We have tried SEVERAL fundraisers in the past 16 years ranging from Walk-a-thons to catalog sales. Things have been tough since our local Board of Ed has instituted a NO FOOD OR CANDY SALE policy. The PTO budgets on the elementary level range from $18,000 to $32,000. (We have three elementary schools in town that have student populations from 400-500 students.) We budget for cultural activities, field trips, teacher grants, a 5th grade culmination dinner, awards for students who show good character traits, field day, reading awards, etc. On the middle school level we have close to 700 students, we budget about $32,000. Again, we contribute money to cultural activities, field trips, teacher grants, a principal account to be used as the administration sees fit for supplies/equipment for the school, school wide parties, PTO allocations toward the 8th Grade Washington DC trip, etc. The high school budget is leaner--only $7,000. This is for scholarships. We have never had a problem attaining our budget goals. For towns that can sell candy-Many people are willing to give a quick dollar for a candy bar in support of a school. At the high school, we sponsor 5 Bands for 5 Bucks--local students perform and the top band is selected by the audience; one day we allow students to pay $2.00 and they can wear pajama pants (within reason) to school; we are currently selling gift cards to several restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. from Perk Works--with a percentage from each card going to the Parent Action Council. At the middle school level, we have always made at least $17,000. selling Yankee Candles. The candles are fresher than those purchased in the store because they are poured on demand. At the elementary level, one school has sponsored a "Duck Race" where families purchase rubber ducks with a number on the bottom....the numbered ducks race down a river in several "heats"....the first duck across the finish line wins and advances to the winners race. The last duck advances to the "lame duck" level. Very successful and lots of fun as families cheer for their duck. It is a day long event with different heats that lead to an overall winner and the "lame duck" award. Other field day type events occur throughout the day-- as well as-- arts and crafts, raffles, and refreshment stands. The second school sells beach towels and catalog items from Jeannine Fundraising who is very accomadating to Board of Ed rules and regulations. The company is very approachable and customizes catalogues to our needs. Again, the schools typically raise $17,000-$18,000 on this event. The Walk-a-thon typically raises between $10,000 and $11,000 a year. Students either obtain pledges for the number of laps they walk or flat donations. We also hold raffles, have a concession stand, and a dunking booth. We hire a local dj to keep the kids motivated and break for occasional contests. LOTS OF HEALTHY FUN! We have tried Entertainment books--but found it to be more work than it was worth. We also offer a Holiday Gift Shop in December--we purchase gift items on consignment and sell them for .25-.50 cents more. Although we don't make a huge profit--Students and families love the feeling of being able to purchase gifts for their family for less than $5.00! Hope this helps!
Kathie
