NJ GKTW Fundraiser Planning

[ShesAPirate]

Originally Posted by wdwscout

I prefer a venue like a fire house or Elks Hall or KoC. If they have a kitchen- all the better. We can cater in, keep things warm. And of course we'd need set up and clean up crews for such an event.

I like this idea. Seems like we could have a bigger (and yet somehow more intimate, if that makes any sense) event at this type of venue than we could at a restaurant.

I can help with the Tricky Tray or whatever auction event, decorations, name tags... whatever we need.

What dates did you guys have in mind?

[parrotheadlois]

I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes. I have no experience soliciting donations, and I thought if we could obtain donations of gift cards (like from Target, Starbucks, etc.) they could be included in the tricky-tray gift baskets (could have a theme - coffee lovers basket, etc.).

I read an article online indicating sometimes the company has no problem doing so, but for their records would like something on the charity's letterhead, which would probably include a tax id number. I sent off a brief email to GKTW to see if they had experience with that. I hope to hear back from them. Are any of you familiar with that??

I live near the Mars Corporation (makers of - among other goodies M&Ms, etc.) I thought I could ask them for a donation of some of their products. Crayola is also nearby, a similar request could be made. What do you all think??

[ShesAPirate]

Originally Posted by parrotheadlois

I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes. I have no experience soliciting donations, and I thought if we could obtain donations of gift cards (like from Target, Starbucks, etc.) they could be included in the tricky-tray gift baskets (could have a theme - coffee lovers basket, etc.).

I read an article online indicating sometimes the company has no problem doing so, but for their records would like something on the charity's letterhead, which would probably include a tax id number. I sent off a brief email to GKTW to see if they had experience with that. I hope to hear back from them. Are any of you familiar with that??

I live near the Mars Corporation (makers of - among other goodies M&Ms, etc.) I thought I could ask them for a donation of some of their products. Crayola is also nearby, a similar request could be made. What do you all think??

That all sounds good. When we had our meet this past August in NYC, a lot of people who attended donated things for the Tricky Tray, too. I did a coffee basket, someone who lived near Hersheypark did a chocolate basket, someone else did a makeup collection, etc. Just a thought.

[wdwscout]

Lois- yes- GKTW world does have experience with that. I have been in touch with Leah in their donations area. There is even a packet for fundraisers they offer! (which I have)
I will be speaking with her once again when we have a date and a venue.

They have definite rules about when you can use their name and when you cannot.
We are having a fundraiser to raise money FOR GKTW, It is not a GKTW fundraiser. Subtle, but very important difference!

We have to be very careful with any promotional materials, letterhead, etc that we use, so as not to let anyone think we are GKTW. We are just raising money in support of GKTW.

I know you are not stepping on toes, but I think we need to have just one contact person for this event to speak with GKTW.

Also, as far as getting donations from businesses- many have a budget for donations and are happy to do so. But they go fast. Starbucks, for example, can often make a donation of gift cards, or goods- but they have an allotment per month (or quarter?). Once it's gone, it's gone. Vera Bradley is similar. So I suggest, check with your local stores for their guidelines and ask when you can solicit and what they need in the way of documentation.

[parrotheadlois]

GOTCHA!

If I hear back, I'll tell them you've been in contact with Leah.

I know you have more experience than I do doing this - I'll follow your lead.

[starwood]

I have already been putting stuff aside for silent auction/door prizes.

One thought I had for a silent auction item is..what if we try to contact someone at Once Upon a Time (maybe through their facebook page) and see if we can get something autographed for the auction?

[dansyr2514]

I work for a community center and could probably get a room rental cheap or or possibly free..however it is in PA. It would be centrally located between Phila and North Jersey...but 45 min to an hour from either direction. Let me know if you guys get stuck with your first choice venues. Also in the same area is the Sands resort and Casino. They have an artsquest builidng which is really nice and I know they rent out areas and cater. If you'd be looking to make a weekend event out of it...it would be gorgeous place. They turned Bethlehem Steel into this resort area.
Anyway...let me know if I can help. I also sell Avon so I would be willing to donate a basket if you want.

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi All,

Just want to give a heads-up that we have secured a venue. More details to come soon.

[ShesAPirate]

Originally Posted by *NikkiBell*

Hi All,

Just want to give a heads-up that we have secured a venue. More details to come soon.

Awesome! Great job, guys! Can't wait to hear the details!

[hockeymomNS]

Hey Guys.....Congrats on planning another meet/fundraiser. Unfortunately, our family vacation to WDW is in April/May, so I won't be able to attend.

We had a meet here in Nova Sotia last year. My husband, son and a couple of buddies played music for and hour and my husband wrote a song "Give Kids The World". We sold CD's of 4 of their songs plus the GKTW song. GKTW has the song and we were told that it "would probably appear in the next public service video. I would love to donate a couple of the CD's if you guys are interested.

[*NikkiBell*]

Originally Posted by hockeymomNS

Hey Guys.....Congrats on planning another meet/fundraiser. Unfortunately, our family vacation to WDW is in April/May, so I won't be able to attend.

We had a meet here in Nova Sotia last year. My husband, son and a couple of buddies played music for and hour and my husband wrote a song "Give Kids The World". We sold CD's of 4 of their songs plus the GKTW song. GKTW has the song and we were told that it "would probably appear in the next public service video. I would love to donate a couple of the CD's if you guys are interested.

Most definitely! Thank you!

[ShesAPirate]

Any updates on the details? Don't mean to push, just excited to find out more information!

[*NikkiBell*]

Originally Posted by ShesAPirate

Any updates on the details? Don't mean to push, just excited to find out more information!

We have been busy, busy, busy! Keep checking here!

[wdwscout]

We HAVE been busy!!!
More details should be coming by Monday...

[*NikkiBell*]

I'm going to close this thread so all information stays in the official event thread that is a sticky on the top of the page. Check there for news!