Our school families love our ice cream social. We have more than 80% of families show up; around 500+ total. We make sure that we have lots of ice cream and toppings. Everyone makes their own ice cream sundae! We have sign up tables for committees and classroom help. We display our fall fundraiser and ask the company we are using to provide a display of gifts that can be ordered from the catalog and we ask them to donate some of the chocolates so that families can sample the great quality; melt in your mouth chocolates. We always end of selling 50% chocolate in our fundraiser every year; about $15,000 worth. Also, we set up a display of our school apparel, with samples for sizing, so that people can order it that night. Teachers and the principal attend. It's always a huge hit. We don't bother with games or any of that; the ice cream seems to please everyone!
Our membership has declined dramatically the past few years and we know we need to do something to encourage others to participate. So, we are planning to host an Ice Cream Social in place of our first meeting in an attempt to attract more members. We plan to invite families - and have 'booths' set up for each committee where parents can signup to help with the year's activities. The committee chairpeople will have much of the years work broken down into very small (1-2 hour) tasks with approximate timing so that parents can sign-up to assist with activities that meet their schedules and available time.
If anyone has tried anything like this before, I'll be curious to know how it worked for you -and any suggestions!
I think you should invite the whole family. Send an invitation home and ask for an RSVP so you know how many to expect then adjust for a few extras. You could also ask for side dish donations and have your group supply the main dish and paper products. You could have a few small games set up- badminton, basketball, ring toos, or a jupiter jump even. It may be helpful to ask other groups to join you- local sports, Scouts, etc. Rather then spend money on entertainment you could play music or do karaoke. ( a clown is always fun too!)
I would give everyone a name tag too especially the Officers and any staff who come.(dont forget to give them an invitation) Because you want to welcome everyone I would keep the fun part to a maximum- maybe do a small meeting time to introduce your Officers and explain what you hope to accomplish during the year. Good luck!
My group is hoping to have a welcome back mixer around the 3rd or 4th week of school in the fall as part of our membership drive. Does anyone have suggestions? How do you guess at the number to plan for? Do you invite kids too or only parents? Should we hire entertainment? Lots of details would be great.
