School Fundraisers?

Question

I'm sure you're all sick of school fundraisers by now. School has only been in session 5 or 6 weeks and already my daughter has brought home their SECOND fundraiser. I don't mind the entertainment books, it's actually something we use and buy every year anyways. But I cannot stand the Sally Foster crap. It's all over-priced chincey crap and the prizes the kids get are even cheaper. At the PTA meeting- they were up for ideas for their fundraising committee- they wanted some ideas/suggestions for fundraisers. Does anyone have any suggestions that they know work- but that don't involve selling "made in china dollar store trinkets" for $20?

Answer 1

This year, my son's school did a walk-a-thon instead of the catalog sale. Students took donations and walked during their lunch hour.

Our friends/family were happy to donate a few dollars, rather than buy a bunch of junk they didn't need/want anyway. And, since they didn't receive merchandise in return, their donations were tax-deductible. In fact, I think most of them donated what they would have spent in the catalog... and 100% of the money went to the PTO, rather than just a portion.

I haven't heard the "official word" on how well it did, but the anecdotal stories I've heard sound promising.

Answer 2

We added a Mums sale this fall, which netted us $500 or so. We are also utilizing fundraising promotions from local grocery stores this year. And, in the spring, we think that we'll hire a local photographer to do a 'family picture' day outside at the school (or, you could use a local park, if your school doesn't have any nice photo opportunities). The photographer, we hope, will offer a smaller sitting fee per family & reduced print prices - while also giving the school back a percentage of each print ordered.

All of these, though, no matter how much we all hate those stupid catalogs full of stuff we don't need, will never match the amount of money that we raise from that fundraiser. All at once, even with only 10% of the kids in the school participating in the catalog fundraiser, we make thousands of dollars for the school PTO (which we use to fund the sock hop, the buses for field trips, teacher mini-grants, field days, emergency family fund, teacher appreciation days, supplementing the 5th grade trip, 6th grade sendoff party, fun fair, etc...) Without that stupid catalog fundraiser that everyone hates, but begrudgingly participates in, we would not be able to do all of this for the kids.

We, too, are trying to move away from it. But, it's hard to do when it works so well.

Answer 3

The PTO at my children's school is signed up with Box Tops for Education Program. I'm not sure exactly how much the school gets from it but the kids have a blast competing on how many they can bring in. For example...last school year, in Jan. the PTO sends home a sheet where you have to affix 15-25 box tops to it. The kids then brought them to school, and received one paper snowball that reads "You've been hit!" for each completed sheet. Then they would write the name of their classroom teacher on the snowball and sneak down the hallway and "hit" another classrooms door with the snowball. At the end of the contest, which usually runs one month at a time, the classroom which earned the most snowballs won a cookies and hot chocolate party.
Also, they do a Silent Basket Auction. Each class selects a theme, and everyone donates a small item to add to the basket. This auction takes place during the science fair that is open to the public. Some examples are baby, car cleaning basket, animals basket-filled with toys and treats for an animal, cooking basket. ect. Hope this helps and I look forward to seeing others ideas! If you would like more info send me a msg.

Answer 4

I'm on the PTA as well and we just did the Sally Foster thing as well. That crap is over priced! At tonights meeting I will be suggesting Taffy Apple Sale. Not sure where you are located, but you can check into that. Also, I've heard of Cookie Dough Fundraisers as well. That might be through MarketDay. And there is a fund raiser that I heard about with used toner catridges and cell phones. You send them in and get money for it. It might not be alot, but if you "cashed in" twice in the school that might be noticable.

Answer 5

-My daughter just bought home the 1st one- selling christmas greens. The wreaths, holly, swags, etc. are a big hit with the older generations and aren't too pricy. They are also selling Christmas CDs.
-Also- we just got a note asking for donations of gently used clothing. Then they sell the clothing for $5/bag.
-An on-going fundraiser is "WHY COOK WEDNESDAY." Every Wed. have dinner at the designated resturant and they will donated like 20% of your bill to the school. They rotate between 4 restaurants in the community. (This is the only night we eat out now- since it helps out the school)
-They also do scholastic which is a win/win because I buy books for my children for really cheap and the school earns books as well.
-I haven't started girl scouts fundraisers but soon I'm sure

I would like to try the pizza and cookie dough one at her school- I think it would be successful.

(My kids go to a Catholic school so there are more fundraisers than public school but for the education they receive/ the tranquil environment they learn in- w/o help from tax dollars, it's worth it!)

Answer 6

When my kids bring home fundraisers, I contact the person running it and ask what they make on the merchandise. If they make $3 on $21 pack of wrapping paper, I send in the $3!

Please ask your PTA members to take a look at:

www.funderbug.com

There is a lot of politics with schools when it comes to fundraisers.

If you present Funderbug, you may want to offer to run this fundraiser. Don't worry, it is easier than anything your school has done :)

E-mail me if you need help or more information.

Answer 7

I agree on the Sally Foster stuff. Cookie dough I think has logistical issues (keeping the dough cold). I suggest car washes, bake sales, plant sales .... anything that really doesn't cost anything and can be done for a low price to the "consumer" and make profits 100% since most items can be donated. Sit down and look aroung the house for things that you use every day but, take for granted. Think of crafts that can be made inexpensively. These type of items would be great since the kids take more of a part of the craftsmanship.

Answer 8

Our school oversells cookie dough but it does well profit wise. We sell it twice a year. Once in time for Thanksgiving and again before summer break. Check with local restaurants and see if they have fundraisers. Places like chuck E Cheese and Chick Fila do fundraisers where the school will get X amount for one night and all the school has to do is advertise the night of the fundraiser

Answer 9

I am with you all on this one. The reality is that it brings in thousands of dollars. Our PTA does have bake sales, an auction, a carnival, a walk-a-thon and more. As much as it stresses me out to be on top of all of this I am thankful that they are willing to organize this many things to raise money. My daughter is benefiting greatly from all they do and it is a small price compared to what I paid in private school. My daughter usually sells about $400.00 in Sally Foster and I don't ask anyone for her. She goes to my mothers job and they buy a lot.

Answer 10

I am so with you on this one. I have 3 kids in school and we've already had 6 fund raising packets sent home. I don't push my kids to participate but if they want to they can.

Here are some better fund raising ideas:
School Carnival
Collecting pennies for a cause
Free car wash with donations
Bake sale
Gift Basket Raffle(pick a theme, everyone donates a small item)

I think anything that gets kids involved hands on or lets them have some fun is MUCH better