Student Fundraiser Programs

A lot of parents show interest in school fundraising drives through groups such as the Parent/Teachers Organization, or PTO. Leading a fundraising event can be both enjoyable and difficult simultaneously. You will encounter very little stardom, a lot of arduous work, and the need to remain tough yet flexible in very trying situations. To assume the challenging role as that of a fund raiser exhibits a parent's or teacher's allegiance to his/her children's school and fellow students. Other parents are educated by your example, and you become a pillar of the community.

Every year across the country, hundreds of elementary and secondary schools host fundraisers with the assistance of parent/teacher associations. The money collected helps not only to burnish the school's educational efforts, but also to make obtainable important resources for the students and schools. Imagine all the means by which your school would be aided by supplemental funds: more microscopes for biology class, higher quality food in the lunchrooms, after-school music programs, special classes for slow and/or advanced students, teacher recognition ceremonies - the list goes on forever.

For every good reason to stage a fundraising event, so too there is a type of event from which to select. Let's look at a couple of the perennial favorites:

• Bake sale - children adore cookies and cakes (and we must admit that grown-ups are fond of them too!). The requirements for a bake sale include a sufficiently-sized gym or auditorium in which chairs and tables can be arranged; goodly amounts of paper plates, cups, paper napkins and plastic cutlery; an amply-sized adult constituency to oversee the event; and a lot of waste receptacles and cleanup workers. A single individual should have ultimate control for all funds garnered. Often, a ticket strategy is established so that students first purchase tickets, and subsequently exchange them for goodies. The event should plan an award ritual for best cake, kookiest cookie, etc. And always ensure that first-aid and security personnel are present.
• Peeler fundraiser - an increasingly popular program in which students utilize a bargain-laden card peeler that features local merchant discounts and special savings. Students spread out across the neighborhood to hawk cards to friends and family. Cards usually have up to 4 panels and 16 or more various peel-off coupons. Local businessmen subsidize the services and products highlighted on the cards, and the school earns revenue on each sold card. Friendly rivalry among students is promoted, and the leading seller is generally rewarded in some fashion.

More popular fundraisers include candy sales, auctions, and used-clothing drives. Whichever one you select, be ready to work hard and have a blast!