@Sarah- How does it work with every child donating a basket... i.e. do you get most families to participate... do they give an assembled basket or just the items that would go in a basket?
In our school we do this event in November, so everyone has gifts for the holidays.
We ask each student to donate a Gift basket of at least $30.00 dollars and one classroom basket put together by each class with little donations.
Ideas for Classroom Baskets:
Beach basket (could be done in a Cooler)
School Basket ( could be done in a bookbag)
Camping Basket
First Communion Basket ( great for 2nd grader in Catholic Schools)
Movie Night Basket
Picnic Basket
Game Night Basket
Wine Basket
Baby basket (in a Baby Tub filled)
Christmas Basket (filled with gift wraps and Lights)
Italian Basket ( pasta-sauce-plates complete meal)
These ideas can also be given to the parents.
Each family needs to buy tickets for the raffle. Booklets have I think 20 tickets for 20.00 at the door that night it's a bit more.
That night we serve a meal before the raffle at a low cost around $5.00 or 6.00.
We also try to get donations for our door prizes between the raffle.
When you get your tickets all the baskets are set on tables with a box under to drop in your tickets in the one you want or in different ones!!
Kilough Elementary PTO does a raffle instead of a silent auction--but it is set up the same way as a silent auction. We did grade level basket themes the first year, not the second, and are going back to it this year. Here are our themes for this year: Kindergarten - Hot Wheels and Barbies; 1st - Books and Art Supplies; 2nd - Picnic & Grilling; 3rd - Games, Games & More Games (video, board, outdoor); 4th - Gardening & Handyman Tools; 5th - Legos & Makeup/Spa.
Depending on how many of the different items we get donated by the students, that will determine how many baskets we make.
Last year was the first year we did theme baskets for our auction. The person who organized it had fun names for each theme. Some that she used (minus the neat names) were; Everything Barbie; Baker's Delight; Geared for Dad; & one for Moms. The rest that I can think of were similar to ones already listed.
Hi Bonbons,
Here are a few more theme ideas: Sundae Best (sundae-making supplies), Oh Baby (newborn), Petite Picasso (children's arts & crafts supplies), Christmas Cookie, Golf, Sewing, Night on the Town, Family Fun (family activities, games, etc.), Photography, Rub-a-Dub-Dub (child's bathtime), Hot Wheels (car care supplies), and Couch Potato (could be the same as family movie night).
Our school has never done this, but my sister's school has and they assign a theme to each class, for which the parents send items or solicit donations. I believe the PTA also solicits gift certificates from local businesses such as restaurants and video stores.
Good luck!
Linda
