D.A.Ds
Diabetic Alert Dogs
How do you do it...?
To answer that directly, (as Sean's mom)...(We wrote a formal letter (copied/photos on it/return envelope and response card...) to every family and friend who has ever written us a Christmas card. And we went around to local businesses like our yogurt shop/pet store, etc and asked for donations/gifts for a bingo night a friend sponsored and had prizes per round- and the biggest thing is we WROTE OUR STORY and TALK TALK TALKED. You never know who knows who...set up a facebook site, and a website that was easy enough for me to do and only $5/mo. Even made business cards with contact info/links/DAD definition, etc...- Prepared a 30-45 second "speech" as I handed businesses of Sean's one page story/flyer to his bingo night (with him present) then followed up in person a week later. FUNDRAISING IS NETWORKING. It's not just full-time research, but also getting out there being vulnerable!...Not a single neighbor on our block, establishment we frequent, family member, FB friend or acquaintance should be shocked by the time we get our DAD. They've all gotten flyers and information on our journey towards one.- And information on how to help is included in a positive manner on all the information (or else there's no way to get it!) ...Someone came alongside our efforts and matched up to a certain amount anonymously which was a tremendous help~ but I have no idea how they got word- and yet if not for many friends OF friends, we would be short a few thousand as well...and work- my husband's carpool rallied with one of our flyers and gathered quite a bit from "the crew"...People are visual. They will listen, but they like to read, watch, click- and so handouts- videos (I made some YouTube vids as well), sites, articles-facebook posts... When they see your passion they will get on board, and maybe once they are on board, they will get some of their people on board...etc. The idea ball keeps rolling further than you, but it has to begin with you. And encourage people to help in the way that works for THEM...like my friends' bunco group giving $5 per player towards our DAD instead of the bunco grab gifts...So creative! And we have businesses like Pampered Chef doing 15% of an upcoming order back to us- Plus Lazy Dog will do an evening where everyone who dines with them, 15% goes back to our non-profit where the dog is coming from (and our school will allow flyers around for that, etc...) I have friends/know of families who are planning pancake breakfasts, have hosted a concert, a dinner/bar/silent auction night and been hugely successful in just one event! To each their own, I believe-find what works best for you!...but in every case, WRITE, PRINT & SHARE! You may email me directly at annabooth27@aim.com and I will send you a copy of our letter to look at, or I can also assist you in writing your story~
RESOURCES!
via fundraising friend Dawn Ripley:
First .. you need a place for people to send their donations to:
6 Places You Can Get a Free Fundraising Website
As someone who loves to incorporate the Internet into my fundraising events, I have found many useful online resources for fundraising teams. One of these resources is a free fundraising website platform.
There’s actually many of them available online if you know where to look. I’ve tried a few of them, and found some to be better than others. The following are six of my favorite free fundraising websites.
#1: GoFundMe.com
This free fundraising website, GoFundMe.com, is super easy. Set up is a simple point and click. For instance, put in how much you want to raise, site name, and choose the colors you like best. It’s that simple. Once your site is up, you can blog to let your donators know how your fundraiser is going, and what your organization is doing.
You can even implement videos and images. This is a great feature, as it really makes your donation page attractive.
Use your page to tell your Facebook friends about your fundraising event, tweet it on Tweeter, or one of the many other social networking capabilities the site allows you to use.
The only downside is that they charge you a transaction fee and then PayPal will charge you a processing fee whenever you receive a donation. The fees are small. It might be easier to stomach the fees when you consider the increase in donations you’ll receive from promoting your fundraiser online.
#2: YouCaring.com
YouCaring.com is a free fundraising website platform that is similar to GoFundMe.com. The creation of the website is point and click. You can also include your goal amount, how much you’ve risen, and many images. It is not as attractive as GoFundMe.com, but it does allow you to have a homepage, and then tabs for your blog, supporters, and comments people would like to make about your organization.
The best part about YouCaring.com is that it doesn’t charge you a transaction fee on donations. Most sites will charge you a fee for each donation you receive, and then you’ll receive a processing fee from PayPal.
Social networking is possible with this site, and you can email your donation page to your friends and family.
The site targets medical, college tuition, and family based fundraisers. So, you might want to check to make sure your site fits into the theme of the website to achieve the most success in your fundraising goals.
#3: DonationPages.com
Personally, I like this one strictly for fundraising events. People searching for something to do and a good cause to support can simply visit this page to see what’s going on in their local area.
If you list your fundraising event on this free fundraising website platform, all you need to do is enter in the most important information about the event. You will enter:
• Who it’s for
• What it’s for
• Where it will be
• Why it will be held
This site has many features others do not. Donators can purchase e-tickets directly from the website. A section tells web visitors how many tickets are currently available. They can also print out directions to the event, and invite friends via email or social networking.
#4: Piryx.com
This website has garnered a lot of acclaim from The New York Times, Microsoft, CNN, and others, because it guides you in creating a professional website for your fundraiser. While the site allows you to create a free fundraising website at no monthly cost, it does charge you a transaction fee for any donation you receive.
#5: WordPress.org
While WordPress.org isn’t specifically a free fundraising website, it does have all the capabilities you need to make a great one. This is personally my favorite, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll see how amazing it is for website creation.
It’s absolutely free if you sign up at WordPress.org. You can choose one of the themes they have on the site, or you can find one through a search engine. Installing your theme is a simple upload to WordPress. From there, you can create a blog, use images, videos, and install plugins for the ability to share information with every social networking site available.
WordPress gives you the power to make a website that’s much different from others to spark donors’ interest. You don’t have to worry about transaction fees, but if you use PayPal to receive the donations, you’ll incur those processing fees.
#6: Blogger
Blogger is another free fundraising website platform that’s similar to WordPress. The only difference is that it doesn’t have as many features. You can choose one of the themes they have available and include video and images, but the plugin capabilities are limited.
Some people like Blogger over WordPress because it’s not as technologically advanced. It has a much easier interface for people who just want to post messages, images, or videos.
Create Your Free Fundraising Website
Now that you have all of these options to create a free website for fundraising, get over to one the websites mentioned here to start today. In a matter of minutes, you can start to market your fundraiser to friends, family members, and anyone else who’s online looking for a way to donate to a good cause.
Next… You need an idea on how to raise the funds besides asking out right to people you know… Involve your local Charitable organizations, your church, your local hospitals, police and fire departments, small businesses can donate items from their stores in exchange for free publicity or advertising that you can raffle off, Big corporations and a lot of employers in your area will sometimes offer to MATCH what ever you raise!!! Hook up with you local Boy Scouts/ Girlscouts, high school teams are oftern asked to do community service and this could qualify…Your local newspapers will run advertising for you and may even donate to the cause or offer to match whatever you raise… You can also do internet searches on organizations to help.. search under service dogs, DADS, foundations, etc..,
You will never know unless you ask!!!
Every fundraiser is limited by the creativity if it’s ideas. When tackling a fundraiser it’s often beneficial to have more than one idea to create an event that appeals to as many people as possible.
Below you will find a list of great ideas for your fundraisers. Always take the time to plan out your events properly and do some thorough research to make sure you’re getting as much out of it as you can.
50/50 Raffle
Perhaps the simplest of all fundraisers is the 50/50 raffle. For example: Two tickets, two dollars. Then you split the winnings with one raffle winner...
All You Can Eat Potato BarTired of the same old spaghetti dinner fundraisers? People will enjoy the change and there is a minimal ...
Baby and Kids' Resale items. Host a baby and kids’ resale as your next fundraiser.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction Calling all eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Help raise funds for your group and meet some new people while doing so.
Barbecue Contest Fire up the grills and break out your best barbecue recipes! Everyone loves a barbecue. Anything cooked on a grill is delicious—even vegetables—and it's a great venue for socializing and getting to know you ...
Bargain Basement Evening Gowns
This is a wonderful way to clean out your closets and make some money during Prom and Homecoming Season. People always have old Prom dresses and Bridesmaids dresses that they don’t know what to do with...
Beautiful Baby Contest- Everyone loves a beautiful baby, and all parentsknow their baby is one. They won’t be able to resist entering their child into your beautiful baby contest. This fundraiser is appropriate for everyone. ...
Book Club Fundraiser
Band with your fellow book lovers, have a good time, learn new things, and raise money for your cause! A book club fundraiser may very well be the perfect combination of fun and function. Car Detailing
Car Wash
This is one of the most used and recognizable fundraisers. It is very simply known as the Car Wash. You will want to find a place to have the car wash at. ASK for DONATIONS only- you'll tend to make more $$
Carnation Day
Everyone loves to receive flowers and it can be very uplifting to know that someone is thinking of you. Have a carnation day on Valentine’s Day or Sweetest Day as your group’s next fundraiser.
Chili Cook-off
Just about everyone has a secret family chili recipe. Encourage people to share theirs by having a Chili Cook-off for your next fundraiser. Charge an entry fee to all chefs and award cash
Christmas Cookie Baking
Most people have already been rushing around for more than a month, first getting ready for Thanksgiving, and now preparing for Christmas. There's shopping to do, decorating, possibly travel to plan, or preparing their homes
Christmas Light Removal
How many times have you driven through a neighborhood weeks, or even months after
Cooking Class
You don't have to be Julia Child to put on a cooking class! And it doesn't have to be complicated French cuisine, either. If your organization has a kitchen, or if you can rent a ... more
Dance-A-Thon
Break out those dancing shoes—it's time to boogie! A 24-hour dance-a-thon is an easy and fun fundraiser. Ask people to sign up to participate. They can either dance as couples or alone.
Death by Chocolate
Chocolate lovers are everywhere. Give them what they want with a Death by Chocolate Fundraiser. Contact local restaurants and pastry chefs to see if they would be interested in participating.
Deposit Bottle Collection
This fundraiser works great in the States with a returnable bottle deposit or area with money for scrap collection facility. Create a flyer with information about your group and what you are collecting money
Dog Bakery...
these shops are popping up all over the country. Spending on our four legged friends is at an all time high.
Dog Wash
Everyone wants their dog to be clean, but not everyone has the ability to give their dog a bath at home, and groomers can be expensive.
Doggie Parade
Everyone loves a parade, so put your doggies on parade. Gather sponsors who will donate for every mile walked or for completing the whole route.
Face Painting
Children love to have their face panted. This is a popular activity at carnivals and fairs. Set up a face painting booth at your next craft show or fair. Enlist the help ... more
Festival
A Festival can be held for any season or Holiday (i.e. Fall Festival, Winter Festival, or Halloween Festival) and can be a great way to raise money for many groups or clubs all at once.
Garage Sale / Yard Sale
Who doesn't have stuff floating around in their attic, basement, or spare room that just isn't used or needed anymore? Clear out the clutter and help your cause at the same time.
Gift Basket Auction or Raffle
No one wants to do another candy sale for his or her schools’ fundraiser. Here is one that is gaining in popularity and returning large rewards for those that host it.
Gold Buying
Admit it. You have several pieces of gold jewelry just sitting in a box or on your dresser gathering dust. Either they're broken or out of style, or maybe they were gifts from someone in .
Holiday Card Fundraiser
It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays! Even though electronic methods have replaced a lot of day-to-day communications, many people still like to send paper cards for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Holiday Flower Sale
Spring tulips, Easter lilies, fall mums, and poinsettias are all seasonal flowers that could be a great fundraiser for your group. Find a local nursery that will wholesale flowers to your group so that ... more
How Many in That Jar?
You will need your best guessing skills for this fundraiser. This fundraiser is very simple to run and requires very little equipment. You will need a large jar or clear box and something
Hugs and Kisses
This is a great fundraiser to run around the romantic holidays (Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day, etc) or at the end of the school year for farewells. Package Hershey’s hugs and kisses candies (the ... more
Ice Cream Social
You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream! Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip. There are so many different flavors to choose from. Everyone loves ice cream. Host an ice ... more
Ice Hole Swim
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a polar bear or a seal going for a swim in ice cold water? Now you can experience it for yourself with an ice ... more
Karaoke Night
There is a hidden singer in all of us.
Local Celebrity Auction
Contact a few celebrities from your area or industry and ask them to participate in your fundraiser. See if they will donate some genre appropriate memorabilia that they have autographed.
Local Series of Poker
Poker playing is sweeping the nation with everyone from celebrities to average Joes joining in on the fun. Host a fun amateur’s night of poker playing to raise money for your group.
Luau
Aloha! Bring the tropical flavor of the islands to your community with a luau fundraiser. If there's a beach nearby, you can make it really authentic with a traditional pig roast.
Mailbox Painting
Many people put up plastic mailboxes nowadays, but traditionalists will still have the basic metal ones that can start to look dull and beat up after a while.
Miniature Golf Marathon
Get out your putters and little mini pencils, it is Miniature Golf time. This is a fun fundraiser that will have you honing your putting skills around water, sand traps, and rocks.
Calendar
Overnight Zoo or Garden
Imagine waking up to a front yard full of plastic pink flamingos, or spinning daisies for your next birthday or anniversary. This is a growing business and you can take advantage of it!
Paint the Curb
Grab some number stencils, some paint and masking tape and get ready to paint the curb for this fundraiser.
Pancake Breakfast
This is one of the most common fundraisers because it's easy and inexpensive to plan, and who doesn't like pancakes? You'll find everything you need to make the pancakes at the grocery store...
Photos With Santa
Why pay for a hastily taken photo at the noisy, crowded mall when you can host your own photos with Santa session, and earn some money for your group at the same time?
Pizza Night
Get your local pizza place to "give back" a certain night of the month and then tell all your friends and classmates about it
Rake It Up
It seems like all the leaves fall from the trees at once in the fall. It can be a time consuming task, but a great fundraiser for your group. Create a flyer that
Register for Text Donations
When earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters occur, you may see information about being able to donate by cell phone text to organizations that offer relief. Other charity organizations accept text donations throughout the year.
Shaken or Stirred?
This fundraiser is sure to create a buzz and bring in the customers. It is appropriate for adult fundraising groups and a strictly over 21 crowd. Find a local bar or nightclub
Snack Bar or Pantry
People pay a lot of money for the convenience of vending machines. Vendors can easily charge $1.25 or more for a soda that only costs $0.50 when purchased at a warehouse club. Think about providing concession items at fundraising events!
Snow Cones
What better way to beat the heat than with cool, colorful snow cones? A snow cone fundraiser would work best in conjunction with another, larger event like a craft show or a art fair.
Spaghetti Dinner
This could be one of the most popular fundraisers for all groups due to its simplicity, ease to run, and familiarity with the general public. I
Theater Night
Dim the lights and raise the curtain—it's show time! Raise money, have fun and provide an evening of entertainment for your community by putting on a play. It will take some planning, and some time ... more
Tractor Pull
Create a twist on a tractor pull with this fundraiser. Instead of seeing how much the tractor can pull, see how many people it takes to pull a tractor.
Traditional Raffle
There's something to be said for tradition. There are all kinds of raffles you can hold to raise money for your group, but a traditional raffle is one of the easiest fundraisers out there.
Wacky Hat Day
This fun fundraiser will work at school, a place of business, or house of worship. For a one or two dollar donation, allow people to wear a wacky hat for the day.
Waiting for Dollars
Find a local restaurant that is willing to host your waiting for dollars event. They will appreciate the extra business it will bring them and you will have a good time raising money.
Windshield Washing
Find a busy and local fast food restaurant with a drive thru lane that is interested in helping your group have a fundraiser. Gather squeegees, towels and cleaning solution. Offer to wash the ... more
Winery or Brewpub Bus Tour
It is always a good idea to have a designated driver when visiting wineries and brewpubs for Tastings. Why not provide one as your next fundraiser?
Wrap It Up!
The Holidays are busy and people are willing to pay for certain services to save time. One of the most popular Holiday services is gift wrapping. Set up a booth for your next fundraiser.
GOOD LUCK!!!
IDEAS:
If you need further help with ideas…please feel free to email me at dawn.ripley@hotmail.com or you can find me on facebook under Dawn Ripley.
o Aromatherapy
o Bagel Lovers
o Baker
o Balloons
o Barbecue Lovers
o Basketball Players
o Bath
o Beach
o Book Lovers
o Candles
o Cheese Lovers
o Chocolate Lovers
o Christmas
o Coffee Lovers
o Cookie Lovers
o Easter
o Flowers
o Food /Ethnic Food
o Football Players
o Fruit
o Fudge Lovers
o Gardening
o Gourmet Food
o Handyman
o Hanukkah
o Herbs
o Italian
o Kids o Lottery
o Mexican
o Movies/DVDs
o Music
o Nut Lovers
o Organic Foods
o Pasta Lovers
o Patriotic
o Picnic
o Popcorn
o Travel
o Relaxation
o Romance
o Skiers
o Snack
o Soup Lovers
o Spa
o Spices
o Spicy Foods
o St. Patrick's Day
o Sugar Free
o Tea Lovers
o Thanksgiving
o Toys
o Valentine's Day
o Video Games
o Wine Lovers
THEMED CARE PACKAGE IDEAS courtesy of Beth Milligan
SURVIVING THE SANDSTORMS: Eye wash, nasal spray, chapstick,bandana, goggles/sunglasses, cocoa butter(for ladies...keeps skin smooth), lotion for the guys
LAUNDRY LOAD: sample size laundry soap(or tablets), Fabric softener sheets, clean socks, clean undershirts and undershorts, Febreeze
LOTTA JAVA: Tea, cocoa packages, coffee singles, creamer, sugar, International coffee tins, cookies to dunk in the coffee.
THANKS A MILLION: Things that seem expensive...Ex: Grey poupon mustard, electronic game of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, SMALL amount of cash, chocolate money coins or play gold coins. Wrap everything in green paper or the wrapping paper that looks like money. Tuck green tissue paper around everything. Put play money coins in the box for fun.
HANG IN THERE: Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana pudding(nonrefridgerated kind...Hunts I believe), Monkey's in a Barrel game, card with a monkey on it
DAY AT THE BEACH: sunscreen, beach towel, beach snacks, flip flop sandals(extra shower shoes), aloe vera gel
MEDICINE CABINET: aspirin, band aids, Neosporin, A&D ointment, cold medicine, alka seltzer, allergy medicine, Rolaids etc.....anything from your home medicine cabinet
STAYING HEALTHY: nutrition bars(Ex:Powerbars, Tigers milk, Myoplex), vitamins, Nutri-grain bars, Gatorade or similar sports drink(to stay hydrated...they sell the powder in a fairly large container for $8)
MRE/MESS HALL SURVIVAL KIT: condiment packages from restaurants...ketchup, hot sauces, mayo, relish, salt, pepper, BBQ sauce, mustard,cheese in a can dip etc.
CORRESPONDENCE CARTON: pens, stationery, notebook paper, pencils, stickers(who knows they may even play wtih these LOL), envelopes, address book(already filled out for them), camera(with a note to send back once it's full)
ACTION HEROES: power bars, squirt guns, Red Bull drinks, small Army figurines, comic books, Gatorade.....anything you would associate with Action Heroes.....BE CREATIVE with this one
TO BE A KID AGAIN: silly string, bubbles, small bouncy balls, hacky sacks, brain teaser toys(Rubix cube etc), deck of cards, dominoes, slinky, frisbees, Pez w/ dispenser, Nerf balls, sand box toys(shovel, pail etc)
BATHROOM IN A BOX: TOILET PAPER(the good kind...nice and soft), razor refills, foot powder, bars of soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, new toothbrush, dental floss, soft washcloth and towels
RUCK SACK SNACK PACK: pack it to the top with your loved ones favorite snacks. Other ideas include: Chex mix, Doritos, M&Ms, Funyons, peanuts, jelly beans, beef jerky, gum, chip and dip combo packs,crackers, trail mix
BREAKFAST ON THE GO: Nutrigrain bars, instant oatmeal cups, small boxes of cereal, cereal/milk bars, poptarts, Hostess donuts, Otis Spunkmeyer muffins, cocoa, tea, coffee, Tang mix
TUBE O TASTIES: Just as something different find a round container or tube to mail a package in ....Make sure the parameters are acceptable first. You can pack some of the smaller themes in this too.
STRESS RELIEVER: back scratcher, bubble wrap(for them to pop) yo-yos, squeezy tension ball, tylenol, whoopee cushion
SMOOSHY KISSES: since we all know chocolate melts over there anyway, send a package of Hershy kisses....bound to be some smooshy kisses!!!
NUTS ABOUT YOU:peanuts, cashews, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any candy or cookies with nuts in them, Nutter butters, Peanut lovers Chex mix, Fiddle Faddle with peanuts
ROCK ON (OR CHARLIE ROCK): pop rock candy (the kind that pop in your mouth when you put it in), music CDs, CD Walkman & new headphones, batteries
CHILI TODAY HOT TAMALE: hot tamales candies, small cans of chili, red pepper flakes(like the ones at pizza parlors), salsa sunflower seeds, Cajjun flavored Pringles, Spicy Chex mix, Boston red hots, peppered beef jerky, Taco Bell hot sauce packs, Extreme Doritos, chili powder, nacho cheese with Jalepenos sauce in a can, Tums /Rolaids, Jalapeno Ritz crackers
AND THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO THE SANDBOX: FOOT CARE KIT foot powder, Dr Scholls boot inserts, foot lotion, foot file, fresh clean socks, toe nail clippers, scrub brush, odor eater balls(for shoes/boots), foot soaks(either include the pan or Ziploc baggies to soak feet in)
HOW DO YOU EAT YOUR OREOS??!! regular oreos, double stuff oreos, peanut butter oreos, low fat oreos, chocolate creme oreos, chocolate covered oreos, mint oreos, the new ones with 2 flavors....ANY AND ALL oreos
MUCHAS GRACIAS...NACHOS SUPREME: Doritos &/or Fritos or any corn tortilla chips, Mexican velveeta, salsa(wrap jar in bubble wrap), small can of olives(don't forget to send a can opener), bean dip, nacho cheese dip, small can of green chiles, jar of jalepenos(bubble wrapped again), small paper plates or bowls(so they can make their own nachos), taco sauce...you could also send the sauces from the boxed mexican dinners(a lot of these also have sealed tortillas you could send), Taco Bell Nacho supreme kit
SWEET TOOTH: Nerds, Gummy bears, jelly beans, Laffy taffy, bubble gum, tootsie rolls, lolli pops(any candy that won't melt too bad)
PAMPER PARTY **for the females**: Feminine hygiene products, shampoo/conditioner, hair barrettes and scrunchies(the same color as their hair), facial scrub &/or soap, facial masks, lotion, shower gel, razors, facial moisturizer w/ SPF in it, tweezers, nail care kit, special facial products(alpha hydroxy cream, eye cream etc)
CONGRATS ON YOUR PROMOTION: congratulations party favors, all thier favorite snacks, sparkled cider(bubble wrapped of course), noise makers etc <o:p></o:p>
FOR THE FISHERMAN: Goldfish crackers, tuna pouches, canned smoked salmon, cans of sardines, gummy worms, Go Fish card game, Field and Stream magazine, electronic fishing rod game, SpongeBob Square pants stuffed toy, fishing game toy(has a rod with a magnetic tip and magnetic fish)
SAY CHEEEESE!!!: more disposable cameras, cheese dip, Doritos, cheezits, Cheese nips, cheetos, Ritz cheese sandwich crackers, Better cheddars
KICK BACK AND RELAX: Dominoes, playing cards, magazines, books, music CDs, crossword puzzle/seek a word books, jigsaw puzzles(with the mat you can roll the puzzle up with), hand held electronic games, squirt guns, water balloons, bubbles, hacky sacks, Nerf balls, board games(Axis and Allies, Clue, Trivial Pursuit etc)
CHRISTMAS IN JULY: wrap everything in Christmas paper, peppermint flavored hard candies, any treats your family associates with Christmas, Christmas card early
ITALIAN STALLION: Italian cheese Ghardettos, Pizza licious Pringles, Pepperoni pizza Combos, small Boboli pizza, pizza sauce for dipping the Boboli in, canned Ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna etc,
AMERICAN CLASSICS: Pez w/ dispesner, Cracker Jacks, Lifesavers, Nilla wafers, Pop rocks candy, Good&Plentys, candy necklaces, Candy cigarettes
DEPLOYED ON THANKSGIVING: canned turkey, instant mashed potato cups, hard breadsticks, gravy in a jar(bubble wrapped) Hostess apple pies, small can of corn(or other veggie), something special to cheer them up(pictures from home, cards the kids make them, video recorded tape of the family, small scrapbook, special CD of songs that mean something to your family)
These are just starting places. You can let your imagination go and add to any of these or even mix and match the ideas. Many of the items repeat. The smaller ideas I would use as a special mailing at a time you normally wouldn't send something(right in between paydays). That way they are not expecting it and getting a smaller package won't upset them. Have fun with it and remember....don't forget to find out about access to microwaves on some of the food ideas.
1. Have all the children in the class donate their favorite book and fill a basket of reading materials! You could even gently suggested that the winner of the basket donate the books back to the classroom!
2. Ask local businesses to donate gift certificates for a dinner and a movie. You can add some movie DVD's and some movie candy and popcorn tubs (can be found at Blockbuster stores).
3. Watch for sales at Walmart during the winter months and stock up on outdoor and pool toys, pool towels, sidewalk chalk, jumpropes and more. Walmart has been know to drop the prices on these seasonal items to way below the regular price (chalk for 50 cents!) - so stock up and be ready for the fundraiser!
4. Find fun family games and fill a basket with all the favorites; Bingo, Uno, Monopoly, cards and more!
5. Create a boy or girl sleepover basket. Start with a fun movie, add some treats, maybe a game and a scary story book. All the makings of a fun night away from home.
6. Create a yummy basket with an Italian cookbook, pasta, sauce, a nice serving dish and a bottle of wine.
7. How about a morning coffee basket. Add a coffee maker, some coffee beans, some biscotti treats, and a couple of coffee cups.
8. Every gardener would big on a basket filled with garden gloves, a sun visor, small clay pots, a trowel, potting soil, some seeds (maybe herbs), a gardening magazine and a small knee protector.
9. Nobody can resist the Chocolate Lover's basket! Go wild and use your imagination! Maybe even a chocolate fondue pot and a recipe book.
How about those class craft ideas? I am organized but I am far from creative. I actually get nervous when asked to come up with a craft idea for the school fundraising auction. Here are some that I have seen over the years...
1. Create a class recipe book. Have each child bring one or two recipes from home for the book. Depending on the age of the class (the younger the better) have the child dictate a recipe of theirs to you for the book!
2. Every town has a pottery place where you can go and create a unique piece of pottery. Go to that store and pick out a beautiful serving dish. Bring the dish to the class and have the children decorate it (again, depending on the age, this could be handprints, or you can turn thumb prints into little boys and girls. Make sure to write each child's name next to their print. Take the dish back to the pottery store to be fired.
3. Rolling toy chest. You can watch for sales at Bombay and Company, Target, Walmart - anywhere that sells toy boxes. Have the children decorate the outside of the box with school mascots, fingerprints, flowers - whatever you like. There are also vendors on eBay that sell decals (they can custom create a decal for very little money). We had a decal of a checker board created in our school colors that went on the top of our box. Fill the toy box with games and various toys, kits, balls and more. Some online stores sell create your own games, that you can customize to your school. This toy box was a big hit at our school fundraiser.
4. Create a child-sized bookcase! Buy an inexpensive bookcase (preferably one made of unfinished wood) and have the kids in the class decorate it. Add a few books and you have an adorable craft!
5. Ask the teacher to save two or three essays from the classroom work, preferably work that the parents have not yet seen. Contact a book publisher (like Lulu Publishing) that specializes in small orders and have the essays turned into a book (cost for 5 books, 50 pages in length is less than $30).
6. Purchase two Adirondack chairs and have the kids decorate them. Using thumb prints, you can create flowers and butterflies for this backyard treat!
Gift Basket Ideas for Raffle/Sale!
"CROWD FUNDING"
WRITE and SHARE you funding needs ONLINE!