Great idea.
We usually raffle 1-2 baskets that are movie related baskets with a copy of the Movie we are showing in the basket with candy, popcorn and such. We also made the basket themed as the Movie- such as "Cars" and "HSM" we had stickers, a book, a few toys plus the movie and movie items.
The kids loved it.

Instead of our tin can auction, we are doing a basket raffle as well as family movie night. I understand we have to get a license to show a movie, but where do you get the movie equipment?

Your school district might have already purchased a license for the year since they show movies in class- you can check to see if your school district already has a license on file-- the Movie equipment would be the same way, check with your librarian to see if you screens, a projector and a DVD player--- I was told we didn't have a projector or DVD player... so I borrowed one from the local college for our 1st Movie night then founds out after that we have several projectors in the school--.
We have a Big screen that remotely comes down out of the ceiling right in our lunch room- so it's an ideal spot for our Movie Night. And the DVD player, if your librarian doesn't have one, use one from home or borrow one, then have your pto purchase one for the school-- that way you have 1 next time... they are not that much money-- 50-100.00.

Instead of our tin can auction, we are doing a basket raffle as well as family movie night. I understand we have to get a license to show a movie, but where do you get the movie equipment?

Hi cruz -

Have you ordered your Family Movie Night planning kit? Most of these questions are covered in detail. It's here:

http://www.ptotoday.com/sfn/family-movie-night

RE: the equipment. It's easier than ever to show movies on a big screen. You'd be amazed at how many families now have projection equipment for home use (and how many parents are amateur A/V junkies with their HD plasmas and their surround sound, etc. -- they make great volunteers for this night.)

For our Movie Night, the equipment was: 1) a laptop with a DVD player connected to 2) a digital projector (from a parent who uses one of these for work -- very common business equipment these days). We also connected into the school's sound system in the gym (check acoustics ahead of time -- a decent portable speaker set may work better for clear sound depending on the existing sound system.)

Tim

Our night is usually themed with the movie we are showing. Also with movie related decorations like popcron, stars, clap boards etc. We do give away prizes all based around movie themes plus the movie and soundtrack ect from the movie shown that night. We also provide free popcorn. We buy the license but we use the school projectors/sound system.