An Interview about Charity Events with Manjeet Pabla, Special Events Manager at Haven Hospice.
The UK events industry contributes an estimated £62 billion to the economy each year, but recent years have brought unprecedented challenges. From the aftershocks of the pandemic to the ongoing pressures of the cost of living crisis, charities like Haven House Children’s Hospice have had to adapt quickly and creatively to continue supporting families who rely on their services. Manjeet Pabla is the special events manager at Haven Hospice. She told us the challenges charities face when putting on large charity events. This is the last in our series for the #AmplifyingAction – Shaping the Future of Events & AV campaign.
How can charities ensure their events still attract donors during the cost of living crisis?
As an event specialist currently consulting with Haven House, I know first-hand the delicate balance we must strike: creating meaningful, memorable experiences for donors and guests, while carefully managing every pound to ensure as much as possible goes directly towards the vital care we provide.
Blending tradition with fresh ideas
At Haven House, our events calendar is essential for engaging supporters and raising the funds needed to keep our services running. We host a range of events – from intimate gatherings at the hospice to large-scale galas in iconic venues such as Speaker’s House in Westminster. Working in historic spaces often comes with logistical and budget challenges. There are strict restrictions and hidden costs, so we lean heavily on experienced production partners to
assess each space and find creative solutions. When possible, we host events on-site at Haven House. Not only is this cost-effective, but it also gives supporters the chance to see the hospice and understand the difference their
contributions make. Our purpose-built gazebo, for example, offers a beautiful – if sometimes weather-dependent – space. Every event has contingency plans A, B and C. Strong relationships with suppliers and partners are crucial; they allow us to negotiate fair terms and sometimes secure in-kind support. Where budget constraints limit décor or equipment, we incorporate meaningful touches – such as artwork and photos created by the children and families we support. These details are more than decoration; they are a powerful reminder of our mission.
A royal garden party and creative problem-solving
One event that stands out was a garden party attended by Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. True to British weather, we faced unexpected challenges. Our gazebo, a much- loved asset, had a hidden problem – a mouldy ceiling we simply couldn’t afford to refurbish at that time. In true event manager style, we found a creative workaround: filling the ceiling with helium balloons to hide the issue and create a playful, uplifting look. While strong winds and the rain threatened to spoil the plan, we had backup strategies in place. Miraculously, we had a
three-hour window of sunshine while the royal guests were with us – a stroke of luck and a testament to our resilience and planning.
Balancing impact with budgets
In today’s climate, event costs have soared, especially venue fees and production costs. Asa fundraiser, my job is to make tough decisions: prioritising what’s essential and cutting back on “nice-to-haves.” For example, while guests love photo booths, they’re not mission-critical – a great dance floor and strong AV setup to support our appeals are far more important. Despite rising costs, we aim to keep ticket prices accessible to ensure inclusivity and maintain supporter engagement. Our annual ball is a highlight, attracting celebrities, corporate partners, and long-standing donors. It requires significant investment in AV and production to ensure our appeal films and family stories resonate deeply – these elements are crucial for successful fundraising on the night.
Funding, teamwork, and the bigger picture
Every event is a reminder of the constant balance we face: we need events to raise money, but we also need money to deliver events that inspire and connect. This balancing act is made possible by strong production partners, dedicated volunteers, and supportive suppliers who understand our mission. While Haven House benefits from incredible community support, we receive no government funding. Like many charities, we urgently need policy reform and increased investment in charity infrastructure to help us do even more. Ultimately, every decision we make – every budget line we scrutinise – is in service of the families and children who rely on Haven House. Our mission is to provide outstanding care and support, and every event is designed to help us continue this work, no matter how challenging the landscape becomes.
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