We hold our raffle/silent auction in April in conjunction with our carnival. I posted a big list of ideas for theme baskets and examples of what could be included in those baskets. I made sure it was known that only one teacher per theme. I'm doing those baskets as part of the silent auction so whatever money is bid on them is what goes back to the classroom. I know both of my boys' teachers signed up and sent home flyers explaining what they're doing and what the money raised from their particular baskets is going to be put towards in their rooms.
I've been told that something similar was done a couple years ago (before my arrival) and some teachers only received a few dollars and had to wait quite awhile for their money! I PROMISED that would not happen this year. I'm planning on starting the bidding at a decent amount but not too high to scare a parent off. I think if the parents know that that money will directly help their child's class they will be more inclined to help out.
I can email you my list as I posted it in the teacher's lounge if you want?
Holly This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We have a basket Raffle at Christmas Time and each Class has a different theme. The money raised goes towards the Parent Club as a fundraiser. The school my older girls went to always included their basket raffles with their Spring Carnival. The baskets weren't as big, but I believe they generated more money. Our present school needs to combined some of it's fundraisers together. This might help sales if combined with something...like our previous school did.
Holly,
I like the idea you mentioned that all the money generated by classroom baskets goes directly back to the teachers. How exactly does that work?
Our auction includes themed classroom baskets that the class moms coordinate. Some are wonderful and some less so. All the tickets that are put in for each of these baskets are counted after the event and the class that has most 'hits' gets an ice cream party.
I think if the teacher knew the money was going directly back to them, they might be motivated to making their classroom baskets more grand.
I will throw this idea by our chairperson. I know she won't go for it because she hates me but that's a story for a different PTO Today thread...maybe 'Petty PTO Politics, Get a Life'...something like that.
I'm so happy that your staff is coming together to help you and the students out!
Along with our regular raffle and silent auction, we posted a list of theme baskets (many theme baskets that were posted on here!) and asked the teachers if they would like to sign up for one. If they did, then they solicit donations from their students' parents and local businesses to fill it. The money raised from the "classroom baskets" goes back to that teacher for supplies or whatever they want to use them for in their room.
We have about 10 or so teachers that signed up out of 30. I'm excited to see how they turn out!
With our President having resigned and not having sent out donation letters, as promised, we asked for ideas about the raffle table at our carnival next month expecting to have cancel the booth and recieved one heck of a response. The staff offered to bring things to fill baskets if our group would purchase them ($.94 at Walmart). How awesome is that? We are a low income school with low parent and teacher participation to our group and I have been overwhelmed the last 2 days from the response to this. They have even made it fun by saying whoever got to the baskets first got to pick the theme for their team. This may be an idea for you guys to use to help with baskets for the raffle table or just a nice story.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
