Ways2Raise

What is it?

A Retro Gaming Night is a fun and interactive fundraising event where you invite friends, family, and fellow gamers to play classic video games from the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s. This event works well for teen fundraisers because it combines nostalgia with socialising, encouraging attendees to donate or pay an entry fee for an enjoyable evening.

Why does it work?

People love revisiting their favourite childhood games and sharing the experience with others, which creates a positive, energetic atmosphere. Charging an entry fee or selling snacks during the event generates straightforward income, while competitions or tournaments can spark friendly rivalry and boost donations.

What you'll need

A suitable venue (like a community hall, school common room, or someone's home with enough space)
Retro gaming consoles (e.g., NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, or emulators on PCs)
TVs or monitors capable of connecting to the consoles
Power strips and extension cables
Games cartridges or digital copies of retro games
Comfortable seating for participants
A way to collect payments (cash box or mobile payment app like PayPal or Venmo)
Snacks and drinks (optional, for extra fundraising)
Flyers or digital invites to promote the event
Score sheets or tournament brackets (if running competitions)

Step-by-step plan

1

Choose a date and secure a suitable venue that can comfortably host your expected number of guests with enough space for gaming setups.

2

Gather retro gaming consoles and games. Borrow from friends or family to save costs, or use emulators on PCs if you have the proper licences.

3

Set up the gaming stations with TVs or monitors, consoles, and controllers. Make sure all equipment is tested and working before the event.

4

Decide on an entry fee (e.g., £3-£5 per person) and whether to run any tournaments or challenges with small entry fees to increase fundraising.

5

Advertise your event using flyers around school and local community centres, social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat, and word of mouth.

6

Prepare snacks and drinks to sell during the event, if possible, to boost your fundraising total.

7

On the night, welcome guests, collect entry fees, explain the gaming stations and any tournament rules, and encourage friendly competition.

8

Keep track of scores if running tournaments and announce winners with small prizes or certificates to add excitement.

9

Thank everyone for coming and remind them how their contributions help support your expedition or trip.

10

Count your earnings carefully and share a summary with your supporters online or in person to show your appreciation.

How to advertise it

Create eye-catching flyers and post them around your school, local libraries, and community centres.
Use social media platforms like Instagram Stories, Facebook Events, and Snapchat to invite friends and community members.
Ask your teachers or Scout leaders to announce the event during meetings or classes.
Create a simple event page on Facebook or Eventbrite to manage RSVPs and share updates.
Encourage friends to share the event details to widen your reach.

Realistic earnings

A typical Retro Gaming Night can raise between £50 and £150, depending on the number of attendees, entry fee, and additional sales like snacks or tournament entries.

Top tips

✅ Borrow gaming equipment wherever possible to keep costs down.

✅ Set up a clear schedule for tournaments or challenges to keep the event organised and exciting.

✅ Offer small prizes or certificates to encourage participation and friendly competition.

✅ Have backup games or consoles ready in case of technical issues.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Underestimating the number of power sockets and extension leads needed, which can cause delays or equipment failures.

⚠️ Not testing all consoles and games before the event, leading to unhappy guests if games don’t work.

⚠️ Failing to advertise early enough, resulting in low turnout.