Thank you "ttnc4me" and "JHB" for your responses. I really appreciate your thoughts and reflections. It helps so much to brainstorm my thoughts with this message board.
Because the Playground Committee is separate from the PTO, that is why we are doing fundraising. I agree that having an "In Lieu of Fundraising" fee and then fundraising with a similar looking group raises some potential questions from our parents. Some parents may see us and one and the same. Our PTO still is not doing fundraising, and the majority of our parents are grateful for that. We still hold receptions, gatherings, and other activities that promote "fellowship" among our school families and believe me, as a PTO Board member, it is a relief to concentrate our energies on FUN things, rather than fundraising at these gatherings.
I happen to be on both Boards (Playground and PTO) though I am not the chairperson of either group. I am in charge of Fundraising for the playground though, and we already have a gal that is working diligently toward grants. I think you raised a valid point about parents not being happy about paying their PTO fee and then having to feel obligated to contribute to the playground fundraising--so one of my challenges will be to get the message across that the two groups are separate and have different objectives. The PTO fee only covers the yearly operating expenses. (Field trips, receptions, teacher appreciation, supplies, "wish list" items for our school etc..) Our budget is firm and there's not alot of "left overs" at the end of the school year. There is no way our ILF fee could ever cover the playground renovation. An early estimate to redo our playground is at least $50,000 and I'm sure it could go higher.
We only have 150 families or so at our school, but we are a Catholic School that has a supportive and large parish. I'm actually anticipating that most of the ticket sales would come from them. We also have a fairly active alumni association so I'm hoping to have their support as well.
I have the same questions regarding the "what ifs" with whether or not we'll sell all the tickets and what if we come up short. That's what I'd lose sleep over!
We have a number of lawyers in our school families. Perhaps I will tap into their knowlege as to my "what ifs" with making the ticket sale quota and also the state requirements for New York State.
I'm hoping that someone will see this message and tell me they've done this already and "here's how" hahaha! I can use all the help I can get!
Thank you for raising some great points, both of you!
Sue