Ticketed hog roast supper
Sell tickets in advance, so you know numbers and costs before the day. The ticket price covers the catering and the margin goes to the cause.
A stall at a bigger event
At a fête or fun day, a hog roast stall can raise money through a pitch fee or an agreed share. Agree it in writing.
Planning
Check the venue allows outdoor gas cooking, collect dietary needs and plan alternatives to pork.
Pricing tickets
For a ticketed supper, work out the catering cost per head from your quote, add any venue hire and other costs, then set a ticket price that leaves a margin for the cause. Selling tickets in advance means you know numbers before you confirm with the caterer.
Venues
Village halls, sports clubs, school grounds and farms all work, as long as there’s an outdoor spot for the roaster and somewhere for people to eat. Ask about hire costs and any rules on outside caterers.
Adding to the evening
Many fundraisers combine a hog roast with a raffle, an auction, a quiz or live music. The food draws people in; the extras raise more.
Dietary needs
Ask about dietary needs when people buy tickets, and plan alternatives to pork. It’s much easier than finding out on the night.
Paperwork
If the event is public, check whether your venue needs anything from the caterer, and whether you need a licence for things like alcohol or music. Your local council can advise.
A simple plan
- Pick a date and venue
- Get a quote and work out your ticket price
- Sell tickets with a dietary question
- Confirm numbers with the caterer
- Add a raffle or auction on the night
Keeping costs predictable
Ask your caterer for a quote based on a minimum and maximum number, so you know your costs whether you sell 80 tickets or 150. Agree a deadline for final numbers.
Thanking volunteers
Volunteers make fundraisers happen. Many organisers include volunteers in the catering numbers as a thank-you for their time.
Telling people about it
A hog roast is a good hook for posters and social media: ‘Hog roast supper in aid of…’ draws more interest than ‘fundraising evening’. Mention the vegetarian option too, so nobody assumes they’ll be left out.
On the night
Have one organiser who meets the caterer, knows the numbers and can make decisions. Serve food early in the evening, then run the raffle or auction while people are relaxed and full.
Before you book
Tell us about the cause, the venue, the date, how you’re selling tickets and your expected numbers. We’ll send a quote you can use to set your ticket price.
Sponsorship
Some fundraisers find a local business to sponsor the food, so more of the ticket price goes to the cause. It’s worth asking.
Quick answers
How do charities make money from a hog roast?
Usually through ticket sales or an agreed arrangement with the caterer. Tell us your plan.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.