We're using coolschoolprints.com. It's a program thats all online and needs little to no effort from the school. They supply flyers and posters that the school can use to promote the program, the product list is growing and the kids have fun doing it. We've used it for an extra credit project in computer, a school wide art contest, and for student recognition.

Good luck!

We do a Variety Show every year at our elementary school and it is a huge success. We do not charge admission and rather just ask for donations, but you absolutely could charge admission, sell refreshments and even hold a 50/50 to bring in money.

As I mentioned...we call ours a variety show, rather then a talent show. We do not award any prizes for best of anything. This way there is no pressure and all the kids who want to participate can. The kids sign up to perform whatever they want...sing, dance, lip sync, karate, magic, tell jokes, play an instrument, etc. We have 3 days of rehearsal prior to the show. We hold one performance on a Friday for all the kids to see as an assembly, this also serves as the dress rehearsal. Then at night we hold the real show for the parents & families to attend. It is always standing room only and it is truly a great evening that is loved by both the kids & the adults.

Restaurants that we have used are:
Max and Erma's, Applebee's, Pizzaria Uno, Chick-Fil-A, Burger King, Red Robin and Chuck E. Cheese. If you do the Chuck E. Cheese one he will come to your school at dismissal time to get the kids all hyped up for the night out. They also give you a sticker for each child that is worth free tokens. A lot of these places give something to the teachers for free ie salad bar or whatever. The kids are very excited to see their teachers outside of school. We have a local McPrincipals night every spring. The teachers work behind the McDonald's counter in one hour shifts during a three hour event. That is a huge success. Good luck!

In-house Talent show should be a hit! We had try-outs (to make sure material was not too suggestive) anywhere from lip-sync to standup comedy and gymnasts, piano players... kids are talented! Sometimes teachers will be willing to sing/dance and add extra fun to a school talent show.
Ours was an open donation. Many relatives will pay generous amounts to see their kids perform, but it allows less fortunate families to enjoy a good show. We also had a 50/50 raffle at the end of the intermission. If you sell baked goods and water or fruit smoothies at the event it puts all money in your pocket. Good luck!

Several fundraisers that we do that cost little or no money are
1. check with grocery stores about registering there MVP, VIP cards. We receive a % back from food lion and harris teeter and the checks are sent automatically.
2. We recycle cell phones and ink cartridges
3. A local nursery(garden) gives us back a % in products
4. we do box tops, campbell soup labels and hershey wrappers
5. Target's is another one. Anyone who has a target credit card can select a school to receive % of their sales.
The grocery cards and targets can be used by family, friends and any other support of the school.

Fundraisers that cost money
6. We are currently doing original artwork for the holidays. Like you we are tired of the wrapping paper, cookie dough. This way you are buying and selling your child's art work. Great gifts for grandparents, aunt's etc.
7. We have alot of people who golf so we are looking into a golf tournament.
8. if your school has a website birthday party express has a fundraiser where ifyou link their website to your website you can receive a % of all sales from your website.
9. We have had ice cream socials at cold stone ice cream and receive 10% back. raise $250 our first night.
10. chic-fil-a does a similiar promotion
11. sell chic-fil-a calendars
12. we actually created a school calendar for the entire year that included all the pto meetings, fundraisers, box top due dates, spirit days, field trips, project due dates, days off, etc. This was a huge hit with the parents.
13. silent auction/dinner
14. theme baskets

Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like more informaton.

I am not sure where you are, but my past experiences have shown me communities love fashion shows. Fashion Bug loves to "lend out" outfits for community events. They carry girls sizes now. My idea I send to you would be a Mother Daughter luncheon. If you want I can help you with some of the details.

Good luck!

Tracy This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.