Where are you getting your information? You always make these broad (usually incorrect) statements about catalog fundraisers. Show us the data and stop making generalizations about programs that ARE and continue to be successful, like our PTO's catalog sale.
IN fact, we have used Innsbrook for the last four years and this year, despite losing 100 students in our enrollment, and the poor economy, our participation rate has increased 3 percentage points, and we are NOT done with our sale.
If you want feedback from us, just simply ask that without making negative comments about a particular fundraiser...
Interest in the more traditional fundraising projects has been low for some time now and even lower with the poor economy. Few families participate and the most critical feedback is that parents feel overwhelmed or intimidated with being asked to purchase or sell so many products.
Focusing on special events that involved parents and teachers has been much more successful in terms of fundraising and fostering good relationships.
That is great for your school, but I was interested in how the more traditional fund raising projects were doing---i.e catalog sales, candles, cookie dough, etc.
It is almost the 1st of October and many schools have completed a fundraising sales project. I would be interested in finding out how sales were compared to previous years. Did the recession affect your school's sale? I know some states like California, Arizona, Nevada, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and others are having more problems than other states.
I have heard that gift catalog sales are down. The expensive "dust collector" gift items are not selling. What about your school? Are cookie dough sales up? I have heard yes and know from various PTO boards. I guess food still sells.
What has been the feedback from your community? With people out of work, continued housing problems, and a general fear of the economy; what is their reaction to the sales. It is certainly a unique fall.
