How to host a Crop

[Honeybehr1]

has anyone ever hosted a crop? I was thinking of doing one for a non-profit group childrens group I am in as a fundraiser but I am so overwhelmed on where to begin and was hoping for any suggestions.
Thanks

 

[TN Traveler]

I have never hosted one as a fundraiser but have co-hosted a couple w/other friends just so we could have girlfriend time scrapping and catching up on local gossip!! We usally have it in the fellowship hall at her church and will have soft drinks, little snack items such as sausage/cheese balls, pigs in a blanket, chips, salsa, dip, sliced apples, and of course LOTS of chocolate...... M & Ms, cookies, brownies or whatever we decide upon. Then we make sure to have tables set up, extra sissors, rulers, pencils, and since she's CMC, she'll bring her case(s) so if anyone needs anything extra they can borrow from her stuff or purchase if necessary. Sometimes we have a good turn out and sometimes we don't. Can't believe we haven't had one this month!! ....and oh my gosh, the month is over!! How'd that happen so fast!?!?

Karen

 

[disney funseeker]

Our local scrapbook store is hosting a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House next month.

It's held at a hall somewhere in town. The crop goes from 10am-2am (16 hrs). It costs $50 but if you bring a dish it's only $40.

Everyone gets a grab bag and there are lots of prizes to be won.

So far,there are close to 50 people signed up.
There will be paper, cardstock and other things there to purchase but since the host owns the store, it's easy for her to have available.
As for tools, you must bring your own. Except for the diecuts, the owner will have that available for use.

 

[klmall]

The January 2006 Scrapbook Answers magazine issue has an article on how to host a crop. While it won't give specifcs on fundraising it does seem to cover alot of the basics.

HTH

 

[JuneCleaver]

I do them every few months for an organization I belong to....

1. Advertise...contact the local paper to get it in the community links or fundraising section...most papers have them. Send emails to everyone you know who scraps. See if your school district will let you post info in the faculty lounges. Loads of teachers scrapbook.

2. Plenty of table space...get an end bolt of newsprint from the newspaper to cover the tables with and tape bags to each space.

3. Good door prizes...hoard your Michaels, Joanns, Hobby Lobby coupons and get a few good prizes. Examples...foam stamp sets, 8x8 albums, page kits etc.

4. Do a decent lunch or brunch...make a few casseroles, a salad,etc. Most women are never cooked for and a nice lunch is a treat. Be sure to ask when they sign up about food allergies. Have coolers of soda and water

5. Don't do it in conjunction with a vendor. Creative Memories, Close to My Heart, Stamping Up are great, but if people feel like they have to buy stuff or that the crop is only for people who use those products, they won't attend.

6. If you plan on doing more than one crop, offer a discount if they sign up for the next one at the first one. Offer a discount if they bring friends

7. If you have Sizzix machines, punches, etc...bring them for general use. People will come to use the equipment.

Hope this helps!

We make several thousand dollars each year doing crops. We run them every few months. Friday night and alll day Saturday.

June