The Volunteer Parent

Because it's what we do!

Raffle Gift Baskets

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The Volunteer Parent - Raffle Gift Baskets

Gift baskets. Just the idea of a gift basket excites me!

Gift baskets are one of the best fundraising mechanisms that I have ever done.  Seriously.  They can be  simple or you can go all out and really put some work into them- whatever the occasion calls for. Either way, you’re going to do well.  At our elementary school, I ran the Santa Breakfast for several years and although people loved to see Santa Claus, the chances of winning one of our many Gift Baskets was a huge draw. In fact, the years following my departure, the new Santa Breakfast committee retired them from their event . People were very disappointed, however, they pulled the baskets into the Fun Fair in the spring.  Fun Fair is now the huge event for the elementary school and the baskets really put it over the top.  

The wonderful thing about these baskets is that they can stand alone, and still do very well. Take for instance, Matthew’s swim team sold raffles for gift baskets at a swim invite. There was an incredible amount of excitement over them. Matthew was lucky enough to win the really nice Speedo swim bag which included t-shirts, markers (for swim events), chocolate bars, swim caps and many other small – BUT EXCITING extras.  All for the price of $1. Just so happened, that that dollar was the only dollar I had in my purse at the time.  It’s very rare, though,  that people will just buy one ticket anyway. They love the 6 tickets for $5. It just sounds more appealing. The thought of getting that one extra for free. One more chance they don’t have to pay for that just might be the winning ticket.

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How To Get Volunteers

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How To Get Volunteers

Finding volunteers is not always easy.  A lot of times people see volunteering as a ‘black hole’ from which they will never emerge.  And sure, that can happen… I’m not going to lie.  However, trying to find that balance so they don’t always feel like they ‘have’ to help is crucial. I’m going to go through the different ways that I find my volunteers. I hope this is helpful to you.

At the beginning of each school year, we have a table set up for the PTC.  I have a form made up for the different positions we are looking to fill. Everything from ‘chairpersons’ to ‘just call’ for each event/spot we have available. Some people will check everything and some will just check one small event as a helper.  (Be grateful for every bit of help you get.) I have been lucky with volunteers. Most of mine have been along for the ride with me since my oldest was young. One year, we gave really cute tote bags with our school name and mascot on it away to people who signed up.  This next school year, I believe I am going to set up a coffee and tea service to entice people to visit our table:) People love coffee and freebies:)

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