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kernsfamily -> pta/school fundraisers??? (4/1/2008 2:25:11 PM)

Iam sure everyone's school does something for a fundraiser....whether it's for the PTA, the band program or something.....

Only reason Iam bringing it up, is that tonight is our school's Silent Auction Benefit...(Elementary School).....it's run by the PTA, and the proceeds will go towards completing the project of replacing playground equipment with NEW stuff....

who knows, this just may give one of y'all the idea to try this at your school...

Because we are an urban district, we do have many, many more businesses to collect donations from, as well as locally based corporations, than perhaps those who are more "rural" (but the idea is still the same)

Items include gift certificates/gift cards for local restaurants....hotel stays at local hotels (in-town weekend hotel stays are popular around here).....and, whatever else our local businesses and stores have been willing to DONATE!....then, we just do the silent auction.

Each class puts together a "themed" basket. One of our kids' classes put together a "Book" basket, and everyone who wanted to "chipped in" and gave a book to be put in the basket. Another class put together a "movie night" basket...with some DVDs, microwave popcorn, theatre candy and other stuff......others do a "gift card" basket, which contains about a dozen or so gift cards from a variety of stores and other places.

the bidding gets FIERCE with the class photos (especially kindergarten one)....each photo is nicely framed, and is "signed" every student....brings in ALOT of money....so does the simple things such as bidding on one of your kids being "Principal for the Day", or "Gym Teacher for the Day".....

the REAL WORK is being organized with contacting EVERYONE possible (stores, restaurants, theatres, cultural attractions, etc..etc..) to contribute a donation.....you'd be surprised at the response you'll get.

OUR big surprise this year was from a local wine shop. They donated TWO certificates for wine tasting classes...for the "winner" and up to 40 of their friends....(on their web-site, a 40-person class runs about $1,000)!!!!

each year we've ended up with about $10,000 - $12,000 or so on the auction (results, of course, may vary...depending on donations, of course).....

ANOTHER IDEA which has worked GREAT for us, as well, is a simple "CHECK WRITING" campaign....reserve 2-3 weeks and designate that as your fund raising time, and publicize it WELL in advance....and, let it be known that anyone/everyone can write a check to the PTA, or whatever....it's "pure profit"....and, certainly beats selling stuff!

anyway....just some thoughts since every school, no matter how great it is....or whatever....can always use some extra money to go towards something more for their students.



csl7037 -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/1/2008 4:21:19 PM)

Thanks, this is a good idea. I love to hear what others do. I'm on our school's PTF Board (Parent Teacher Fellowship) - I don't want to become too knowledgeable, though! This is one of those areas I love to help with but make it a priority to avoid heading up!!

Our biggest fundraiser is similar - it's Spring Jubilee. There are three parts - an outside carnival which doesn't make much it's just for fun and draws a crowd. After that, there is a live auction and there's a small silent auction at the same time. Each class makes a craft that is supposed to be made by the kids and that is what is auctioned off. There are also baskets that are "raffled" (but it's a Baptist school so they don't call it a raffle, LOL) and each class has to put one together with a theme of their choice. These have gotten ridiculous! My dd's class' basket for example was actually a tent filled underneath with sports things and was valued at about $2K! I haven't seen the final numbers on how much those brought in but I'm very curious. I also want to know how much of our basket was donated by parents - ie bought with parents' money and how much was donation like what we got from the local pro teams and sporting goods stores for free. I think we need to take a look at that because the baskets are getting crazier each year.

We made the decision a few years ago to do away with "product fundraising" but we're looking at doing Innesbrook again. The 5th and 6th graders do fundraisers for their DC field trip and of course the Boosters do a few things. It can get overwhelming, for sure. Especially at a private school - a lot of us are already tapped out!! I think we need to work more with local businesses for sure! At the first chance I get, and every chance I get, I'm going to push the underwriting concept. We need to be creative and proactive and not keep milking the same cow!!



2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/1/2008 4:58:14 PM)

Dd's elementary school PTA did just like what you are saying, Kernsfamily. They also auctioned off "lunch with the principal" or "lunch with your teacher". They also had an "opt out" option for those families who wanted to donate, but didn't want to sell stuff. It worked out to be like $250.00 per family if you opted out (I guess that's what the average student raises).



csl7037 -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/1/2008 5:10:33 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 2shaye

Dd's elementary school PTA did just like what you are saying, Kernsfamily. They also auctioned off "lunch with the principal" or "lunch with your teacher". They also had an "opt out" option for those families who wanted to donate, but didn't want to sell stuff. It worked out to be like $250.00 per family if you opted out (I guess that's what the average student raises).


My first reaction was WHOA, our parents would flip out if we suggested a $250 number per family...but I bought $200 in tickets for the outside activities and raffle baskets. And I think that was pretty average. People would still freak if we put a number like that out there, though.



2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/1/2008 5:18:17 PM)

The PTA contributed a tremendous amount to the school budget! Our district is cutting back AGAIN by a HUGE amount (thanks Arnie) and parents are in an uproar! For our area, $250 really isn't that much for the whole year.



garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/1/2008 6:12:46 PM)

I don't do product fundraisers for our PTC at all. I can't having 4 children. They are all also in Scouts and the vast majority of the school fund raisers for both the elementary and middle school fall at the same time of boy scout popcorn sales AND girl scout cookie sales. IF the folks in charge would consider a different time of year to do the fundraisers I might allow my kids to participate. I can also only go to my friends, family, hubby's co-workers and neighbors so many times before they start to hate me. So I choose to let the kids do only Scout fundraisers. After all there are much fewer kids in these groups trying to raise funds for scouting projects then students in the entire school building.

Anyway - I must be a party pooper but I detest fundraisers. No I don't hate fundraisers per se, what I do hate is the pressure to participate in them. It is horrible to have to tell a child no we can't go to the carnival or bingo night or whatever simply because for a family of six - EVEN if I didn't bid on any of the carnival baskets or auction items would cost us at least $60 that I just don't have right now. I also don't like the idea of having to corral 4 children by myself at a carnival location OFF of school grounds. I'm not even sure I would want to deal with that sort of chaos.

I do participate in book fairs which benefit our school's library and even classroom libraries. But by buying books my kids get something worthwhile and the school gets something worthwhile. I have also brought my girls to and dontated items for a recent bingo/silent auction/bake sale fundraiser. This however was a benefit fundraiser for a beloved teacher at our school and her family. Her dd is fighting breast cancer for a second time at the age of 22. This teacher is one of my best friends and my kids' favorite teachers. I couldn't NOT help out. I still didn't spend nearly as much as some tho.

quote:

They also had an "opt out" option for those families who wanted to donate, but didn't want to sell stuff. It worked out to be like $250.00 per family if you opted out (I guess that's what the average student raises).
That would KILL many family's around here! That just about 1/2 a weekly paycheck for us. What would families do that really couldn't do either for whatever reasons?

Blessings,

Garsy



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 9:56:51 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: garsyt

I don't do product fundraisers for our PTC at all.


our pta ended up detesting them, as well....overpriced stuff....and, you don't earn much for all the trouble....that's why we went to the 2 event a year program this year, and it worked out great. In the fall, we had the check-writing campaign (totally "optional", and with no "minimum" or "maximum" on the donations).....and, then last night's silent auction. That's it. (not counting the scholastic book fairs, btw...which, we really don't make much if any money on....we do it for more of a "public service" than anything)

our silent auction last night, by the way, was a huge success.....topped $15,000 for the first time ever....smashed our previous record!...

the pta keeps the money in it's own "budget", at the beginning of each year, it's determined what funds will be used for....such as this year, we're replacing and upgrading most of the playground equipment. Some years, it was better computers (than the school would ever be able to get)....we have the librarian make a "wish list" of books each year (over and above what she expects to get from our school district).......and for other "extra" items that don't seem to make it into the school's actual budget....

another reason for REALLY liking the fundraising methods for the Silent Auction and Check Writing campaign.......if you can't participate for any reason, well, then you don't, and no one is really going to notice. For those who really can't afford to bid on many of the items at the auction, many parents "opt" to volunteer in one of the many positions available to help make it a success....last night, was a success, but, I can tell you, while there were A LOT of people there, there were still alot of people that were NOT there, as well.....



2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:10:03 PM)

Our elementary PTA pays for lot's of stuff that is not covered by the district. They pay for the science programs, music programs, librarian, stipends for each teacher and a bunch of other stuff. Because of huge cuts, next year, they may also take on chorus, pe activities and an office admin. As it is, kids need to bring in all their own supplies - paper, pencils, art materials, etc.

So, our PTA needs to raise a lot of money! In addition to the sales stuff, we do boxtops for education, grocery store cards, Target cards, recycled grocery bags and escrip. Stuff that doesn't cost a penny - just takes time!



garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:10:23 PM)

Our PTC does do a lot of the the kids and the school and I will give them that credit! They have managed to raise quite a lot of funds and have provide each and every teacher in the building quite a nice sum of money to use in whatever way they see fit. This year they were also able to purchase Math Pentathalon classroom sets for each and every classroom in the building and two smart boards for the building. Oh and they purchase all the science fair awards each year as well as plants each spring for every child grades k through 4 for the kids to keep alive over the summer and bring back for the flower and garden show each fall.

One program that I cannot see the point in participating in is their back to school kit sales. For me to buy the back to school kits would cost me over $100 and I would still have to go to the store and get stuff for my eldest child. And the PTC gets a very small precentage back on these. First off I would still have to go to the store anyway, 2) I already have scissors, plastic pencil boxes and other non consumables and 3) I can usually hit the sales and find all I need for ALL 4 kids plus purchase any new (needed) backpacks and special items for about $100 if not less for all FOUR of my kids.

I'm all for helping out the school whenever I can - but jeepers not to the extent of spending my money and time unwisely.

Blessings,

Garsy



garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:18:33 PM)

We also do box tops, scrip, and at the middle school they do Market Day.

quote:

Our elementary PTA pays for lot's of stuff that is not covered by the district. They pay for the science programs, music programs, librarian, stipends for each teacher and a bunch of other stuff. Because of huge cuts, next year, they may also take on chorus, pe activities and an office admin. As it is, kids need to bring in all their own supplies - paper, pencils, art materials, etc.


That is sad. But I am glad that the PTA is doing all it can to help out!

Oh last year the PTC here bought field day t-shirts for every student and teacher in the building! They also had extras that parents could purchase that day if they were helping out. It made it REALLY easy to track a group of kids because they bought in two different colors and everyone in the same classroom and grade had the same color. So you knew if you saw a little blue shirted child in a sea of red shirts, they weren't where they belonged!

Blessings,

Garsy



joeshappywife -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:20:16 PM)

I am so thankful that our school has eliminated the product fund raisers! We have three main fundraisers a year.
The first is a pasta feed/silent auction which is organized by the 8th graders and their parents because the proceeds go toward their Washington DC trip.
The second is a Jog-A-Thon which is a school wide event because the proceeds benefit the general fund.
The last is a golf tournament that is done jointly with the church that where our school is located. The proceeds from this benefits the tuition assistance program. Any adult can participate in it.

I guess the other thing you could include as a fundraiser is the pizza hot lunches that the 8th grades sell. They receive the proceeds for their trip. I don't really view that as a fundraiser though because you either buy the lunch or you don't.



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:24:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 2shaye

Our elementary PTA pays for lot's of stuff that is not covered by the district. They pay for the science programs, music programs, librarian, stipends for each teacher and a bunch of other stuff. Because of huge cuts, next year, they may also take on chorus, pe activities and an office admin. As it is, kids need to bring in all their own supplies - paper, pencils, art materials, etc.

So, our PTA needs to raise a lot of money! In addition to the sales stuff, we do boxtops for education, grocery store cards, Target cards, recycled grocery bags and escrip. Stuff that doesn't cost a penny - just takes time!


wow...y'all have a TON of stuff that isn't paid for by the district....most of that stuff that you mentioned is "included"....

quote:

One program that I cannot see the point in participating in is their back to school kit sales. For me to buy the back to school kits would cost me over $100


WOW! y'all's school kits are EXPENSIVE!....we do ours (they run about $60ish), and even if you were able to track down everything "on sale", you MAY "break even".....and, no, we really don't make a whole lot on them, either....it's more of a "service" to the families at the school more than anything else....

And, unwise spending is what brought us to doing the "fundraisers" that we do have....couldn't stand the candles, candy, wrapping paper and other overpriced junk, which we earned very little on.



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:26:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: joeshappywife
The first is a pasta feed/silent auction which is organized by the 8th graders and their parents because the proceeds go toward their Washington DC trip.


I see that silent auctions are getting VERY VERY popular....i see them more and more...

quote:

I am so thankful that our school has eliminated the product fund raisers!


I hear ya....couldn't stand that stuff...glad our PTA "saw the light" regarding that, too...



2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:29:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kernsfamily

And, unwise spending is what brought us to doing the "fundraisers" that we do have....couldn't stand the candles, candy, wrapping paper and other overpriced junk, which we earned very little on.

The product selling is our biggest fundraiser - I think last year we made $60,000 if I'm not mistaken.

I also forgot about the jog-a-thon, carnival (the teacher dunk tank makes a ton of money![:D]), the otter pop sales, book faire (we make lot's of money on that one) and the smencil sale (smelly pencils - huge hit!).

So, maybe this sheds more light on why someone would rather just pay $250.00 that participate in all these fundraiseres?!



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:35:37 PM)

quote:

The product selling is our biggest fundraiser ........I think last year we made $60,000 if I'm not mistaken.


The school made that much in just a product fundraiser? If so, what were y'all selling?

OR, is that all your fundraising efforts combined?



2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:37:28 PM)

No - just the products. I'll find out what company. I know the more you sell, the more profit you make.



2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 12:46:38 PM)

The information was not on the web site. I could be wrong about the amount, I'm just going off my memory. Also, I was wrong about the "opt out" amount - this year it's $195.00 per the web site. Here are the major goals for the PTA this year:


MAJOR PTA FUNDED GOALS for 2007-2008

*

Curriculum enhancing assemblies for each grade level = $3500.00
*

“Art Masters” program = $5600.00
*

“Hands-On Science” program = $15600.00
*

Library/Media clerk salary not paid by district = $10300.00
*

Field Trip transportation stipends = $700.00
*

Character Education awards, incentives, and expenses = $1200.00
*

Parenting with Love and Logic Parent Education Seminar = $1000.00



FUNDRAISERS SCHEDULED to ACHIEVE 2007-2008 GOALS

*

Fall Gift-Wrap (September 13 to October 2)
*

Entertainment Books (October 15 to October 29)
*

Book Fair (November 14 to November 21 and March 10 to March 17)
*

Harvest Festival/Carnival (October 13th) Better and Bigger than ever!
*

Jog-A-Thon/ Olympic Day (February 29)
*

Schwan’s Fine Foods (date to be determined in Spring)
*

Recycling: Bottles, Cans, Plastic Bags, Ink Cartridges (All Year)
*

Grocery Store E-Scrip: Albertson’s, Vons, Ralphs (All Year)
*

Restaurant Fundraisers (All Year)
*

Buy-Outs/Donations (All Year) Click here for form



garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 1:02:35 PM)

quote:

WOW! y'all's school kits are EXPENSIVE!....we do ours (they run about $60ish), and even if you were able to track down everything "on sale", you MAY "break even".....and, no, we really don't make a whole lot on them, either....it's more of a "service" to the families at the school more than anything else....


That is the price for all three of my younger kids. $35 for 2nd grade, $41.75 for 4th grade and 5th grades. So actualy it's almost $120! And I would STILL have to go and find things for my eldest. If I have any trouble finding things it's usually rulers or special calculators. But once we have them then I make sure we keep them and have them from year to year.

Blessings,

Garsy



csl7037 -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 1:10:20 PM)

We also did the supply kits last year as a "service" - the PTF didn't make much at all and it was supposedly about the same cost to parents as going to get everything yourself. But it turned out to be such a hassle fo the people coordinating it that this year we said, "thanks but no thanks!"

I'm sure it's off topic but I really do hate going out and tracking down all that stuff! The teachers' lists are so detailed and specific and it can be so confusing! I guess if I'm smart I'll start early on it this summer.



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 1:17:04 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: csl7037

We also did the supply kits last year as a "service" - the PTF didn't make much at all and it was supposedly about the same cost to parents as going to get everything yourself. But it turned out to be such a hassle fo the people coordinating it that this year we said, "thanks but no thanks!"

I'm sure it's off topic but I really do hate going out and tracking down all that stuff! The teachers' lists are so detailed and specific and it can be so confusing! I guess if I'm smart I'll start early on it this summer.


My wife is chairing the "school supply" thing for the upcoming year.....SO, it had BETTER be "well run"!!!!!

We have a good list of vendors that make it VERY easy to have them put together.....we don't have do really do anything at all...just get quotes, and supply them with our lists....

we have found the "kits" to be MUCH easier, and practically the same prices as if we would go all over the place and track down the items ourselves....



garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 1:56:14 PM)

I guess I see much of the stuff in the kits as a waste of my money. Why would I buy another pair of scissors as part of a kit if I already had several pairs that are still functional? And what family needs multiples of those little plastic pencil boxes or several wooden rulers per child? I already have enough clutter to contend with, I don't need anymore! But I do always tend to stock up on things like crayons and folders and filler paper when I can find it extremely cheap so I have a stock pile of it my bottom desk drawer!

Blessings,

Garsy



csl7037 -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 1:59:58 PM)

kernsfamily - is she assembling the kids herself? We did this through a company that you send the lists and orders and they send back boxes labeled by grade. I'm sure your wife's committee will be better on quality control but what a lot of work!!!



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 2:52:09 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: csl7037

kernsfamily - is she assembling the kids herself? We did this through a company that you send the lists and orders and they send back boxes labeled by grade. I'm sure your wife's committee will be better on quality control but what a lot of work!!!


no...the packages come all done up and ready to go....nothing to do.

All she really needs to do is send out the supply lists to the 2-3 companies for quotes....place the order with the one they choose, after getting their orders from the students.

once the packages are received, they are placed in the rooms for the first day of school.



kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/2/2008 2:53:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: garsyt

I guess I see much of the stuff in the kits as a waste of my money. Why would I buy another pair of scissors as part of a kit if I already had several pairs that are still functional? And what family needs multiples of those little plastic pencil boxes or several wooden rulers per child? I already have enough clutter to contend with, I don't need anymore! But I do always tend to stock up on things like crayons and folders and filler paper when I can find it extremely cheap so I have a stock pile of it my bottom desk drawer!

Blessings,

Garsy


I think our school supply set-up is different that yours...the way you do it, or would do it, wouldn't work with the way we do it.



fundraiscandies -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 4:46:45 AM)

For the schools to raise there funds it better to choose candy bars and chocolates. Because children like candy bars and chocolates very much. Read on for more information fundraising ideas.



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