As a PTO President, I don't see any harm in having a parents business as the school's fundraiser. However before you sign anything I would have them actually present their business as any other fundraising company would do. Find out how long they've been in business and ask for references of other similar type fundraiser clients.

I agree that the customer service SHOULD be outstanding because of their place in the school community but what would happen if problems occurred? Is it worth the headache?

*Quick Note* When I was selling Tupperware years ago I actually hosted a fundraiser for my daughters preschool. I purchased all of the incentives out of my profit as my donation and a thank you. The fundraiser was very successful because kids (or should I say parents) wanted those prizes!

Doesn't Innisbrook make money off the fundraisers?! I have my kids selling (selling!) to the neighbors to meet their quota and get thepizza party...and several of those dollars goes into Innisbrook'sdeeeeep pockets.

I'd rather support a local person than the giant corp.

I'd compare their percentage to what your other corporate fundraisers make.

Audrey

You should check your bylaws. I am in the PTA for both my kids schools and I own a fundraising company. We have run successful fundraisers with both my kids schools for the last 4 years. We always try to do a great job, but they do get special attention in that we will staff distribution for them and such so that there will be nothing for them to do except collect the money. The last thing we need is for "the ladies" to talk and the school is very proud to work with a local company and keep the money in the community, even if it does go to feed and clothe my family.

If this parent actually runs a business doing fundraisers, then how are they different from any other fundraising company you would use?? If it is there business, then they will work harder for two reasons - one for their business to make money and two for your group to make more money, as they have a personal interest in your school

It is specifically written into our bylaws that no parent run businesses will sell products to our PTO events or fundraise for us. (They can feel free to donate all they wish)

We have a parent that has a partime business. This parent offered to do a fundraiser for our kinder classes. I recently found out that this parent will make money from this fundraiser. Can the board enforce that all proceeds of the fundraiser must go to the school? I am concerned if we allow a parent to hold a fundraiser and profit from it, we will be opening a can of worms for other parents to want to do the same.

Does this seem inappropriate to anyone else? I feel like it's a conflict of interest to hold a fundraiser and profit from it.

Your advice is greatly appreciated!