PresidentJim-- Can you tell me how you ran this event---
Is it run just like a poker tournament in vegas-- or are there special rules for running this event... Also-- did you hire the police escort- or did you talk to the local police department and get a volunteer--- I'm interested in this event---.

The poker tournament was definitely NOT on school grounds. It was at the American Legion and another time at the Elks. Both groups donated the use of the hall.

I looked at the legality of it all and there is absolutely nothing wrong with holding a fundraiser of this nature. In fact, by our town/state laws it falls under the same guidelines as a raffle. There are limitations, such as only being able to run three within a year, etc. You must have a police escort on site during the tournament, etc.

By far one of the more profitable fundraisers based on time devoted. 4-5 hours = about $2500.

Regards,
presidentJim

How did you do a poker tournament--??? on school grounds???? or elsewhere.
I am taking over as President and my goal is to get more parents involved.... especially men-- since right now- there are none involved..

There are many things that you can put into place to make things easier.

For example, last year whenever I needed to purchase something I would buy it myself and then have to go over to the Treasurer's house or meet up at a meeting, provide the receipt, and then get a check, go to the bank and deposit, etc. Overall just a PTOers every week routine, but still so time consuming. This year we got a corporate credit card for the President and the Treasurers. Now I just put it on the card, give the Treasurer the receipt when I see them and done.

Over the summer, while we have a bit more time then usual, I set up our monthly newsletters in advance. Since, for the most part, I now have an understanding of what event we will be running, I put in the basic info and then add the specifics when the time comes. This has saved me countless hours over the course of the year.

Here's a PTOtoday promo. We purchased the Manager software. I worked with our new volunteer coordinator and set it up over the summer, and with the treasurer over the summer, and now things are more streamlined.

I decided not to spend the countless hours I did last year doing certain things. For example, submitting my group for Parent Group of the Year. We're not from Tennessee, so we won't win, plus Tim told me last year when I inquired, that we were thought of by the judges as "good and solid". From what I can see, as compared to any of the other groups in our area, we stand out, but if we are just "solid" then why spend the many, many hours it takes to submit. Sorry, I've been carrying that for over a year now and have been needing to vent. But the point is to cut back on things that don't/won't pay off. Another example of this is our annual Holiday Shoppe. We require double-digit volunteers over the course of a week, disrupt the classroom schedules, have issues with running out of items to purchase, kids forgetting their money, etc. And we don't make any profit on this. I've been hesitant to do away with the program as the Chair who has been running it for years was a real proponent of it, but now that she is working full time she is starting to back out of things. This is a perfect example of something that requires way too much effort for not nearly enough payback. Overall the kids would likely rather have a Seasonal Celebration in December than a Shoppe.

So I recommend cutting back on things that won't pay off.

Next I would recommend making your group standout. Last year we added five new events, including a Back to School Ice Cream party, a Harvest party (Halloween event), a February party (Valentine's dance), a Golf Tournament and a couple of Poker tournaments. The latter two seems to have made us more popular with the male parents and has increased our male active members from just me to now 6 or 7, including our Treasurer. These fun events, though a lot of effort, pay off because it makes people want to become active, so I've been able to take the group from about 10 active members to now over 40. As you can imagine this makes things so much easier.

Also reach out to the new parents in the school. Communication is key!

At the same time I really like the idea of going Co if possible. Think about the members who are available and think about who might be up for it. Talk to them directly and see what they think.

Good luck,
PresidentJim

Could you find someone to Co president with you? Thats what I did and it has made a world of difference sharing responsiblilities and dividing going to events etc.

I can totally relate to this late year I was in the same boat no one wanted me to leave with a new prinicipal coming into the school.

Good Luck

Southern Pres ~ Deep breaths, my friend!

Here's some good news.... the 2nd year is usually easier. No, really, it is! The first year is manic - so much to learn, so much to do - it's a wonder any of us made it through our first years at all. But the the second year rolls around and, boom, it all seems more natural and familiar.

I understand your concerns about going back to work. Let your fellow board members know that it's a transition year for you and you may really need for them to help cover some gaps. More than likely, they'll be happy to do so.

Finally, even though your terms are for two years, it isn't a prison sentence demanding that you stick it out. Take a look at your bylaws to see what happens if you resign after the first year. Perhaps your VP steps up and then the VP position has to be filled. Perhaps your position is considered 'vacant' and the remaining board members vote to fill in the 2nd year with an appointed candidate. If your bylaws are silent or just unclear on the issue, let us know what they say and we can help you around it.