We do not sell things to gain funds. We're a small school of about 120 elementary students.
These are the type of projects we've done.
Family Fun Night- Carnival in the Spring
Old Country Buffet Night- in the Fall
Pizza Hut Night- in the Spring
Fun Family Dinner- Spaghetti Buffet this year in the Winter
Auction- our first try we raised $6800.00- not bad, huh?
We recycle ink cartridges through "Kash for Kids" and that is a really big money maker. Their turn around time is only 2 weeks. All you need are a few parents that work in large offices.
We're thinking of a Parents Night Out before Christmas to do shopping. We do crafts and make popcorn with the kids.
We're all the time thinking of more things to do.
Our elementary PTO has never raised under $15K for the fall festival since 1999. The biggest thing is the Royalty contest which is over 50 years old. I had this typed up and have sent it to several people on this site. I lost it in the crash, I think. There is even a good turn over on the ham dinner. I tried to get that changed during my office, didn't happen. The haunted house is a biggie too. Also there was pretty good success with our basket auctions and prize walks. Several parents have told me they do alot of their Christmas shopping there. Ha Ha.
Other non selling things you might could try:
Santa Shop
change drives
arts and crafts show
Chili or Spaghetti suppers
Mom's/Dad's night out
raffles (if that is allowed in your area)
tourneys (various sports)
bake sales
hat day for $1.00(or if you have uniforms the kids could wear regular clothes for a "fee")
Perhaps you could set up a booth during community events.
I am a parent of three children always selling something. My goal as a new parent on 2 PTO's is to present different ideas to fundraise w/ out selling "products". Some of my early ideas are silent auction/dinner/dance (off campus), and a mystery dinner. Any more with directions are desperately needed. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or a reply. I love this site, so I visit often.
