We do a Family Dinner Night Out each month. We get various resturants throughout our area to let us converge on them. Usually we get 20% of the take that evening with a flyer. We generally mak around $150-$200 per event. Usually on a Monday evening, when resturants are slow.
Two years ago we started a Chili Supper. We are lucky that our school cook is an award winning chili maker who lover to help us out! Do you have someone with a talent like that? I would also suggest spaghetti or some kind of pasta.
Our school has had successful Spaghetti Suppers; the big draw is having the teachers and principal serve up the food. The kids love that. They've also held gift basket raffles at that event.
We've had a Family Traditions dinner. Each family brought in a side dish or dessert that was a tradition in their family's heritage. The PTO provided drinks and paper products. Each family was asked to make a small payment ($1.00 for children, $2.50 for adult) for the main dish of fried chicken. Advanced reservation were required. Students then performed a talent show. We did a small take off of American Idol with staff members serving as host and judges. Of course the judges were all extremely positive.
Last year we had an Indian Taco dinner did very well, we had a couple come in and donated their time and made the tacos, this year in case they don't want to help again- we need plan B--- what kind of dinners have done well for some of you??? We are having it next month and have to plan everything by Tuesday.. Need ideas??