Hosting with Heart: Andi Sklar on Turning a Home into a Hub for Good

For many who look at the world and feel a compelling pull to make a difference, the question often is, "Where do I start?" Andi Sklar believes that sometimes the most meaningful impact begins right at home. She understands that while large galas and organized charity runs are wonderful, individuals can also create significant change within their own communities and personal spaces. Over the years, Andi and her family have opened their doors for all sorts of charitable activities, from bustling shopping events that transformed their living room into a temporary boutique, to sweet, simple lemonade stands run by her children. While the idea of hosting a fundraiser in one's own space might seem daunting to some, Andi assures it’s not only doable but can also be incredibly rewarding and even enjoyable.

Andi readily admits she's no Martha Stewart, though she does appreciate a beautifully set table. Her approach has always centered on leveraging what one has – a home, a network, a passion – to create something special for a cause one believes in. She emphasizes that it doesn’t have to be perfect or rival a professional event planner’s production. What it truly needs is heart, a clear purpose, and a bit of thoughtful planning. Andi encourages people to think of their home as a warm, inviting venue where guests already feel comfortable, and to use that inherent advantage. Whether the goal is raising money, gathering needed items, or simply spreading awareness, hosting at home fosters a sense of community and personal connection that can be incredibly powerful for a chosen charity. It allows guests to witness firsthand the host's commitment and makes them feel like vital participants in the effort to make a difference.

One of the beautiful aspects of hosting at home, Andi notes, is the versatility it offers. An event can be tailored precisely to the cause and the host's capacity. A casual coffee morning can raise just as much-needed awareness as a more elaborate evening affair. It’s about finding what feels right for the host and their circle, and then embracing it with enthusiasm.

Finding Your Fundraising Footing at Home

So, how does one begin when ready to open their doors for a good cause? Andi advises that the very first step, before any thoughts of polishing silver or baking cookies, is to clearly define the "why" and the "what." Why is this event being hosted? What specific outcome is desired? Is the aim to raise funds for a particular program, collect donations of goods, or simply educate people about an important issue? Having a clear objective, Andi stresses, will shape every subsequent decision.

Once the purpose is clear, she recommends choosing a cause that truly resonates. Her family's involvement has spanned a range of causes, from pediatric cancer research—which became incredibly personal after her stepfather's journey—to supporting local children's hospitals and vital programs like Pink Aid, which provides financial and support services to women with breast cancer. When the cause is close to the host's heart, their passion becomes infectious, and that genuine enthusiasm is their greatest asset.

Next, Andi suggests considering the nature of the event. What kind of gathering makes sense for the home and the goal? The Sklar family has found success with a variety of formats. Lemonade stands, like the "Angel-ade" ones they’ve organized for Al's Angels (which supports families facing challenging times), are fantastic for getting children involved and teaching them the value of giving back in a tangible way. These events are simple, sweet, and incredibly effective for rallying neighborhood support. They would set up a cheerful stand, the children would proudly serve, and neighbors would stop by to donate and chat – a perfect example of community building with a charitable twist.

For a different approach, Andi has hosted shopping events. This involves partnering with a brand or local vendors who agree to donate a percentage of their sales during the event to the chosen charity. She has transformed her home into a temporary shop, inviting friends and their acquaintances to browse and buy, knowing their purchases contribute to a good cause. These events can feel like a relaxed social gathering, with the added benefit of supporting a worthy cause. Similarly, Andi has hosted fashion events, even collaborating with designers like Christian Siriano, where guests could view a collection, enjoy refreshments, and a portion of sales would benefit a charity. The key here, she advises, is finding partners whose values align with the host's and who are genuinely excited to participate, as this adds novelty and can attract a diverse crowd.

A dinner party is another classic at-home fundraising format that Andi has utilized. It can be as formal or informal as desired – perhaps a themed potluck where guests donate to attend, or a more elegant sit-down dinner featuring a small, impactful presentation about the cause. The intimacy of a dinner party allows for deeper conversations and a stronger connection to the mission. Andi and her family have hosted dinners where they shared stories, explained the impact of the charity's work, and provided a simple way for guests to contribute, making the ask feel more like an invitation to be part of something meaningful.

Planning and Personal Touches

Once the type of event is decided, the planning phase begins. Andi underscores that even for a home-based event, a little planning goes a long way. She suggests starting with the guest list, considering who in one's network would be interested in the cause or would simply enjoy supporting the effort. It's okay to invite a slightly larger group than the home comfortably holds, as not everyone invited will be able to attend.

Communication is paramount. Andi recommends sending out invitations well in advance, clearly stating the purpose of the event, the charity being supported, and how guests can contribute. It's important to be explicit about whether there's a suggested donation amount for a dinner party, or that a percentage of sales from a shopping event will go to charity. Providing information about the charity allows guests to learn more beforehand.

Logistics also need consideration. Will extra seating be needed? Where will people park? How will food and drinks be handled? Andi assures that keeping it simple is perfectly acceptable. For a lemonade stand, a table, chairs, pitchers, cups, and a donation jar suffice. For a shopping event, clearing space for displays and creating a makeshift changing area might be necessary. For a dinner party, planning a menu that can be at least partially prepared in advance can minimize stress. She also encourages hosts not to feel pressured to do everything themselves; friends and family are often happy to help.

Adding personal touches is what makes a home event truly special, according to Andi. She encourages hosts to share their personal connection to the cause with their guests, explaining why it matters to them, as this authenticity is powerful. During the event, having information about the charity readily available – brochures, a short video, or even a representative from the organization if possible – is beneficial. Making it easy for people to donate, whether through a donation box, a QR code to an online donation page, or pledge cards, is also crucial.

The atmosphere shouldn't be forgotten. Music, simple decorations, and a welcoming demeanor can transform a home into an inviting space for giving. For a fashion event, a small runway area or elevated platform might be considered. For a dinner, a nicely set table and background music. For a lemonade stand, colorful signs and balloons. These small details, Andi notes, show care and create a pleasant experience for guests.

The Event Itself and Following Up

The day of the event can be a whirlwind, but Andi advises hosts to try to relax and enjoy it. With the planning done, it’s time to open the home and heart. Greeting guests warmly and thanking them for coming is essential. Mingling, chatting, and at an appropriate moment, gathering everyone’s attention for a brief moment to share the host's story and reiterate the purpose of the gathering is effective. If a charity representative is present, they should be introduced to speak about the impact of donations.

The "ask" should be clear and easy. Whether it's directing people to a shopping area, indicating the donation box, or explaining pledge cards, clarity prevents awkwardness. Throughout the event, the host should be present and engaged, facilitating connections and answering questions, acting as the bridge between guests and the cause.

After the event, the work isn’t quite finished. Andi emphasizes that following up is crucial. Sending thank you notes – handwritten ones add a lovely personal touch – expressing gratitude for support is important. Letting guests know the outcome of the event, such as the amount raised or items collected, and sharing how their contribution will make a difference, not only acknowledges their generosity but also demonstrates transparency and reinforces their impact. This is also a great opportunity to inform them about future ways to get involved with the charity.

Andi Sklar believes that hosting a charitable event at home is an act of generosity that extends beyond just opening a physical space. It’s about sharing passion, a network, and time to create a ripple effect of good. It might start with a few friends in a living room or children selling lemonade on the front lawn, but the impact can resonate far beyond those four walls. It's hosting with heart, and it’s a beautiful way to make a difference, one gathering at a time.