- Host an exciting fundraiser at the school auditorium.school sign image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
Fundraiser are often used for schools to raise money for special events. Instead of throwing another candy sale, put on a successful fundraiser everyone can enjoy. The school auditorium can set the stage for a memorable, money making function. - A Chinese auction is an exciting fundraiser event works ideally in an auditorium setting. The event planners first solicit desirable items to auction at the event. Bundle gifts are usually desirable. Have a "No Dirty Dishes for a Week" package, where seven local restaurants donate dinner for four. One for each night of the week. Or request a landscape company donate free yard service for a month. Have a large assortment of exciting packages to auction.
The day of the auction set-up tables around the perimeter of the stage, to display the packages with an enticing description. Sell tickets for one or two dollars each participants can use for the raffle. The ticket booth is a good place to sell the tickets.
After the items are viewed have the guests take a seat in the auditorium and start the Chinese Auction. The auctioneer on the stage describes the item up for sale. People interested raise their hands and a ticket collector puts their tickets in a bowl. The more tickets they put in the greater their chances of winning. Be prepared to have people walking around selling tickets during the bidding if bidders run out. The auctioneer picks a ticket, announces the winner, then starts fresh with the next item. - A Chair-ity event is a fun gimmick on the traditional silent auction. The idea is to auction off gift packs using chairs as the theme. It is not necessary to use new chairs, the items are the selling points.
For example, a baby car seat is auctioned filled with baby clothes, books, and a certificate for three months free diapers. A computer chair stacked with office supplies, a new monitor, and computer games. Kitchen chairs can have cookbooks, a set of pots, or small appliances. Involve the students by having each classroom pick a theme and have parents donate one item each to fill the classes chair. Older students can also chose to ask local businesses to donate items to match their theme. Maybe a hardware store can contribute a workbench and supplies. A craft shop items for a wicker chair. Let students be creative and decorate the chairs to entice bidding.
The day of the auction set the chairs around the perimeter of the stage. Hold a silent auction, where the highest bidder gets the basket. Announce the winner at the end of the night. Also, award a trophy to the classroom that sold for the highest amount. - Host an interactive Karoke Night fundraiser, with a "Showtime at the Apollo" theme. Contact an establishment that rents karaoke machines and attempt to use the equipment for a discount or for free. Offer free advertisement in return. Charge an entrance fee, with a discount for anyone willing to sing a tune. Have an MC keep the event lively, who encourages people to come on stage and keeps the night flowing.
In addition, sell baked goods, and beverages. At the end of the night give out a couple prizes such as best singer, best duet, best impersonation, most entertaining. Have token prizes like donated two for one dinner certificates from local restaurants or inexpensive iTune gift cards to give to the winners.
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