We sent out letters early this year, not knowing that a major catastrophe was waiting to strike. So far, donations are trickling in. We've gotten some nice ones. This was the first year we had sent out letters. Usually we just do it locally. I'm worried about overall profit from our Fall Festival because of gas and everything. We'll see.

I agree that we will probably all see reduced donations, but I don't think that should mean we should stop asking for them. My child still needs a quality education, and if a donor wants to help fund our school, I'm thrilled to let them! If the donor prefers to help hurricane victims, more power to them.

I'm in the same boat as you. I simply do not feel comfortable approaching national corporations asking for donations for something as amall as my local school when so many others are in great need. Luckily, I started soliciting locally two months ago and have gotten a good response. My board agrees with my decision not to send out national donation letters this year. I will continue soliciting locally--maybe you could just do that? Or if you really want to try on a national level. make a few phone calls to companies first to see if they are able to help you. Oprah had promised us two tote bags full of books and we ended up with just the bags because she sent her books to the hurricane victims! I'm not complaining, any donation is welcome! I would not mention that you have evacuees unless your auction is a benefit for them. Our PTO hasn't done a fundraiser yet, but the administration has and it was down from last year. No doubt about it, with gas prices and this hurricane, fundraising will be down this year.

I think that we all are going to see a ripple effect based on current events. I know that we just completed our Fall fundraiser and our sales were down by about 60%. We are holding our 4th Annual Silent Auction in November and I am so glad that we started back in April. Fundraising will be more difficult this year for sure.

I would like to know what everyone's thoughts are on the topic of corporate and celebrity donations. I planned a couple of months ago to hold a silent Internet auction in Spring 2006. The items for this would be donations from corporations and celebrities as I'm sure you're all aware. However, now I wonder if it's worth sending out letters asking for donations when so many people were affected by Hurricane Katrina and now, it looks like, Hurricane Rita will have the same - if not close to - effect on the Texas Coast as the Gulf Coast last month. I am struggling with the question, "How can I send a letter to XYZ Corporation when they just gave a million dollars for hurricane relief?" We actually have a few evacuees from that area and I could work that into the letter but that seems exploitative. Please let me know what ya'll think. Thanks.