kerri
i sent home a letter after my fall fundraiser went from 30,500 last yer to 18,000 this year. I sent a letter (*edited*)and did cookie dough, surreybrook farms. I ran that sale for 1 week, and i made the differnce up. AND i got emails and calls from parents thanking me for being upfront and honest.

(EDITOR: if you'd like to share your letter, please cut and paste the text right here in this thread. Thx.)

[ 10-25-2006, 12:07 AM: Message edited by: Rockne ]

Example

The mission for the Xyz PTA/PTO is to identify curriculum and programs deemed by the membership* in its sole discretion to be vital to affect the richest educational experience possible for our children; to maximize the role of the school itself in fulfilling these objectives; and to plan, organize and execute events and programs which generate the resources and mechanisms necessary to fulfill these objectives.

The board is there to run day to day operation and abide by the memberships' majority-

I'm sorry but if the 'parents at large' dont understand the ramafication, how mauch $$$ the fundraising companies make for you (??) or how much money is needed to be raised (budgeted) then its your responsibility to tell them by any and all means (web, newsletter, PTA budget posted somewhere)

The board does make final decisions, usually has to sort thru and listen to the sales pitches but they dont get to just 'pick or decide' because they like a company, think its the best, its makes the most $$$ for the school without the whole memberships input.

Its a democracy not an autocracy

I may get some flack from this but due to past experience I think the parent group board should make the final decision of what fundraiser to go with, not the parents at large. However the board can take a survey from the parents for input pruposes. My reasoning is that the board knows how much money needs to be raised for the budget. The board also knows how much money the various fundraising companies traditionally raise for them. The big fundraiser is too important to "take a risk" on by the parents at large who don't know all of the ramifications.

Went to Microsoft website and had no luck, could you tell me where you found it? Thanks!

Thank you for the advice. I logged onto Microsoft's website and found a down-load for a walk-a-thon. It included instructions and pledge cards. That is a great idea. Thank you.

Wow! That is too bad. You are not alone. Fundraisers across the board are just bringing in less $. I agree that you need to move forward and do another sale. We had sent a SHORT note home asking for cash donations and enclosed 3 pie charts from our treasurer. 1 of this years budget and a 2005-2006 income and a 2005-2006 actual expense pie chart. I know we feel like a broken record saying what we pay for as PTO, but most parents do not know how much we need and what we do with it. A lot of parents do not read wordy letters that come home, but the pie chart was simple and eye catching. Now, I know you're not doing a cash drive but you could send it as a way to explain why you are doing another sale so soon.

We will be doing a "Fitness Challange" in the spring where students get pledges or donation for completing laps around the school. This is done during the day, each class taking a turn going out and walking for an hour. Another school in our district raised $30,000 last year doing one (450 students).

Good luck.