we are in the same boat here, I went w/ a different catalog company and we raised 57% less than last year which was $2,oooshort. I had no one (not 1 volunteer show to help with anything). I got from alot of parents why bother my kids will get the money anyway. ( we paid for field trips and printers and cow's) This was my first year as the Fundraiser. I am dreading to think about spring time fundraising coming already.We have 523 students and had 73 people including teachers and staff participate.
We do a run/walk every spring and the most we made was $23,000!!! This can be a successful fundraiser! We didn't use anyone to help plan it so we got 100% of the money. Here's the basics on how we do it.
We do it in 2 days:
Grades k-2 day 1
Grades 3-5 day 2
We get numbers printed on paper (1-20), and each set of 1-20 printed on different colored paper so each class in k-2 has different colors but are all numbered 1-20. These numbers are safety pinned onto the t-shirts.
We get sponsors: one main sponsor and then about 20 or so sponsors whose logos we put on the back of t-shirts (we leave a square on the back in the middle of the sponsors & it has "I ran_____laps")
We provide t-shirts & water bottles.
We have parents come & count laps & help cheer the kids on & monitor water breaks. Last year we had other classes come out with signs to cheer on their classmates.
The kids run/walk for about 30-45 minutes.
Our prizes are almost all donated by local businesses. We have prizes for: top lap runners (boy & girl), most money raised, then we have prizes for the kids who come in under those - probably about 15-20 prizes in all. We've had an electric scooter, i-pod, limo ride, playstation2...
It takes A LOT of work but it is SO much fun!!! I hope you try again - it can be very successful!
LUVMYKIDS;146688 wrote: I like the walkathon idea from the standpoint of the kids doing something healthy and not having to sell product,
I agree ... I wonder, in terms of the not getting something "tangible" issue, whether you'd have more luck with a targeted fundraiser. Eg, not just "support the PTO" but "walk for computers" or whatever big capital expense you want to fund. Then you still have a "tangible."
Just to update everyone on our walk-a-thon. We made $374 dollars! Wow, what a flop! I am completely disgusted. We sent home so much information regarding this walk-a-thon. I was sure it would be a hit. Unfortunately, we will have to stick with the boring catalog sales.
We also went to a Walk-a-thon this year instead of a catalog-- I budgeted to only make 3,000 though because of it being a new event I felt that the 3,000 would be a good goal for this year and after we sent out notes that we would be doing this again next year- instead of a catalog again so parents knew a head of time and would be ready for it...
AS far as quick money to make up the difference--- I would try and pick up some restaurant nights that give a percentage for anyone that comes in--- that way it's not just the parents that you are getting money from-- Mcdonald's does 15% for 3 hours, Burger kind does a percentage but you have to say with the school-- but no limit on many you can do--- these are pretty easier to run as well with a small amount of volunteers... and the money will add up quick-- we can earn 2-300.00 per night. Good luck!
It's always nice to try something new, but fundraising is one of those scary areas where the tried and true are the safest bets. Also, what is a huge success at one school can be a big flop at another. It's best to have a back up plan just in case.
Your thought on trying the Beich fundraiser in the spring is a good one, if you can wait that long for funds. Would you be able to squeeze something small in that would be a good fit for holiday gifts/entertaining? Maybe the Beich fundraiser now?
I like the walkathon idea from the standpoint of the kids doing something healthy and not having to sell product, and if I were you I'd try it again next school year to see if you can build participation as people get used to it. Maybe move it to the spring as a back-up fundraiser and keep your Beich sale as your fall "fill the coffers" fundraiser.
