired table décor:

Centerpieces

Create centerpieces with seashells, tropical flowers, pineapples, fishing nets, and other beach and sea-related items, like the following:

Table Settings

Choose nautical-themed tableware, such as navy-blue napkins, gold cutlery, and white plates. For a lighter beach feel, go with white or beige tones with touches of blue.

Place Cards

Use miniature sailboats, starfish, or shells as place cards. For a charming coastal touch, write guests’ names on small sand dollars.

Table Names

Instead of numbers, name tables after famous beaches, seaside towns, or islands like Maui, Santorini, or Bahamas.

Venue and table décor can be found on Amazon by searching:

• Beach party décor
• Beach party decorations
• Nautical décor
• Yacht party décor
• Yacht party decorations

Photo Backdrop/Booth ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Create a photo area and include theme-oriented items such as sailor hats, sunglasses, snorkels, and beach balls. You can also use beach, sea or yacht backdrops to enhance the photo area. Encourage guests to share photos on social media. Post a sign that includes hashtags for them to use.

Entertainment Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

The entertainment will help set the tone for the night and keep guests engaged.

Live Music or DJ

A live band playing beachy classics or yacht rock music from Jimmy Buffett or Fleetwood Mac can set a relaxed, upbeat vibe. A DJ with a mix of island music and crowd favorites will also keep the energy going.

Fundraiser Game Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Adding a few fun, engaging themed games will encourage guests to participate, which will help you raise more money at your fundraiser.

Fish For Food Fundraiser Game

In the Fish for Food fundraiser game, guests pay $25 or more to cast a rod to catch a fish. If they catch a fish, they could win a $50-$100 restaurant gift card.

Message in a Bottle Raffle

Create a sense of mystery and excitement with the Message in a Bottle fundraiser game. Fill glass bottles with rolled pieces of paper containing various prizes or numbers linked to prizes. Place the bottles in a large container or basket. Add sand to the container or basket to give it a beachy vibe. Guests pay $25 or more to buy a bottle to see what they win.

Costume Contest

Make your Sand and Sea/yacht theme fundraiser stand out by encouraging guests to wear creative nautical or tropical outfits. Offer prizes for categories like:

• Best Outfit
• Most Creative Outfit
• Best Dressed Couple

Anchor Toss/Seashell Toss

An Anchor Toss or Seashell Toss game is a fun twist on the ring toss game. Guests pay $25 or more to toss miniature plastic anchors or seashells onto a long table with various prizes written in squares. They win the prize listed in the square the anchor or seashell lands on.

Treasure Hunt

Set up a treasure map challenge. Guests follow clues to find treasures, which could be small prizes or gift cards placed throughout the venue. Guests pay $25 or more to participate in the treasure hunt. They pay $10-$15 for additional clues.

Silent Auction Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Curate items with a coastal or luxury vibe for your silent auction to keep the theme consistent.

Beach Getaway Basket

Fill a basket with beach towels, suntan lotion, sunglasses, a beach bag, and other beach-themed items. To get more information about basket fundraisers, read our blog and watch our video playlist.

Nautical Décor Set

Auction off coastal-themed home décor items like framed ocean photography, seashell wreaths, and candle holders.

Yacht Day Experience

Offer a private yacht or sailboat day trip experience and include items they can enjoy during their adventure.

Water Sports Package

For adventure lovers, put together a collection of beach gear, such as paddleboards, snorkel sets, and beach towels.

Sign-Up Party Fundraiser

Sign-up parties focus on specific activities for kids or adults. These parties can focus on activities related to your theme or a variety of interests, hobbies, and activities that will appeal to your guests or their children. The events or activities can be at a host’s home, a restaurant, or event venue.

A sign-up party for a Sea and Sand fundraiser for adults could be:

• A party on a yacht or party boat
• Fabulous seafood catered to the host’s home or at a popular restaurant
• A pool party with games, delicious seafood, and specialty drinks.
• Some other popular sign-up party ideas focus on tournaments, specialty liquor, and dining experiences.

The parties are open to a limited number of guests. The price to attend usually ranges from $25 to $150 per person, depending on the activities. To see examples of a variety of sign-up parties, read our blog.

Food Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Food is a big part of the experience. Here are some food ideas to add a tropical vibe to your fundraiser:

Appetizers

Main Course

Desserts

Signature Drinks

Offer signature alcoholic or mocktail drinks like Blue Lagoon, Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, Mojito, Strawberry Margarita, and Sea Breeze.

Live Auction Package Ideas for a Sand and Sea Fundraiser

Make sure the live auction for your Sand and Sea fundraiser is packed with high-value, theme items to maximize excitement and fundraising. These travel and experience packages, will catch the attention of your guests:

These are no-risk consignment auction packages, which means your organization does not pay unless the items are sold at your event. A skilled auctioneer can easily get top dollar for these exclusive packages. Another benefit of offering these type packages at your fundraiser is they can be sold multiple time to increase your profits. For more travel and experience live auction package ideas, visit our website.

Other Tips to Maximize Fundraiser Profit

To maximize fundraiser profit, check out these other essential fundraising services:

• Live auction services
• Professional charity auctioneer
• Silent auction services
• Auction and event services

Watch our testimonial video playlist to find out how these services helped other nonprofit organizations have successful fundraising events and increase fundraiser profit.

Fundraiser Theme Resources

To get more fundraiser theme ideas, check out our latest fundraiser theme blogs.

Our free downloadable fundraiser theme e-book is also a great resource: 20 Fun & Creative Fundraising Themes Your Guests Will Love.

If you need help planning a successful Sand and Sea or Yacht theme fundraiser, Murad Auctions is here to help.  Contact us or schedule a free consultation.