I checked out Race for Education too but decided not to use it. This was our first year we did a walk a thon and we did it ourselves. We wanted to keep all of our money. It was a total success...thus far $21,000 and we are still tallying money. It is so easy to do and don't give away your children's hard earned money if you don't have to.
Critter;137137 wrote: HockeyMom, interesting that you say you need a good sized committee even with RFE's guidance. If we can get 95% participation (which we did) and get to keep that 15%/$6,000 commission, and we need a large committee regardless, I'm not sure I see value in the paid service. If they could off-load some of the manpower required, then that might be different, and very valuable for a PTO with severely limited volunteer resources.
Don't get me wrong. You can do it with a small committee. (Gee, we have two people on our committee, and I am one of them.) I know you could do it yourself. You just need to do your research on what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and how it needs to be done. Our first year, the people who ran it needed the leadership from an outside company. They needed to be handed the tools, timeline and have a safety net to feel comfortable.
When I read the thread, it sounded to me that most people thought that there was a catch to using RFE. I just wanted to point out that there really wasn't.
HockeyMom, interesting that you say you need a good sized committee even with RFE's guidance. If we can get 95% participation (which we did) and get to keep that 15%/$6,000 commission, and we need a large committee regardless, I'm not sure I see value in the paid service. If they could off-load some of the manpower required, then that might be different, and very valuable for a PTO with severely limited volunteer resources.
We had used Race for Ed at our school three years ago. I can clear up any questions on them. They charge 15% of the money you make on the first year and the first year alone. They will guide you through any problems and questions you have during that first year. They will hand hold you if you need. They do NOT take the names, those stay within the school itself. After the first year, you can do the program again on your own with no financial obligation to them.
There is no trick or gimmick. We are on our third year of Race for Education. We called the company last year for some guidance and help, and they were very quick and willing to help us. They received $0 from us last year.
It is a great fundraiser as long as you have a good sized committee.
Tim, I am with you on this, there is something that just doesn't click. What are they doing for you, for that amount of money they get. Seems sort of funny...when i read it first I was thinking wow do they have a gimmick going, they send you some papers, call you a few times and you pay them up to $6000.00. Just my thoughts, I also don't see the service part.
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
Personally, I don't think our parents would have been as receptive to a company having that much involvement with money and mailing lists. My 2 cents...
