We have had a raffle every year that is associated with our Fun Fair. This year the gals on the committee decided to raffle off baskets. They assigned a theme to each class room such as: gardening, parent's night out, family night in, etc. They then sent a letter home with each child explaining that their class was assigned this specific basket. Parents either bought something that they thought appropriate for the basket or another option was to donate a couple dollars for the organizers to buy something. Local businesses donated also. It was a big success. The classes enjoyed taking ownership for something. The baskets looked wonderful. Parents, teachers, and students bought a ticket for $1 each or 6 for $5 and put it in the raffle basket they wanted to win. Then one winner would be drawn for each of the baskets. We spent about $300 on items for the baskets and we brought in $1200. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Our school is approaching their last pto meeting of the year and I have been asked to chair their gift auction committee for Spring 05. I need to present some general information at this meeting as well as a budget for out-of-pocket expenses I might incur during the initial set-up. I am perplexed and can use some information with regards to this. This is a new event for our school. We will only have two fundraising efforts next school year, one in the Fall (catalog) and then the gift auction in the Spring. I jotted down a list of things that will be an expense to us but since we have never had a line item for this category in our budget I'm really not sure what to request. I could also use any advice or information on having a gift auction. My e-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if anyone is interested in helping me out. Thanks for all of your support.