Benefits/Fundraisers
We love benefits, we really do. We are all part of this wonderful SF community and should give back to it at every opportunity.
With that said, email us at benefits@elriosf.com with the following info and we will contact you with available times. Make sure to read the “Things to consider” below before you write in.
-What is the benefit for?
-What do you want to do during the event? (DJ/Live -Music/Food/Film/Performance Stuff/Dance Around Naked)
Preferred times and days?
-What areas do you want to use? (Front/Patio/Rear Room)
-Realistic number of folks attending?
We save a certain number of days each month for emergencies and/or last moment stuff. The best approach for dates is to say what is the most ideal and then we work from that. You can also look at the ‘updates’ behind the booking info for bands(see above)- that generally describes where we are with the calendar for events that have live entertainment. Don’t be afraid of approaching us even though we look booked out. We are a community space and will bend over backwards and sideways to help you. And sometimes things cancel… Saturday afternoons are very popular and book far in advance.
Things to consider
Costs- We do not charge for the use if the club or for equipement. We charge only if you need a service from us like a sound tech, door person, film tech or cook. The staff rate for Fundraisers is discounted to $15hr for Sound/Film/Door and for our Cook, it’s $30(each and includes setup and tear down). Our rate doubles to $30hr(tech/door) for each staff person needed if you do not meet the minimum required draw number. Please choose your day well based on your number expected. We suggest you are conservative in your estimation.
If you have a dj, are doing live performances or film, you will need a tech. If you don’t need staff, there is no charge for our space. You can not do your own sound or cook yourself in the club. In some instances you can do your own door.
Minimum Draw Expectation- What we offer you is based on your expected number of people and the plan for your event. Here are the basic blocks of time and their requirements-
Monday Night Back Room: 40 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/7p arrival/8p start
Tue Night Back Room: 50 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/9p arrival/10p start
Wed Night Back Room: 60 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/9p arrival/10p start
Thursday Eve Patio: no min/simple gathering- acoustic music max/no formal door/5-9p
Thursday Night Back Room: 80 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/9p arrival/10p start
Saturday Day Patio: 150 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/3p arrival/4-8p event
Sat Night Back Room: 150 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/8p arrival/9p start
All of these blocks are meant for more formal events. There are more blocks(and opportunities) for those of you that do not have live music/performance as part of your benefit.
+It help us all if you are realistic about your draw. Don’t ask us for a weekend slot when you are not sure you can meet the minimums. In doing so, you are taking away an opportunity from another group.
How You Raise Money- Your funds are generated by your door charge, donations at the door or directly to you and sliding scales. You can also do raffles and auctions. You are welcome to bring in food or have your event catered. You can only cook (BBQ) by using our staff. You can not outright sell food but can do a suggested donation (Health Dept Requirement). We do not do any arrangements related to bar sales. It is our only income and we want to stay in business. We also do not do beer busts and you can not bring in/sell any beverages (non/alc).
Couple of other Things-
We are a bar, all guests/performers/volunteers, must be over 21 years old(no exceptions).
Avoid live entertainment and it is much easier to find dates. Look at the calendar page to see how and what others are up to with their events. You can not tell what is free though by looking at the calendar.
Do not book with us if you have never been to the club. We have a very particular space and vibe that is not meant for everyone. Check us out first.
In el rios book of grand acts, benefits are up there… so pat yourself on the back, your mama/papa would be proud. Somebody raised a good egg. Thanks for what you are doing.
One Other Option-
Our FRIDAY TOTALLY FABULOUS Happy Hour includes drink specials, FREE Oysters on the half-shell and the swinging sounds of DJs Carmen and Miranda at the Fruit Stand. From 4-6pm ALL BAR PROCEEDS will go to a different charity or non-profit. Is that you? We are looking for smaller, community-based organizations for whom a small amount of money (usually between $200-$300) will go a long way and who will be willing to go the extra mile to make the most of this opportunity.
(click here) EVENTS FORM FOR FUNDRAISERS To be filled out only after you have a confirmed date.
DPW is fining clubs for the flyers you all are putting up on your parties, in locations the city finds to be inappropriate. El Rio does not flyer for any of our events except internally.
See: http://www.meshsf.com/newpage/meshsf/article.php?id=301§ion_id=6&front for a good writeup on the topic. Please follow SF’s Posting Guidelines at:http://www.sfgov.org/site/sfdpw_page.asp?id=32470