For Capital Grille - should I select "gift card" or "other" on the contact page?
Also, using solo cups (with lids) is an inexpensive way to collect raffle tickets. Our auction is in December so we use red & green cups and then use glue dots to affix candy canes, tiny ornaments, etc. for decoration. Best of all once your finished you can toss it all and it's one less thing to have to lug home.
To "Getting Nos" in Maryland: I'm in MD. I'm not sure what you exactly mean by wanting to get "big businesses". As many have posted, the national companies are much more difficult to get for your time. But in Maryland, there is Baltimore, Annapolis, DC areas to all consider. Museums, amusement parks, theatres, sports teams etc. Depending where you are in MD, consider looking in neighboring states like PA, VA.
For Stampin Up, do a search on the PTO site or on the 1st page, there is probably the listing for how to inquire.
If you are creating lists of possible donors for next year's auction, consider this little shortcut: Go to the following pages on this thread: 44, 47, 50, 53, 54, 62, 64, 73, 74. and you'll find "yes lists,'' which include companies that have donated to the person who has posted the list. These lists could be good starting points for you!
This is actually just a selection of lists from the thread. (Will post another collection soon!)
Please help!! I have 6 months til our event but I keep getting nos from everyone! I am trying to get the big companies so we don't depend so much on the local small ones... How are you guys getting it from Stampin Up? We have a lot of parents who scrapbook so I thought that would be perfect!
I am in MD so if anyone can help me that would be wonderful!!
I'm from Orlando and I did pretty good getting donations from the surrounding areas. Basically what I did was got one of those coupon books that the kids sell at school and contact every business in there for a donation, then I did the same on Groupon and Living Social. Then I called every hotel within select cities and asked them. It took forever but I got some really good stuff. The national stuff was good too but i got way more local stuff just from Google searching to see what was in the area and who was advertising in coupon books or offering steep discounts online.
Where was this site 7 years ago when I started my annual silent auction? Oh well, a lot has changed since then, mostly by trial and error and for the better I might add. Instead of sending out hundred of letters, we now have websites to help us with all our donation requests, for the most part.
I agree with most, this is a full time committment, but well worth it once you see how much money you raise for your cause. Let's keep this in mind, we are all in th same boat when it comes to fund raising. Posting positive responses will help everyone and that is why we are here. Don't make it personal, take the high road and we will all benefit in the end from everyone's "hard" work. Good luck in your fund raising efforts!!
