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, read the info below and email us at benefits@elriosf.com with the following info. We will contact you with open blocks. Make sure to read all the information below before you write in. It will save us and you a lot of time. We look forward to working with you!
-What is the benefit for?
-What do you want to do during the event? (DJ/Live -Music/Food/Film/Performance)
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. Don’t be afraid of approaching us even though we look booked out. We are a community space and want 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 equipment. 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. Our rate doubles to $30hr for each staff person needed if you do not meet the minimum required draw number(see below). Please choose your day well based on your number expected. We suggest you are conservative in your estimation.
Our Cook is $30hr (3.5hrs min. We provide the BBQ, gas, BBQ equipment). You provide the food, utensils(compostable only) and plates.
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 take your own donations.
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: 40 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/7p arrival/8p start
Wed Night Back Room: 40 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/9p arrival/10p start
Thursday Night Back Room: 80 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/8p arrival/9p start
Friday Nights are not available to book.
Saturday Day Patio: 150 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/2p arrival/3-8p event- All our Sat afternoons are booked till Nov 2013
Sat Night Back Room: 100 person min/any entertainment allowed/formal door/8p arrival/9p start
Sunday Days are not available to book.
Sun Night Back Room: 50 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 our 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.
(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
