Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Summer is tough because so many people are out of town. Do you have a July 4 parade or other summer community festival where you can sell refreshments, spiritwear, etc.? I have heard of groups that run successful community events of their own in the summer, but that takes a lot of advance organization.

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam

Community Advice

badpants writes:
Is this something that is limited to summer, or has it just landed in your lap and you have the summer to pull it all together? A community rummage sale might do the trick. Spring and summer are prime months for rummage sales. You can use your school cafeteria or maybe a church basement. Pick a weekend. Put out the word to your school and church that you will be taking donations on XYZ dates between the hours of A - Z, ideally 2 or 3 days prior to your event. have volunteers sort donations into catagories, like Housewares or Clothing. We handed out a flyer to customers that was printed with prices for general items, like coats $7 or children's clothing $3, books $1, which saved a lot of manpower having to tag thousdands of items. Aside from needing a lot of volunteers, I would also advise lining up someone to come a nd pick up any unsold items. Or, asking your parents with trucks to volunteer to load up and drop off unsold items at Goodwill or similar place.

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam

Community Advice

ptfmom writes:
I like both ideas- unfortunately the commuity event is this weekend and school just ended yesterday so BAD timing. *Thinking of setting up a lemonade stand outside our local grocery store a couple weeks on Friday afternoons (not alot of investment and not alot of voluneers needed and we can take turns- this would yeild some funds) ** I like the yard sale idea (we diid it at Christmas 2 years ago for another project and it went great **I do need to have some funds available aroundt back to school and our booster club hits the first week back with their big fundraiser (coupon books) so I do not want to do any to overlap that one so.... I want to try something over the summer... Thanks and keep ideas coming!!! Scrapbook workshop??

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam

Community Advice

Inez writes:
Hi, the ideas sound helpful so far. Don't give up, this is a journey for most organizations. How about hosting a Flea Market at your church or a space where vendors can purchase a table from you for a low fee for the day. Hosting "talent sales", have members offer their skills like (baby sitting, car washing, dog walking, cookie baking, etc.) for a small donation to generate funds. I believe the key is to offer something of value to people, they are more likely to give in return. All is well in your outcome. Take care

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam

Community Advice

Sellstar writes:
Our group has had success at Spirit Nights during the summer. Ice cream shops, pizza, hot dog shops all make great spirit night locations during the summer. Utilize your parent email list to contact during the summer and get people there. Get a sound system and generate excitement with music and games. Have a give away or two. Make Spirit Nights fun and an event...our group raised over $3000 on Spirit Nights this year!

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam

Community Advice

juliam writes:
I should have read your fundraising question before I posted my own question. Have you considered the only missing children's prevention service proven to prevent missing children. It is endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and supported by John Walsh. Additionally this service works the exact opposite of child fingerprints or child ID cards in that it is 100% anonymous, absolutely no strangers taking a child's picture or obtaining their personal information. Our website is www.guardourkids.com and you will find information you'd probably rather not know about on page 2, and then the best service out there to prevent the unthinkable. Why don't you contact me at julia@guardourkids.com and I would love to go over how we can assist you in your fundraising efforts. Thank you and best of luck to you in your fundraising efforts.

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam

Community Advice

traceym writes:
If you have a county fair during the summer that can be a big fundraiser. Also, try online fundraisers, send home or mail flyers to parents and post flyers around town.

• Report Abuse Nonsense Spam