Okay, here's my dilemma. My council is hosting it's first Leader Appreciation in the month of May. All 120 leaders from 30 schools are being recognized by us but I we have a small budget. We exist solely on council dues and after training, scholarships etc the budget left isn't much to cover this. The lunch alone is costing us most of our budget. The gifts primarily need to be free or dirt cheap but I don't want cheap items(am I being unrealistic?)
Any suggestions on how to get a donation of 120 items and have the product in hand by May 20th?
So far, we have a bag of snickers, a first aid kit, free ice cream cone and free sub sandwiches coupons but I think it needs more non-food items.
I'm in Nevada.
Any ideas (Metzy, nonsequitor, Venzmama anyone)??

Just placed my first order with Oriental Trading so now, I'm looking for closer to free things!

Hmmmmmm....by May 20th. Where's nonsequitur when you need her?

I tried thinking of something I would like to get at a function like that, and I came up with some sort of certificate (on inexpensive, but decorated paper--like you can get at Staples). If you or anyone you know has any kind of graphic/computer experience, it's a snap to do. They could be jazzed up with a different font, graphics, quotes about leadership and volunteering, and they could be personalized. Signed by the people they work closely with, and the state officials even. With frames would be even better, but you said cheap, and "cheap" frames suck.

Definitely ask around--maybe you could get a spa to comp you 120 free massages--now THAT's showing appreciation!

I'll sleep on it--who knows, maybe the odd synapse connection will come up with spectacular on a shoe-string!

[ 04-24-2004, 10:51 PM: Message edited by: kmamom ]

Actually, I do know a masseuse that might do that!
I would love something like that.
I got tool kit keychains from Oriental (because PTA officers can do and fix anything!) to add to the stuff above but I really want to make this worth while to them. I was going to have each of our board members deliver the gifts but now, we're going to give the gifts out at the luncheon (at Outback Steakhouse) and those that can't be taken back by their fellow board members, will then be delivered.

I have no idea if this would work--just brainstorming--but maybe you could go to the makeup counter of a local dept store and ask for makeup/cologne samples? Assuming you have at least a few men, most companies now have men's lines that they have developed, so this would work for both sexes.

Or, since it's getting towards the end of the year and Scholastic normally starts having warehouse sales, maybe you could get them to give you $5 or $10 coupons for their warehouse sale (here's the link to Nevada warehouses: http://teacher.scholastic.com/fairs/warehouse/states/nv.htm). They're normally only open to teachers, book fair chairs, etc., but maybe they would view this as a good opportunity to introduce some non-participating schools to their bookfairs.

Mum-Perfect ideas!! I actually have a Scholastic contact too.
Keep em coming!