I have found it most useful to contact places that I am a customer of - or a fan of. I contacted our local radio station, explained our non-profit and event, and got a bunch of awesome merchandise. I think that the main reason that worked was because I am a fan and told them that. Businesses can't possibly support everyone who asks, so they have to be selective. I appreciate the ideas that others have posted and have found this site to be very valuable. But if we all post contacts and specific donation information, then those places are likely to become inundated with requests and not be able to fulfill any of them - like what happened with Your True Nature. I prefer to get general ideas of what people have gotten. You have to be willing to do a little leg work in your community. Google "children's parties in ______________ (your city). Contact the vendors that show up and see if they will donate bounce house rentals or a few hours of face painting. Parents love to bid on stuff like that. I hope this doesn't come across as selfish, I just think that it is more successful for everyone if we help with ideas instead of giving out a specific contact's e-mail. Can you imagine what their inbox looks like the morning after it is posted here?
Love, Love, Love this website!! I have shared a few places that I received from and Used some of the places that I did not know about. If anyone could, could you please list where you received from, what you received and where you sent away to or emailed in order to receive such a donation? If I get anything else, I will be sure to list what ever I receive!! Thanks for the help...it is greatly appreciated and I hope to return the favor!!
My name is Kristin,
I am the Auction Coordinator and PTF President at my children's school, a private Pre-k - 12 Christian school. We have had our annual auction for 24 years now and this is my second year running it.
I'm not sure why the director at your other Lutheran school allowed raffles. Obviously, as Christians we practice what we believe to be true: see 1st Timothy 6:9-10 and Matthew 6:24. Raffles are a gamble because you are taking a blind chance putting so much of your money into one drawing in hopes that you will be picked.
Instead of a raffle we do a live auction. It is a wonderful event and it brings people in because its not something you get to be a part of every day. I know that some schools want to serve alcohol and have it an adult only event. For us we have free childcare (they have dinner and plant flowers and do an activity and will watch movies as it gets later) that makes it possible for all families to come and not have to rely (and pay for) a babysitter. We do not auction off or serve alcohol at our event. I will say though that you can absolutely make a one of a kind fantastic event, that is wholesome and family friendly. I hope I helped some
I'm part of a Lutheran benefit and I had great idea for a raffle with some of the odd gift cards and also some cool prizes just for the kids to buy raffle tickets and try to win and at the same time raise some money. I was informed that its against the Lutheran laws for raffles. Something about its close to gambling. I'm confused because the other Lutheran school my kids went to before it closed always had raffles. Maybe this principal is strict to the book and the other wasn't.
Does anyone know a way around this or another idea. They're talking about trivia but I really don't want to do that. I read about tricky tray.. what is that?
Our school is a preK-8th christian private school. We will be holding our auction on site and do have alcohol donated, served and breweries, etc., donate. The policy is that minors cannot be on campus when this event occurs.
WesternMass - are you having it AT the school? If so, I would understand the policy regarding breweries and the like. Our events are always held offsite as adult nite-out events. But you are YOUR OWN organization, seperate from the school. We always have a large representaion of breweries, wineries and casinos at our event, even hard alcohol (although many distilleries will scoff at ANY association with a school).
