Patricia:

I don't understand your question? what letters? Begging letters for prizes? There are a bunch of posts on this web site for that.

If you're looking for companies to solicit, go to your local auto supply store or hardware store with a pad of paper and a pen. (I've done this)

Walk up and down the aisles and job down company names, addresses and websites directly from the actual products you think would make great door prizes.

Then compose a nice letter stating the facts.

"Our school is having a [insert event name] on [insert date]. The purpose of this letter is to inquire if your company would be willing to donate an appropriate item or samples for us to use as a door prize. [explain a little more about the event - how donuts for dads is a great bonding event, etc.]

[Put here what's in it for them IF they give you something] In return for any donation over $XX, we will announce your company's name, have a posters/table top tents displayed during the event, recognition in the school newsletter and a link from our school website.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me directly."

Jane Vice President
Lucky School
Lucky Town, USA
Phone: 555-5555
home: 555-555

(don't forget to list any day AND evening phone numbers where you can be reached)

NOTE: if you're soliciting BIG companies (like Turtle wax), you need at least a 6 week lead time. If you're running out of time, you may have to get on the phone and call.

Other prize ideas... call your local fire chief to see if they would donate a dinner for 4 at the fire house. Find out if anyone owns a Harley (or fancy car/corvette/hummer, etc) - see if they would give a free spin around the block.

I would also love a copy fo those letters ,
my e-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
thanks to all that hwve shared there lists with us.

Dixi:

What part of Ohio are you in?? How much can you spend on this entertainment?

I looked up on Google.com (my favorite search engine) the Ohio Arts Council

See this link: www.oac.state.oh.us/resources/

Otherwise, how about open gym? shoot some hoops.

Lego table - some Dads like to do stuff with their hands.

Door prizes - Put a star under certain plates for dads (or kids) to win a door prize. Solicit local businesses or write companies directly to donate "Manly" door prizes like tools, car wax, sporting goods, coolers, fishing poles, lawn chairs, etc.

Board games? See my post on my school's successful board game night.

Don't forget to inform your local newspaper AT LEAST THREE WEEKS BEFORE, so they show up to snap pictures and mention a huge thank you for the Dad's participation in the next school/PTO newsletter.

Best of luck and hope you have a great Dad turnout!

###

Talk to the folks at your friendly neighborhood college! They book all kinds of speakers through grants and such. It shouldn't be too much of a problem to have a speaker who is already being paid (by grants) to stop by for a short visit. We are a small rural town, but we still have a community college campus and they get all kinds of cool speakers, artists, etc. Best of all? They are always willing to share, even bringing the folks to the schools for free assemblies. We saw Indian Dancer and Story Teller Tony Redhouse last year, who was AWESOME!!!

Try this site:

schoolshows.com/

Good luck,
Lisa @ Tx

Our school is organinzing a Dinner with Dad this year and as VP it is my baby to organize. I need to have some entertainment scheduled and need some ideas on what might be a good idea and if anyone has any companies they could recommend? We are in Ohio.
Thanks in advance!
Dixi(Bald lady with pained expression) :eek: