I agree with jurijeka, your event was obviously a success. But at the same time there is no harm in improving upon already successful events, and now is the time to discuss as it is fresh in your mind. Get these ideas down in your minutes so that you'll have reference for next year...
- Childcare is definitely a major way to increase participation. We often try to set up childcare down in the gymnasium, with parent volunteers runnings games, etc., down there so that the parents can enjoy the event.
- Maybe try to couple the auction with a kids friendly activity. That way the children will want to attend and the parents will "come along".
- Open it up to the community so that non-school adults can bid as well (depending on the items that you are auctioning off).
- Make sure that the event doesn't conflict with children's sports. There's a lot of activities going on right now, from baseball, softball, soccer, etc.
- Try to contact local sports teams, at least 6 months in advance, and ask for donations. We do this every year and usually get a signed baseball, a signed football, etc.. These items often are a great way to lure in the men.
- Ask for donations from local vendors. For example, golf items would be a big hit. Try to get a golf bag, a club, balls, etc. and package it together. That way when you send home the fliers about the event you can talk about some of the great items.
- Take out an add in the local paper, or see if they would be willing to post it at no cost.
- If your town has a cable channel see if you can have your event posted.
- See if one of the families near your school, that live on the main street, would be willing to have a bill-board posted a week or so before the event.
Hope these help.
PresidentJim
