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TABLE HOST GUIDE

We are so excited for the
2025 Love INC Annual Fundraising Dinner!

Table Hosts like you are integral to the success of this event. Thank you for your advocacy of our mission and your willingness to serve. We couldn't do it well without you!  

This page will serve you with:

  • Understanding the purpose and big picture of our Annual Fundraising Dinner
  • Knowing the primary activities of a Table Host
  • Identifying where to get help if you need it

The Purpose & Goals of Our Annual Fundraising Dinner

Our Annual Fundraising Dinner achieves several key objectives for the ministry:

  • Invites and encourages new ambassadors to the Love INC mission and vision. We need more people to know who Love INC is ... and how we work through churches to serve people with needs in Lorain County. Our goal for this event is 184 guests.
  • Raises funds for the work of the ministry. Our goal for this event is $70,000.
  • Builds community. Something special happens when we gather in person, together, to hear about what the Lord is doing and calling us to do in this ministry.  
  • Personal growth in you! We have seen over and over in the work of Love INC that when we stretch ourselves to serve, the Lord grows us.  We hope you will grow in your understanding of the Love INC cause and His work in all our lives! 




What to Expect that Evening

  • Plan to arrive at 5:00:  Table hosts arrive at 5:00: check in, get your name tag, locate your table and familiarize yourself with the venue before the doors open to guests at 5:30pm.  We will pray together as a group around 5:15.
  • Greet Your Guests:  Do your best to greet your guests as they arrive and make sure they check in at the registration table.  Welcome them to the venue by showing them your table(s) and introducing them to other table-guests they may not know. 
  • Dinner:  Enjoy dinner with your guests, and do your best to lead conversation about your story and involvement with Love INC.  No pressure here - relax and share as you have opportunity.  
  • Founders Award:  This part of our program recognizes a long-standing volunteer and supporter who has had significant impact on the ministry.
  • Testimonial Video:  This is the highlight of the evening!  The testimonials provide first-hand account of how Love INC brings value to those we serve: churches, clients, volunteers, and supporters, and how each entity or person grows closer to God through those experiences!  
  • Invitation to Partner:  This is a critical point to the evening: an invitation to support the ministry financially, as well as to express interest in volunteering or serving as a prayer partner. 
  • Conclusion:  Love INC will follow up with you in the coming weeks to get your feedback and testimony on the evening.  





The Role of A Table Host

There are five key elements to table hosting:

FOCUS

Spend time in prayer over the weeks leading up to the Dinner. Pray for the needs that will be shared weekly in the Table Host email updates. Focus on how God is calling you to reach out to others to invite and encourage them to attend the Dinner and get to know the vital mission of Love INC.

FILL

Invite your friends, associates and acquaintances to be your guests and to sit with you at your table(s). Ideally, your guests will be new to the Love INC ministry. Tables seat 8. Don't worry about going over or under; your job is to pray, invite, and leave the results to the Lord. Love INC staff will make sure unfilled tables get filled.

Facilitate

You are serving as a host.  Plan to arrive early (5pm! We will gather at 5:15pm for prayer) so that you are ready, when the doors open at 5:30, to welcome your guests and show them your table. Work with Love INC staff for any needs that may arise. When possible, lead discussion at dinner around your experience with the Love INC ministry. Collect gift envelopes for your table at the end of the evening. (You will receive specific directions on your role and responsibilities in advance of the Dinner.)

FUND

(Optional!):  Sponsor the cost of the table ($350), or secure a sponsor for the evening.

FOLLOW-UP

During the week immediately after the event, thank your guests for attending by sending a quick email, text message, or by speaking with them. Love INC will also follow up with all attendees, but a personal message from the person who invited them demonstrates care and purpose. Direct your guests to appropriate Love INC staff if they have additional questions about the ministry.




How To Invite Guests

Most people respond best to a personal, multi-channel approach. For example, consider sending an email invite with a follow-up phone call.  Or, invite someone during an in-person conversation and hand him/her a printed invitation as a reminder to register. Our Dinner software, Fundeasy, makes it very easy for our Table Hosts to send email invites, but be sure to follow up with a conversation, as it is not unusual for emails to get lost or sent to a spam filter. Anyone can be directed to the Love INC homepage to access details about the dinner and the link to register.




Dinner Timeline  

  • 6-8 Weeks before the Dinner:  Begin inviting guests.
  • 4 Weeks before the Dinner:  Continue inviting guests AND watch for ongoing communication from Love INC staff.  
  • 2 Weeks before the Dinner:  Check in with your guests to ensure they are still attending and add any last minute guests.
  • 1 Week before the Dinner:  Consider sending an introductory email to everyone at your table and provide connection points about who will be sitting together if they don't already know each other.  Make sure your guests get any questions answered about the evening.
  • 1-2 Days:  Love INC will send a reminder email about the dinner to all on the guest list.
  • Post Event:  Love INC will follow up with you and your guests to celebrate goals and garner feedback.  

FAQs

How many sit at a table?
Tables seat 8.  If you have more, we will provide you with an extra table and your tables will be next to each other. If you don't fill your tables, don't worry! We can combine tables or add others who need hosts to your table.

What if I can't fill my table?
It happens! Don't worry! Un-hosted and last-minute guests get added to empty seats and/or we may combine two partially filled tables.  

Can guests bring children/teens?
This is an adult only event. 

Do I have to buy/sponsor a table if I am a table host?
While we welcome the sponsorship of tables by table hosts, it is not required. We have sponsors who do not bring guests and use their sponsorships for unsponsored tables. You are also welcome to seek out a business or other person who might like to sponsor a table. Let us know if you would like sponsor materials!

What is the dress code?
We embrace a wide demographic who attend our dinner. Generally speaking, we promote the event as "business casual."

What time should table hosts arrive?
5:00pm

What time should my guests arrive?
Guests should arrive no earlier than 5:30pm. The event starts at 6:00pm. Guests may notice that the table is pre-set with salads and rolls. Please wait until the opening prayer to begin eating.

Resources

  • Electronic Invitations:  You should have an email with access to electronic graphics and invitations. If not, please contact us...
  • Paper Invitations:  A limited supply of paper invitations are available. Contact us is if you need them!
  • Direct Registration Link:  You can tell anyone to register right from our home page at LILC.org.
  • Dinner Updates: Watch for Table Host emails from our team so you can continue to provide support through prayer and stay informed with updates.
  • Video Resources: Watch these videos in advance of the dinner so you are prepared to share and discuss information about who Love INC is, how it started, and its impact on the community! Feel free to share any with your guests in advance of the Dinner so they, too, have a better understanding of our vision and mission!
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