OUr Principal printed up Calahan Elementary Sponsor Cerificates that the students colored, then they were laminated and framed and a Representative of the school (whomever lived closest or wanted to go) presented it to the local place of business
<font size=""1""><font color="#"black"">Liberalism is not an affilation its a curable disease. </font></font><br /><br><font color="#"gray"">~Wisdom of Shawnshuefus</font><br /><br><font color="#"blue""><font size=""1"">The punishment which the wise suffer, who refuse to take part in government, is...
For our Winter Festival we had almost 60 businesses that donated money, merchandise, and in-kind services. It was a great response from the community businesses and we wanted to show them our appreciation.
Our idea was to present them each a "Macy PTO Community Partner" certificate in a frame. This is something very tangible and they can display it in their business. The response to this gift was extraordinary. These businesses were so happy and surprised to receive such a thoughtful gift. It demonstrated to them that their contributions do make a difference and that they are appreciated. All of them added that they would be happy to help us again next year- a worthwhile investment of only $4 per certificate/frame.
We send thank you notes after the fact. Some years, we've used a version where the kids colored a picture on it.
The newspaper thank you ad takes more thought. We used to do that, but then some donors asked us NOT to publish their name in such an ad because they get swamped with requests from other organizations for donations.
I would think some companies would like the exposure, but we've never actually had one tell us that.
For out silent auction we had in the fall we bought about 200 blank gift cards. We had the kids of those people on the auction committee draw a picture on the front. After the auction everyone who donated (there were over 150) received a handwritten note from the person that requested a donation from them. We also then told them how much money we made at our auction with the help of their donation. I've been to some of the stores/businesses that donated locally and they have those thank you notes posted where everyone can see them. We also placed an ad in our local newspaper thanking all the individuals/companies that donated an item or service. Also when we get donations for any other events (food for pancake breakfast, ice cream social, etc.) we send them one of the same type of thank you notes. At these events we have posters at these events thanking these companies (McDonalds, grocery stores, hotels, etc.) for donating the food items.
I'm in charge of our school's raffle & silent auction this year. I've been sending out my thank yous soon after I receive the donation item. I handwrite out each one and include our tax id # for their tax purposes.
I type mine out on pto letterhead, but make the thank you note personal instead of standard. I also send mine out after the event this way they can see the impact they've help with. We also include our tax id# so they can write if off.
