Fundraiser- How Do I Feed a Crowd?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various approaches to planning food for fundraisers, particularly how to manage feeding a crowd. Participants share their personal experiences and ideas for recipes and strategies that could work in different scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests not planning to feed a crowd and instead focusing on demonstrations that don’t require everyone to eat.
  • Another participant shares their experience of making Mini Ham Puffs and Pecan Tassies for around 40 people, noting that serving small portions works well.
  • Several users mention the idea of preparing simple recipes ahead of time for sampling rather than cooking during the event.
  • One participant describes their plan for a fundraiser expecting 100 attendees, emphasizing the use of finger foods and a brief presentation to engage guests.
  • Another participant inquires about the recipe for a fruited pizza, indicating interest in shared recipes among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a general agreement among participants that feeding a large crowd can be challenging, and many suggest focusing on small samples or demonstrations rather than full meals. However, specific approaches and recipes vary among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and strategies based on different expected attendance sizes, ranging from small groups to larger gatherings. The nature of the fundraisers varies, influencing the food planning discussions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants planning fundraisers may find the shared experiences and recipe ideas helpful as they consider how to manage food for their events.

lisanski
Messages
7
I have just booked my first fundraiser and would like to know if anyone has any ideas for inexpensive recipies that would serve a crowd. The chairperson putting this all together does not know how many people in the community will respond. How on earth do I plan for such an event?
 
Don't plan of feeding a crowd. Do a demo that doesn't require everyone to eat and if you want food...have something else made up ahead of time.

If you are doing a fundraiser for a smaller group of people (20 or so), make the 10 minute microwave cake and serve small pieces. It is an easy demo and shows great products.

You could also make one of the pizzas....Garden Ranch or another one similar to that. The crust could be made ahead of time and you could demo products to put on top.

You could also make a large cookie pizza....like the fruited pizza. That is an easy demo and the cookie could be made ahead of time.

All the recipes could be cut into tiny pieces if you have over 20 people.

The thing you need to remember is that you are not trying to fill everyone up...just give them a small taste.
 
Personally, I wouldn't try to feed the entire crowd. Depending on the type of fundraiser. You could have a coule of simple recipes made ahead of time for people to sample; however, your main demonstration you could give as a doorprize.
 
PamperedGinger said:
Don't plan of feeding a crowd. Do a demo that doesn't require everyone to eat and if you want food...have something else made up ahead of time.

If you are doing a fundraiser for a smaller group of people (20 or so), make the 10 minute microwave cake and serve small pieces. It is an easy demo and shows great products.

You could also make one of the pizzas....Garden Ranch or another one similar to that. The crust could be made ahead of time and you could demo products to put on top.

You could also make a large cookie pizza....like the fruited pizza. That is an easy demo and the cookie could be made ahead of time.

All the recipes could be cut into tiny pieces if you have over 20 people.

The thing you need to remember is that you are not trying to fill everyone up...just give them a small taste.

What is the 10 minute microwave cake ???
 
For my fundraiser, I made Mini Ham Puffs and Pecan Tassies. I made double batches of each. My host expected around 40 people, so we thought that is everyone had one of each thing that we made, that would work well. I would try to have the show at 2:00 or so, so it's between lunch and dinner. That way, they won't expect a whole meal from you.
I actually found that preparing a dish during the show wasn't necessary. With the women who came, it would have been better to just literally sit around in a circle and talk about all of the pieces that I brought. I think I will do that for my next fundraisers (1 in May and 2 in June). A lot of the women had PC stuff and they really wanted to share what they had and how they use them. I think doing that, allowing the guests to sell the tools, is easier and better than cooking something. Only in a fundraiser, though.
Kristy
 
THe 10 minute Microwave Cake easy!
Take any cake mix, mix it up to the specs on the box and pour it into the Micro Rice Cooker. Cook it without the lid on for 10 minutes. I did that at my fundraiser and sold 3 of the Rice Cookers.
Kristy
 
Fundraiser for 100.....I am doing a fundraiser for a friend with cancer in April, and we are expecting at LEAST 100 people to be in attendance. I am ordering the Fiesta Seasoning Sets and the Farmers Market Sets from Supply Order and making Profiterole Puffs (ahead of time and freezing them) So there will be Chips W/ Salsa &Guac. and veggies and crackers with dip, and the puffs - all finger foods to snack on. I will just talk for about 15 minutes - explain the fundraiser (hoping everyone will want to take a packet and collect outside orders!) and talk about the "Big 3" sets - Cookware, Stoneware, and SA! and than let people wander and browse and shop. I do have several people (other friends of my friend with cancer) who have asked to help - so they will be helping keep food replenished, and taking orders - I will focus on booking shows and handing out packets, and answering product questions.

Good Luck & have fun!

Becky Deemter
[email protected]
/cookinwithbecky
 
PamperedGinger said:
Don't plan of feeding a crowd. Do a demo that doesn't require everyone to eat and if you want food...have something else made up ahead of time.

If you are doing a fundraiser for a smaller group of people (20 or so), make the 10 minute microwave cake and serve small pieces. It is an easy demo and shows great products.

You could also make one of the pizzas....Garden Ranch or another one similar to that. The crust could be made ahead of time and you could demo products to put on top.

You could also make a large cookie pizza....like the fruited pizza. That is an easy demo and the cookie could be made ahead of time.

All the recipes could be cut into tiny pieces if you have over 20 people.

The thing you need to remember is that you are not trying to fill everyone up...just give them a small taste.

Ginger, do you have the fruited pizza recipe please?
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I am doing a fundraiser for a friend with cancer in April, and we are expecting at LEAST 100 people to be in attendance. I am ordering the Fiesta Seasoning Sets and the Farmers Market Sets from Supply Order and making Profiterole Puffs (ahead of time and freezing them) So there will be Chips W/ Salsa &Guac. and veggies and crackers with dip, and the puffs - all finger foods to snack on. I will just talk for about 15 minutes - explain the fundraiser (hoping everyone will want to take a packet and collect outside orders!) and talk about the "Big 3" sets - Cookware, Stoneware, and SA! and than let people wander and browse and shop. I do have several people (other friends of my friend with cancer) who have asked to help - so they will be helping keep food replenished, and taking orders - I will focus on booking shows and handing out packets, and answering product questions.

Good Luck & have fun!

Becky Deemter
[email protected]
/cookinwithbecky

Becky are you freezing the puffs before or after you fill them?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy recipes for feeding a large group using Pampered Chef products?

Some easy recipes include sheet pan meals, slow cooker dishes, and large salads. Pampered Chef offers tools like the Rockcrok and the Large Bar Pan that are perfect for preparing meals in bulk. Consider recipes like baked ziti, chili, or a taco bar, which can be easily scaled up for larger crowds.

How can I effectively plan a menu for a fundraiser event?

Start by considering the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. Choose a mix of appetizers, main courses, and desserts that can be prepared in advance. Use Pampered Chef's meal planning tools and recipe collections to help streamline your menu. Aim for dishes that can be made in large quantities and are easy to serve.

What Pampered Chef tools are best for cooking for a crowd?

Some of the best tools include the Large Bar Pan, the Deep Covered Baker, and the Family-Size Slow Cooker. These items allow you to prepare and serve large quantities of food efficiently. Additionally, consider using the Food Chopper and the Mix 'N Chop for quick prep work.

How do I keep food warm during a fundraiser event?

To keep food warm, use insulated serving dishes or chafing dishes. Pampered Chef's Stoneware can also help retain heat. If you're using slow cookers, keep them on the warm setting. Additionally, consider using warming trays to maintain the temperature of your dishes throughout the event.

What are some tips for serving food to a large crowd?

Set up a buffet-style serving area to allow guests to serve themselves. Use clear signage for each dish to help guests navigate the options. Consider having volunteers to assist with serving and refilling items as needed. Make sure to have enough utensils, plates, and napkins available to avoid any delays.

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