While many organizations on campus have used this fundraising strategy, some people question who benefits most from this sort of relationship.
For the most part, representatives from student organizations and business owners have had a positive experience participating in benefit nights.
Jacob Suggs, a senior media production major and co-director of Relay For Life at UNC, said managers are always careful to alert their staff about any upcoming events and that local bars like Country Fried Duck have also been very good at communicating their benefit nights to customers.
“At bars they’re really good about knowing what night is what benefit night — like we just had a benefit night at CFD and they actually, under their drink specials, had written out, like, ‘Relay For Life benefit,’” he said.
Business owners have also had good experiences working with student groups. Miki Bryant, bar manager at TRU Deli & Wine Bar, said she loves working with UNC organizations.
“People might spend a little bit more, which is ultimately going to be positive for the bar, but then it’s also going to help them out as well,” she said.
Although students have had good experiences, some have doubts about the profitability of benefit nights for student organizations.
Kate Schneider, senior business major and manager of fundraising and merchandising for the all-female a capella group the Loreleis, said some people question the amount of money raised at benefit nights.
