Dear Lori,
Recently in San Diego there have been a few new fund-raising options like family portraits and seed sales. But my favorite has been the beauty care products (like lotions, soaps, and hair care). My family has become addicted to the items available. And unlike going door to door and selling these things, which might still end up happening, we just send our friends and family to the website and they click on our school name.
As an add-on to your auction you could have raffle baskets. What we do is have each grade take on a different category for the basket. For example, Kindergarten may be sports, first grade might be cooking - I'm sure you get the picture. Send home a letter requesting a donated item for the raffle fundraiser explaining how these funds will be used to do whatever (for example, decrease the cost of field trips). Then have a basket wrapping party where a bunch of volunteers come in to the school and wrap up the baskets. Sell raffles for $1 a piece, or 6 for $5 (or whatever) and have boxes in front of each basket where they can put their raffle ticket in.
I am an outgoing treasurer and newly elected president that with an awesome group last year revitialized our PTO. We were sinking for years and made major changes last year, but in order to keep that going as president I need new ideas for fundraising. We currently have our 2nd annual auction planned, which raised approx. $7500.00 last year, and we would love to do better this year. Would love to hear from anyone that holds an auction and any other fundraising options.
Thanks in advance,
Lori
(A mom who is committed to keeping the PTO strong.)
