Fundraising ideas-Please Help!

[Figment's friends]

Hi there! Here's the down low on what's happening. I (Tabitha swf 28) and my mother (Shirley-who's leaving my father at home this trip) Are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Dec. 2005. We've both been several times over the years but not in recent ones. Wanting to share the magic-because that's part of what it's all about or we wouldn't have this board. We have agreed to take 2 girls from single parent families with us(12 and 6) The mother of the 6 year old was planning on taking the trip with us as we had enough time for her to save up money. Last month there was an accident which has now left her financially responsible for her oldest daughter (23) In short her finances are drained and it looks now like my mother and I will have to raise the money together to take little both girls. The 12 year old lives with unattentive mother. She suffers from fetal alcohol syndrom and although she's in grade 7 she has a grade 2 reading level. I arranged to have her put into tutouring which she seems to enjoy. BTW they no longer hold children back grades here for all those silly basics like not being able to read or count.
Now that you know the story here's my plan to date...
We started the girls making craft projects to sell. That way they are earning their trip and we're hoping they will learn the value of money. (When we explained to the 12 year old that Americans don't have toonies and loonies they just have dollar bills she thought that ment that everything in the US cost just a dollar. ) We have alot of work ahead of us here.
We were at a craft sale all day yesterday at our local Royal Canadian Legion but it wasn't busy and sales were slow. WE did however make $240 enough to cover the deposit on the hotel!

 

[Figment's friends]

Our main crafts that the children made were.

!. Molding Chocolate teddy bears and bingo cards. (we live in a small town so bingo is way popular.)

2. Flower pens- These are my favorite because they are sooooo pretty and functional too.

3. Snowman wall hangings made from wicker hats. These are a cute idea and sold very well.

My father put one of his doll houses for the sale. It was beautiful and all decorated for Christmas but only sold for $100 which probably works out to $.01 /hr labour but hey.. it's a labour of love right? LOL.

Anyone with Any fundraising suggestions PLEASE post. I only have 1 year to get cracking on this and I don't want these girls to miss out on anything. Please send Pixie Dust our way.

Sharing the magic, Tabitha

 

[mommytotwo]

When people you sell these items to ask what cause the money will go to, what do you say?
Usually fundraisers around here are for clubs and other organizations not individuals doing them on their own.
So, for the instance of this family that we know that has four kids, the kids are trying to raise money for an upcoming trip, so instead of selling items to people they don't know, they presold boxes of doughnuts to family and friends. That might be one option you could look into. Or maybe boxes of candies, that family and friends could purchase to give out as gifts for Christmas.
Good luck.

 

[Figment's friends]

Thanks for your response. At the craft sale we simply told anyone that made a purchase that the proceeds were going to help take 2 children from single parent families to Walt Disney World in Dec. 2005. We made a point of letting them know we would be back next year before the trip with more homemade goodies.
My mother and I do alot of volunteer work around the County for different causes and are quite well known. We aren't asking people to donate money although one woman let us keep $1.25 change for our cause. We want the girls to have the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something themselves and working to reach longterm goals. The girls also worked the sale for a couple hours and took great pride when people commented on the crafts they had made.
I'm thinking that maybe we could arrange the flower pens and take them to the girls schools for the teachers lounge with a letter explaining what they are for, who made them and a coffee can to collect loonies from sales. Of course I'll go indepth at explaining the educational aspects of the visit !

I frogot, we also collected Christmasy mugs from yard sales and 2nd hand stores (like new ones) filled them with candies and wrapped them in cellophane.

We made "Dream come true Soup" with dried beans layered in a mason jar and decorated. With label and recipie

I hope that clarifies a bit. I'll explain all projects better if anyone is interested but I'd still like suggestions. My brain has turned to LOL Tabitha

 

[bigbabyblues]

The only thing I can think of right off the top of my head is a garage sale. I made about $300 in one day during ours, and it went towards our trip.

It looks like you have about a year to save the money. How much are you trying to save? We got quite a bit by saving change, etc. You might also check the budget board here at the Dis.

Steph

 

[Figment's friends]

Thanks, yeah we're going to do the yard sale thing but snow is coming so we'll have to wait until next spring. (meanwhile my storage unit is becoming a hazard. I'm working on the buget all the time and these boards are now an obsession. (But a fun one!)
As to the amount of money. Well, we have our deposit on the hotel. I work 2 jobs part time and my mother is retired on a disability. So, I have to raise enough for the 2 kids and myself. I've saved $50 us so far twards my trip but in Feb. I start school again so besides paying for that (I recieved a bursary so not tooo bad.) I won't be able to take extra shifts anymore and won't have 2nd job. I'm really going to be relying on the fundraising for the 2 girls. So there's Airfare from Toronto, ph's any ps's and the 12 year old is a Dolpin NUT!!!!! Ireally want to be able to put her in the program(she'll be old enough by then.) I'll put in the time but I 'm getting mushy brain. I really want to have most things paid for by the time we go so we have planned well and they can get the most out of the trip.

 

[4greatboys]

Check with Wal-mart about having a car wash there. maybe you can get some friends to help you out. We have been doing some fund raising for our PTA Wal-mart will match the funds you raise.

 

[Mom2Madi]

You might list some of your better garage sale items on eBay. I listed a few auctions a couple of weeks ago and ended up with over $100 in profit - from just stuff laying around. I bought a sweater for 9.99 and it sold for 27.00 - not bad investment! Of course things are hit or miss, but it would add to your coiffers.

HTH.

Melissa

By the way... what an incredible thing to do - you will be blessed!

 

[mom_rules]

Mom2madi-sent you a pm a while back-did you receive?

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I would also go with ebay, and odd jobs like shoveling sidewalks/driveways.