fundraiser event venues

[pbplus]

Our nonprofit is looking to host its first large scale fundraiser in Philly this fall. At this point, we're planning for an event with cocktails (probably a cash bar), hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner, and a silent auction for 100-150 guests. (We're definitely open to more creative suggestions if anyone wants to offer them.) We're looking for a venue that would be convenient for guests coming from both NJ and the Western suburbs, and price is definitely a factor since the event is a fundraiser. In our ideal world, we would charge $100 per ticket and retain about half of that amount. So far, my research is making that look like a crazy dream. Does anyone have locations you would recommend with reasonable prices (even if they exceed our $50 wish)?

[pbplus]

All these ideas have been really helpful. I had no idea some of these options existed. I'm pursuing them one by one.

In addition to the ones already on the list, we've discovered that the Adventure Aquarium, Moshulu, and Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel are much more reasonably priced than we would have thought.

Some places, like the Radisson, do have a special nonprofit menu. The options are very limited and much less exciting for a food lover, but the prices are unbeatable.

[barryg]

To add more work for you... the Penn Archaeology museum does events in a really cool space, and I think the prices are reasonable.

[Bigley9]

The Hyatt at Penn's Landing hosts A LOT of non-profit events, so my guess is they have a special rate as well.

[urbanfabric]

I think bluehensfan's suggestion of the Reading Terminal Market is a good one. You might also look at 30th Street Station, the building that the Philly Fringe is renovating near the Race St Pier, and perhaps the Navy Yard.

There's also a Latvian Club, on Spring Garden maybe? Where I've been to a few events that weren't fancy, but they seem to have a decent space. Other social clubs might be an option.

I will be impressed if you can hold your price, but it never hurts to dream! Perhaps being a non-profit will help?

[pbplus]

Thanks for these ideas. They look interesting, and I'm encouraged to see some unusual options!

After some more research, I've pretty much accepted the fact that we're not likely to pull anything off for $50. We will probably either increase our ticket price or cut into our profit, but I'm still on the hunt for a great deal.

[arepo]

You might want to check into Bala Golf Club which is pretty common for things like this.

[cwdonald]

Check out the mask and wig club. Its near 11th and Pine. Has the facilities to accommodate the size that you need. Price starts at 950 facilities charge depending on what you are using

You are looking at 50 per person minus facility rental. In the case of M&W you can bring in your own caterer, but do not know if you are going to get what you want at that price point.

http://maskandwigrentals.wordpress.com/

[bluehensfan]

Reading Terminal Market is a great venue or if you want a plant-related theme, Steven Starr does catering at the Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park.