Was wondering when running a charity/fundraiser tourney, how do you have a good payout, so players feel rewarded, and still raise money for the cause. Do players expect the payouts to be less at these type events? I know sponsorship is a big part of, but with player packs, prizes, etc. it seems like there wouldn't be much left to go toward the cause which is the reason for the tournament.
My answer: when running a charity or fundraiser event - do not hesitate to simply do that ... Run a charity or fundraiser event.
Do not lose sleep trying to serve two masters, the fundraiser and the players wanting to "their their money back"
Sure, It can be done elegantly to do some of both, but there is a freeing nature to running an unabashed charity event. if you think you can do both, then by all means go for it.
To that simple charity focus end, one can have reasonable entry, drop all risks of operation and keep the focus where you want it. Yes, you can drop the plastic end if you want. (discs, player packs, commodities) The plastic is what drives the risk. Costs of orders, minimums, carrying costs, worries over turnout and losing your shirt on something that could be much easier.
Door prizes, raffles, on course CTPs are perfect using even non DG commodities.
(prizes that are generally thought of as non skill or unearned)
Even the most simple of score recognition will suffice for recognizing "earned recognition"
There is a reason why charity ball golf fundraisers are very popular, and they generally don't revolve around commodities, trophies, or payout.