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Approach a local store (or
chain) before the holidays and ask if they offer
gift wrapping for their customers. If they offer the
service free of charge, ask if you could use their
gift wrapping station and ask for donations. If they
don’t offer gift wrapping, ask if you could set up a
gift wrapping station and ask for donations.
Success
Story: Stanley O. got some of his
fellow delegates to work at Borders in their
hometown, gift wrapping for four days in
December. The group made $600 in donations
through this group effort.
Miniature Golf Tournament
Reserve a miniature golf course
for a few hours (or have the mini-golf course owner
be a sponsor). Set up different prize categories so
that people can win. Try to rent a fun, 18-hole
course that has enough putters and golf balls for
everyone. Let the owner know what you are doing, and
the number of people that you anticipate may
participate.
Invitations should list the
time, date, location, pricing, and purpose for the
tournament. Request that guests RSVP to give you an
idea of how many people will participate. Be sure to
include space for invitees to write other people
they would like to in their golfing group
(foursome). Include your phone number and email
address so people can contact you if they have any
questions.
Have a flat entry fee into the
tournament, sell refreshments, and have a donation
receptacle at the course so people can contribute
more to help fund your experience if they wish. Have
local businesses donate prizes such as restaurant
coupons or movie passes.
Heart Attack
Before Valentine’s Day,
approach some of the men around your neighborhood
(without their wives knowing) and offer to “heart
attack” their yard for the holiday. Go to each house
the night before Valentine’s Day and cover the lawn
with cut-out paper hearts and other valentine-themed
decorations. Sell “packages” in increments based on
the number of decorations the customer wants. Try to
get friends and family to help you cut out
decorations. Also, have a parent or adult go with
you when you “attack,” since you will be out at
night and possibly in a stranger’s yard.
Success
Story: CJ D. "heart attacked" the
homes of some of her friends and neighbors. She
sold the hearts in increments of 35 hearts for
$10, 50 hearts for $15. She spent a weekend
selling the idea, and before the attack she
hosted a party at her house to help make the
decorations. The night before Valentine’s Day,
CJ and her friends went to the houses to
“attack.” In the end CJ raised $350 for her
trip.
Duck Race
This is an idea for warm
weather in locations with a lake, pond, or pool.
Order anywhere from 50 to 250 rubber ducks (try
orientaltrading.com). Send out invitations for a
“Bon Voyage Party” on a Saturday or Sunday. Invite
friends, family, teachers, and neighbors. Tell them
that you will have a fundraising party on this day
which will include a duck race. Set a price per duck
(perhaps $5, and offer a special if they buy more
than one—6 for the price of 5, for example). Be sure
to let them know what the prizes for first, second,
and third place will be (see if you can get some
prizes donated from local movie theaters or
restaurants). Number the ducks and make a chart so
you can keep track of who bought what duck. Offer
sandwiches or other refreshments for everyone who
attends to make it a true “party.” Once you have
sold all of the ducks, have your race and reward
your winners.
Success
Story: Corrine N. held a duck race in
her hometown in a friend’s pool. When the race
was over, they had sold $1,050 in ducks and
refreshments toward her and her sister’s People
to People programs.
Traveling Flamingos
Visit a local specialty shop or
outdoor center and purchase several large pink
flamingo yard decorations. Place the flamingos in
the yards of a few people who you know will play
along. Each flamingo should have a sign around its
neck stating that for $10 its trainer will come and
remove it from their yard. For $15 you will not only
remove it, but also place it in someone else’s yard
(they choose who). For an extra $5 they can purchase
“flamingo insurance” guaranteeing that the flamingos
won’t come back. The sign should have your phone
number on it so that you can receive calls to remove
the flamingo.
It’s important that you have an
adult with you at all times while delivering
flamingos, as you will likely be visiting the homes
of people you don’t know. After a while, you’ll find
that your flamingos are making their way across town
as people play this funny joke on their friends and
neighbors.
Letters From the North Pole
In November, put the word out
to your family, friends, and all of their coworkers that
you will be playing Santa. Let them know that you
will be writing encouraging, personalized letters to
children on behalf of Santa himself. Letters should
address children’s wishes, successes in the year,
and any big upcoming events.
Use email to send out an
e-flyer that can easily be forwarded to interested
people. The flyer should explain who you are and
what you are doing. Remember to tell people why you
are raising funds and let them know what an amazing
program you will be participating in. Let them know
what your tuition is and what the suggested donation
is for your letter-writing service. Include your
contact information and the final date when parents
can order letters, and attach sample copies of the
letters that you will be using. Also attach an order
form where your customers can tell you the names,
ages, and wishes of their children, as well as their
mailing addresses.
Talk to a local office/paper
supply store and let them know that you are doing a
fundraiser. They may be willing to donate the
supplies or give you a substantial discount. As soon
as orders start arriving, begin to create your
personalized letters. Be creative and make each
letter just a little different.
Success
Story: Kacie W. of Illinois sent
letters from Santa for a minimum donation of $5.
For authenticity she had a friend mail them from
their local post office in North Pole, Alaska.
While the suggested donation was $5, many
patrons donated more. By her December 8 cut-off
date, Kacie had written 100 letters and raised
$700.
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