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In this day and age school fundraisers have become a fact of life. Private schools utilize fundraisers to supplement their operating budgets. Public schools will raise funds for band or choir trips, sports activities, drama clubs, etc. Numerous online organizations now offer fundraising opportunities that involve selling goods to others. While it can be effective having students generating sales, some parents object to using their children in this manner. So, get the parents involved!
The Annual Dinner Auction
To have a successful auction you need to start planning it months before the actual date. Pull together some of the most energetic and motivated parents to form the fundraising committee. Form sub-committees that will take care of specific assignments:
- Determine the auction theme - Exotic destinations lend themselves nicely to an auction theme. They can tie in with the meal and the general ambiance. Another popular theme focuses on specific decades, 50’s, 60’s, or the 70’s. Activity themes, such as boating, golf, or skiing can promote adventure-oriented donations.
- Choose the venue - It can be difficult finding a location that accommodates 200-300 attendees. This can create a dilemma in finding a suitable venue. Don’t skimp on the space. If those that attend find it difficult to move around your silent auction will suffer.
- Decorating - Put your most creative people on this committee. Look for inexpensive ways to dress up the venue, like weaving twinkle lights through Evergreen boughs. Naturally, tie the decorations to the theme.
- Hire the caterer and decide on the menu - Ask for references and check them out. A buffet works well if you have the room to move around. Otherwise, have mature students do the serving.
- Hire the auctioneer – A good auctioneer will make all the difference in the success of your auction. Don’t use the football coach because he is animated in a crowd. Look for a professional. They’ll pay for themselves in increased bids.
- Hire the entertainment – Lively music always generates an enthusiastic crowd. Tie the entertainer’s style to the auction theme.
- Seek major sponsors – Some businesses are happy to give a sizable donation if they receive an advertisement in your program, a table tent, or special mention during the event.
- Organize the donation drive - Always go back to those that have donated in prior years. Contact them early in the school year when most businesses are preparing their budgets for the coming year. Be sure to invite donors to the event. Enlist all school families in the search for donors.
- Administration – You need someone with a laptop and an auction software program that can keep track of the donations. During the actual event they can input sales immediately so that the attendees have an accurate list of their commitments.
- Mix up the event with a raffle, silent auction, and live auction.
- Set your budget, your goal, and your priorities at the start and you will have a good chance for success!
When fundraising is a priority
The school board will establish through the budgeting process how much is needed in fundraising. Designate someone who is committed to results as your fundraising chairperson. Emphasize the importance of every family participating in some way in the fundraising efforts. There are tons of ideas on the Internet today that have the support of established organizations. Do the research. Pick three major fundraising initiatives for the school year, and put all that you have into them. You will be successful!
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