There are a lot of people who keep your community thriving, but first responders in particular risk their lives to keep people safe. It’s important to honor local paramedics, police officers, and firefighters for the difficult work they do. If you’re not sure how to thank first responders for the work they do all year long, consider how an event can be used to show gratitude.
Say thank you to first responders with an event that is all about them, or offer special perks at a regular community event. Consider organizing a volunteer event that raises money, collects donations, or is about creating personalized thank you gifts for first responders. There may not be a perfect way to thank these community members for what they do, but the effort is sure to be appreciated.
If you’re not quite sure how to say thank you to first responders, we’ve come up with a guide that breaks down ideas for volunteer events, event perks, and specific first responder events that should inspire you.
Intentional ways to thank first responders in-person at your event
Honor your first responders no matter what your event is about. Think about sincere ways to thank the first responders who are sure to be in attendance that will demonstrate to them that their community cares about them.
Free tickets for first responders
Consider offering free or discounted VIP tickets to any first responders who may be looking to attend your event. This might include special seating, extras, or vendor discounts. Work with any sponsors or vendors you have if you need help offsetting the extra cost.
Preferential seating
If your event is a concert or performance of some kind, reserve some of the best seats in the house for first responders. You may want to create a ticketing tier just for these individuals that doesn’t charge them a premium price for the seats and indicates to you and your ushers at the event that they should be directed to the special seating area. Eventbrite’s ticketing platform can help you create different ticket types.
Honor your first responders at the event
If it makes sense for your event, consider honoring the first responders that you know will be present at the event by thanking them publicly and presenting them with a token of appreciation on behalf of the community. If you reach out to these individuals beforehand, you may want to allow them to share stories about what their jobs mean to them or ways in which they’ve supported the community.
Create special gifts
Do you have merch for sale at your event? Put together gift packages of this merchandise to give to first responders and their guests for free at the event, or send these to them beforehand. You may want to approach any sponsors who help you produce the merchandise about this idea. It’s possible that your sponsors may want to donate items to include in the gift.
VIP transportation
Arrange private transportation to and from your event for first responders, such as a limo, party bus, or a car. Work with local taxi services to see if they will donate their services to honor first responders.
Personalized signage
Feature signs throughout your venue that thank first responders, particularly near any preferred seating you’ve designed for them. Consider having school children or volunteers create the signs by hand so they have a homemade feel, and include the names of first responders that you know will be in attendance.
Creative ways to give thanks to first responders
If you’re holding an event that may not have first responders attending, but you still want to give your community the opportunity to give back, consider ideas for things you can do at the event that can benefit first responders in the future.
Collect charitable donations
No matter what your event is for, you can still collect donations to send to first responder charities. Allow ticket buyers to add on an optional donation during their check out process on Eventbrite or have a collection at your in-person event. Consider giving these charities free booths or tables at your event where they can educate attendees about their organizations and receive donations.
Thank you letters
Have a table or a booth at your event where you provide supplies for attendees to write thank you letters and notes to first responders. Have craft supplies available so people can decorate their letters and personalize them in a way that they find meaningful. You can arrange to drop these off with a relevant charity or with local police, fire, and emergency medical departments.
Create useful gift baskets
Communicate to attendees prior to the event that you are collecting items to include in gift baskets for first responders. Contact stations first to find out what items would be most useful or appreciated by first responders and their families. Use Eventbrite to send out an email that includes a specific list of what kinds of donations you will accept. You can make an activity out of putting together and wrapping the baskets as well, or put them together after the event.
Film a thank you video
Record a video that includes event attendees or members of your organization thanking first responders and expressing their appreciation for all that they do. Post the video on social media and tag any relevant accounts that will help share your post and make sure lots of first responders in your community see it.
Gift card collection
Collect gift cards and certificates to local businesses, restaurants, and attractions to distribute to first responders. Communicate to your attendees that you are accepting gift card donations at your event, or reach out to businesses and ask if they would be willing to donate gift certificates for a good cause. You may want to consider combining this idea with the thank you letters, and tuck the gift cards inside the handwritten notes.
Unforgettable ideas to make your next event all about honoring first responders
Since 2019, October 28th has been designated as National First Responders Day by the United States Senate. Andrew Collier advocated for the day on behalf of his brother, a police officer who died during the violent attack at the Boston Marathon in 2013. The day is reserved for celebrating all individuals who are there first when people in their community need help.
Make first responders feel truly appreciated by planning an event or activity entirely for them. Depending on your organization and budget, you may want to try fundraising to help offset the cost of the event so you can offer first responders free or discounted tickets. Whether your event is on First Responders Day or another day of the year, here are some ways to provide a special event for first responders and their guests.
An evening to remember
Put together a glamorous night out for first responders that includes dinner and a show. Work with local chefs or catering companies to provide an amazing dinner. Think about the kinds of entertainment that would most appeal to your first responders and bring in musical artists or actors to put on a performance. Take a moment to publicly thank the first responders for their service to the community, potentially before the performance so you don’t detract from it.
A special group outing
Give first responders and their families the chance to make life-long memories by organizing an outing to a local attraction such as a zoo, amusement park, or sporting event. Provide transportation to and from the event as well as meal vouchers or stipends so they don’t have to worry about anything but having fun.
Plan a relaxing getaway
Everyone needs a night away sometimes, especially hardworking first responders. Partner with a local resort to create a special package that you can offer to first responders and guests. Consider including optional excursions the next day to extend the holiday.
Ready to honor your community’s first responders?
When it comes to thanking first responders, it’s important to make your gratitude sincere. Create events that first responders will truly enjoy or organize gifts that will be practical and useful. If our guide has helped you figure out how to honor first responders and you’re reading to plan an event, sign in to Eventbrite to get started. If your event is planned and you’re ready to reach attendees, sell tickets through Eventbrite.
