How to Host a Halloween Fundraiser at The Betty: Spooky Chic Ideas for October
October is one of our favorite months at The Betty Event Center. The air feels crisp, creativity comes alive, and Long Beach buzzes with community events.
Whether you’re raising funds for a local nonprofit, school, or charity, a Halloween-themed fundraiser offers the perfect mix of fun and philanthropy.
Here’s how to plan a spooky-chic celebration that delights guests, drives donations, and makes a lasting impact, all with The Betty’s unique vintage-modern atmosphere as your backdrop.
Step 1: Choose a Fundraiser Theme That Wows
A clear theme sets the tone and helps guests instantly connect with your cause.
Our flexible event space transforms easily for any of these Halloween-inspired concepts:
Masquerade Gala: Elegant black-and-gold décor, masks for guests, and live string music.
Monster’s Ball: Moody lighting, a DJ, and a costume contest.
Trick-or-Treat Tasting: Local restaurants or breweries set up tasting stations for ticket-holders.
“Haunted History” Night: Include a storytelling segment or live performance about Long Beach legends.
Each concept can incorporate silent auctions, raffles, or donation drives while keeping the mood upbeat and immersive.
Step 2: Plan the Atmosphere—Spooky but Stylish
At The Betty, our architectural charm pairs beautifully with dark, dramatic themes. The goal is to feel festive, not frightening.
Try these ideas for a chic Halloween aesthetic:
Color palette: Deep plum, matte black, copper, and candlelight.
Florals: Dahlias, black calla lilies, or autumnal arrangements with pampas grass and eucalyptus.
Lighting: Uplighting in amber or purple hues, paired with hanging Edison bulbs or flickering LED candles.
Centerpieces: Mini pumpkins, mercury-glass candle holders, or black lace table runners.
You can work with your decorator or our in-house coordination team to create an atmosphere that feels seasonal, sophisticated, and on-brand for your organization.
Step 3: Keep Guests Engaged with Interactive Moments
Halloween fundraisers thrive on energy and entertainment.
Add interactive experiences that make people excited to give:
Costume Contest: Offer prizes for categories like “Best Couple,” “Most Creative,” or “Spookiest Ensemble.”
Photo Booth: Set up a backdrop with cobwebs, lanterns, and branded props for social sharing.
Mystery Auction: Wrap prizes in black boxes. Bidders only learn what they won when it’s revealed onstage.
Pumpkin Painting Station: A low-cost, family-friendly activity that doubles as décor.
Research published in JAMA Network shows that nonprofit appeals that include emotional storytelling significantly increase donor response and volunteer engagement compared to appeals that use only factual information.
At The Betty, we can help design your floor plan to keep the energy flowing between mingling, dining, and donation moments.
Step 4: Feature Seasonal Food and Drink
Your menu is part of the experience. Make it playful and memorable.
Coordinate with your caterer (or one of our preferred partners) to include:
Signature cocktails: Blackberry spritzers, “Witch’s Brew” sangria, or cinnamon-apple mocktails.
Autumn-inspired appetizers: Butternut squash crostini, pumpkin soup shooters, or maple-glazed meatballs.
Dessert bar: Mini pumpkin pies, dark-chocolate mousse cups, and caramel-dipped apples.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends clear labeling and safe food handling practices at community events to ensure guests with allergies or sensitivities can enjoy the evening confidently.
Our staff will assist your team or vendors with setup, service, and cleanup so you can focus on mingling and fundraising.
Step 5: Align Décor and Messaging with Your Mission
Fundraisers are most effective when the visual theme supports the cause.
Consider subtle ways to connect Halloween aesthetics with your organization’s message:
Use custom signage like “No Tricks—Just Treats for Change.”
Decorate donation tables with your organization’s logo in seasonal colors.
Incorporate storytelling moments or video presentations that tie donations to real impact.
We can assist with projection, screen setup, or ambient lighting adjustments to match your media presentations.
Step 6: Promote Early & Encourage Costumes
Engagement begins long before guests arrive. Use social media to share teaser photos, costume ideas, or décor sneak peeks. Create a hashtag (e.g., #SpookyGivingAtTheBetty) to encourage posts before and during the event.
Remind attendees that costumes are encouraged, but optional, and provide a few simple guidelines (family-friendly, comfortable for dining and dancing, etc.). Costumes give guests an easy conversation starter and make your event photos instantly shareable.
Step 7: Add Easy Donation Opportunities
Not every guest will have cash on hand, so make donating friction-free.
Options include:
QR codes linking to online donation portals.
Silent auction mobile bidding apps.
“Buy a Treat” stations, where every dessert or drink sold contributes a small percentage to the cause.
Our event coordination team can provide Wi-Fi access points, display stands, and logistical support to ensure payment options run smoothly all evening.
Why The Betty Is Perfect for Your Halloween Fundraiser
Our Long Beach venue combines timeless design with flexible space that adapts beautifully to both formal galas and festive themed events.
We offer:
Indoor and outdoor gathering areas for seamless guest flow.
On-site coordination and vendor support.
AV and lighting systems are ideal for live music or multimedia presentations.
Spacious layout for auctions, bars, or interactive stations.
Learn more about our event capabilities on our Social Events page.
Final Thoughts
A Halloween fundraiser doesn’t have to be dark and eerie. It can be warm, vibrant, and unforgettable. With the right theme, creative details, and a stunning venue like The Betty, your October event can bring people together for fun while making a real difference.
Ready to bring your spooky-chic vision to life? Reach out to schedule a tour or reserve your October date.
Let’s make this Halloween one to remember for both your guests and your cause.
