Asking for donations instead of presents

[Booboostwo]

I am having a big party for my 46th birthday, about 150 people. I am not expecting presents, nor am I having the party for the presents, but realistically I would imagine that everyone would turn up with a present.

If I had a choice I would prefer that people made a donation either to Breast Cancer Research, as my best friend died of breast cancer 18 months ago, or to Sheffield Children's Hospital, who look after my DD.

Is there a non-wankerish way of asking for donations rather than presents? Not a poem for the love of everything that is holy!

I'd contact the charities for advice, they will also provide gift aid envelopes so that they get more out of the donation.

You can just say on invites- maybe 'Some people gave asked me about gifts but I just want to have a great party together but I would welcome a donation to xyz if you wish'.

I'll have to say something on the invite won't I? We live in France so I will have to say it in French as well!

Would it be OTT to make two little boxes with the names/logos of the charity and leave them on a table during the party?

“No gifts please.....however, should you wish to do so donations to The Children’s Hospital are always gratefully received. The details on how to donate are at xxxxxxx” Though seeing you are in France would an equivalent charity there be more appropriate?

Well my DD is looked after in Sheffield as that is the centre for her rare bone disease - France does not have an paediatric orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in this condition. My friend was British and looked after in Britain. A lot of our friends are not French so I don;t think they would object to the choice of charity as such.

So stick with Sheffield. I do think something on the invite with details of how to donate should they wish to is much better than donation boxes in the garden at the party.

Or Breast Cancer Research or both!

Both charities have online donation pages, so I can add those to the invite. Then again a lot of our French friends do not use the internet that much!

You need to say on invites.

My guess is as they are both UK charities. The money might be better given via a UK tax payer so they can claim the tax back.