Night at the Races Fundraiser in Los Angeles

Help Your LA Organization Raise $2,000-$8,000 in One Evening with an Engaging Night at the Races Event

Example Budget: What a Well-Run 150-Guest Los Angeles Night Could Raise

Here’s how the numbers could work for a high school booster club expecting 150 guests at a well-run event — illustrative figures, not a real event:

Everything Your LA Organization Needs

Digital delivery means immediate access to all event materials the moment you check out.

Perfect For These LA Organizations

Night at the Races fundraisers work brilliantly across every type of Los Angeles organization

Do we need any special permits in California?

Rules for charitable gaming and fundraising events are set at state and sometimes local level, and California has its own. Whether your event needs a permit or license can depend on how you sell tickets and handle prizes or payouts, your organization’s status, and your venue — including any alcohol license. Before you set a date, check with the relevant California authority or your local clerk’s office, and ask your venue what it requires. The IRS also publishes general guidance on gaming for tax-exempt organizations. Whichever format you plan — play money, fixed prizes or pooled payouts — describe it when you ask, as the rules for each can differ. This is general information, not legal advice.

What equipment do we need?

Basic needs: a viewing screen, room audio, a laptop for videos, and tables and chairs. Most Los Angeles facilities already have this gear. We deliver all race footage, race tickets, and administrative forms digitally, so once you have a screen and speakers you are set to run the entire evening.

How much should we charge in LA?

Los Angeles audiences respond well to a modest entry price paired with plenty of optional spending. Many groups charge fifteen to thirty dollars at the door, then build revenue through race ticket sales, concessions, and sponsorships. Layering several small, enjoyable spending moments across the night usually outperforms one high ticket price and keeps the mood celebratory.

Can we get local business sponsorships?

Yes, and LA’s dense small-business landscape makes it a standout revenue source. Local shops, studios, and service providers frequently sponsor a race for recognition in front of an engaged neighborhood crowd. Sponsorships typically run one hundred to five hundred dollars each, and with eight races on the card the total builds fast before race ticket sales start.

How many volunteers do we need?

Most LA events run comfortably with six to ten volunteers handling the door, ticket window, concessions, and prizes. Choosing the Premier package with its professional virtual host lets you operate with an even smaller team, since the host drives the presentation and your people concentrate on guests and revenue.

What time should we schedule our event?

Friday and Saturday evenings work best, with a six-to-seven start giving guests time to beat LA traffic and arrive relaxed. If young kids will attend, five or five-thirty starts work best, wrapping up before bedtime conflicts arise so families can enjoy the whole night without a late drive home.

How do we promote our event in Los Angeles?

Promote through channels you already control: mailing lists, Facebook/Instagram accounts, and personal outreach to your base. Then extend into neighborhood groups, school and team newsletters, and flyers at supportive local businesses. Personal invitations from members remain the single most reliable way to fill the room.

Should we serve food and drinks?

Yes. Elementary concessions—chips, sweets, drinks—generate notable supplementary income on top of betting revenue and keep guests in the room between races. Many LA venues, including breweries and licensed halls, allow bar sales that can lift the night’s total considerably when managed responsibly.

Can we customize the horse names?

Absolutely. Name horses after LA neighborhoods, local businesses, coaches, or community in-jokes your crowd will recognize. You can also transform horse names into revenue by auctioning naming privileges to major donors and corporate partners, adding an extra income stream and a memorable moment for sponsors.

Which package should our LA organization choose?

The Premier package is the top choice across Los Angeles because its professional virtual host delivers polished, hands-off entertainment while your volunteers focus on guests and revenue. The Complete package fits groups with a confident volunteer MC, and the Starter package is an affordable way to try the format before making it an annual tradition.

Want Someone to Host Your Los Angeles Night at the Races?

We’re building a network of local hosts across the USA. Tell us about your event and we’ll email you if a host becomes available in your area. Prefer to run it yourself? You’ll also get our free Night at the Races playbook.

Ready to Fund Your LA Organization?

Join Los Angeles organizations raising more money with less effort through an engaging Night at the Races fundraiser