It was during a school carnival when I first witnessed the hilarious chaos of a Pie in the Face Fundraiser. Teachers, coaches, and even the principal took turns getting whipped cream pies smashed into their faces for a good cause. People lined up, laughing and cheering, eager to make their favorite volunteer “pie-faced.” The event was a huge success, raising more money than we ever expected—and most importantly, everyone had a blast!
If you’re planning a similar event, here’s everything you need to know to run a smooth and successful Pie in the Face Fundraiser.
1. Establish Clear Fundraising Goals
Before diving into logistics, decide why you’re holding the event and how much money you aim to raise. This will guide your decision on how long the event should last, how many participants you need, and how much to charge for each pie throw. A specific goal gives you something to work toward and helps keep the energy high.
Example Goals:
- Raise $1,000 for school supplies.
- Gather donations to support a local charity.
- Fund a specific project, like a community garden or student trip.
2. Choose the Right Venue
The venue for your Pie in the Face fundraiser should be a location that allows space for spectators while keeping the mess contained. Consider school gyms, outdoor fields, community centers, or parking lots. Keep in mind that whipped cream, pudding, or shaving cream pies can get messy, so ensure you have a good cleanup plan!
Important Considerations:
- Indoor or outdoor: If indoors, be sure to cover floors and walls.
- Shelter: If outdoors, make sure there’s a tent or shelter in case of rain.
- Accessibility: Ensure it’s easy for participants and the audience to access.
3. Select Volunteers for Pie Targets
The highlight of a Pie in the Face fundraiser is, of course, the people getting pied! Choose volunteers that are well-known or well-liked within the community, as this will encourage more participation. Often, teachers, coaches, or community leaders make for fun and engaging targets. If possible, have a variety of personalities to appeal to different audiences.
Popular Choices:
- Teachers, principals, or school staff (if it’s a school event).
- Local celebrities or business owners.
- Coaches or team captains.
- Parents or family members of participants.
4. Decide on the Type of Pie
This is where the fun gets creative! Typically, people use a simple whipped cream or shaving cream pie, but you can mix it up based on your audience. The pie should be light and easy to throw (and clean up). Always avoid heavy or harmful items—nobody wants a black eye at a fundraiser!
Types of Pies:
- Whipped cream pies: The most popular option; easy to clean.
- Shaving cream pies: Non-edible, but still safe and fun for large crowds.
- Pudding pies: A delicious and playful alternative, just a bit messier.
Note: Always avoid ingredients that could cause allergic reactions (like dairy if using whipped cream).
5. Set Pie-Throwing Prices
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is the cost to participate. You can charge per pie, per throw, or create packages to encourage more donations. Price points should reflect your fundraising goal and the type of event you’re running.
Pricing Suggestions:
- $2 per pie throw.
- $5 for 3 pie throws.
- Offer a “Golden Pie” (for a higher donation, like $20) that guarantees an extra messy or special pie experience.
Alternatively, you could use a voting system, where participants donate to “vote” for the person they want to see get pied. The person with the most votes by the end of the event gets the pie in the face.
6. Safety First
Even though this event is all about fun, safety is a top priority. Make sure participants know the rules, and that pies are thrown safely from a reasonable distance (around 6-8 feet away). Additionally, ensure that all ingredients are safe to come in contact with skin and eyes.
Key Safety Guidelines:
- Distance: Maintain a safe distance between pie throwers and the person getting pied.
- Materials: Use non-toxic, safe products like whipped cream or shaving cream.
- Eyewear: Some volunteers might prefer to wear goggles or face shields.
- Clean-up: Have towels, water, and a clean-up station ready.
7. Organize Clean-Up Stations
Pie in the Face Fundraisers are messy—there’s no getting around that! But with proper clean-up stations, you can keep things under control. Have an area where participants can wipe off the whipped cream or shaving cream, with plenty of towels, water, and perhaps even a hose for outdoor events.
Clean-Up Essentials:
- Towels and wet wipes.
- Buckets of water or a garden hose.
- Trash bags for disposable pie tins.
- Floor coverings like tarps or plastic sheeting (if indoors).
8. Promote Your Event
A well-promoted Pie in the Face Fundraiser can draw a crowd and bring in more donations. Use social media, flyers, and school or community newsletters to get the word out. Highlight the fun factor, and make sure to mention who the pie targets will be—people will be eager to throw pies at their favorite teachers or community members!
Promotion Ideas:
- Create a fun promo video with the pie targets.
- Run a countdown on social media leading up to the event.
- Offer an early bird price for those who sign up or donate in advance.
9. Day-of Event Tips
On the day of the event, make sure everything runs smoothly. Assign roles to volunteers, such as managing pie sales, assisting with clean-up, and helping the participants getting pied. Keep things moving, and keep the energy up with music, jokes, and commentary. A lively atmosphere will encourage more participation.
Volunteer Roles:
- Pie sellers: Handle money and give out pies.
- Safety monitors: Ensure pies are thrown from a safe distance.
- Clean-up crew: Help pie targets clean off between rounds.
- Announcer or host: Keep the energy up and engage the crowd.
10. Have Fun!
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun. The silliness and laughter are what make Pie in the Face Fundraisers so successful. Keep the mood light, celebrate every pie thrown, and enjoy the messy chaos!
Quick Rules Checklist for a Pie in the Face Fundraiser:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Set a fundraising goal | Know how much you need to raise. |
| Choose the right venue | Make sure it’s suitable for the messy event. |
| Select pie targets | Pick well-known volunteers to attract attention. |
| Use safe pies | Stick to whipped cream or shaving cream. |
| Price per pie throw | Set reasonable and enticing prices. |
| Maintain safety | Keep throwers a safe distance from the target. |
| Clean-up stations | Provide towels, water, and trash bags. |
| Promote the event | Use social media and local channels for buzz. |
| Have fun! | Keep the energy up and enjoy the laughs. |
By following these simple rules, you can host a successful Pie in the Face fundraiser that’s both fun and effective in raising funds for your cause. Ready to get pied?