Parents all like to think that their children are getting the best possible experience at school. However, sometimes the school budget can get a bit slim, and plans to mend a fence or go on a big field trip can be hindered by a lack of funds. Here, the best course of action is to hold a fundraiser. Raising money doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal — here are some fun and easy fundraising ideas you can carry out in your office, to ensure happy days for the school and the children.
Bake Sale
This is a tried-and-true classic. If you, or any of your co-workers are a little handy in the kitchen, get a little amateur baking group together to create some goodies to sell during lunch hour. No one can resist a good oatmeal slice or gooey double-choc cookie, so convincing people to purchase some for the good of a classroom full of students shouldn’t be that hard a job. You could set up a table in the break room with the baked goods and a donation box and work on the honour system, or get people to take shifts manning the table, if you can’t do it by yourself.
Sell Chocolates
If you’re not too skilled at the art of baking, never fear! Chocolates make an equally tasty treat that co-workers would happily exchange their money for, especially if it is for a good cause. Buying boxes of chocolate in bulk from a wholesaler is cost-effective, and it’s even better if you can get boxes with different kinds of chocolate — dairy, white, dark, fruit & nut — to appeal to everyone.
Office Raffle
If you don’t have any prize-worthy items lying around the house, this one may rely on donations. If you don’t have a few big prizes to offer for the raffle, alternatives include gift certificates to a spa or a store. You could also bundle up a lot of smaller gifts to create a homemade gift basket and present that as the major prize. Buying quality items for prizes is also an option, but make sure they don’t cost more than what you would make from the raffle, as the goal is to raise money for the school.
Movie Day
Pop some popcorn, and take some time during a Friday lunch break to break out a classic film for your co-workers to enjoy — for a small fee, of course. Most commercial real estate office spaces will have conference rooms, so book one of these and sit back and relax! It’s best to advertise this kind of event a week or two in advance, so people who want to attend can fit it into their schedule, or if you have to clear it with your boss first. Another idea would be to let the office vote on which movie they would like to see, because people would be more likely to come if their movie of choice is playing.
Fun Run
Kill two birds with one stone by getting fit and raising funds and hosting a fun run. As the name suggests, it doesn’t have to be too competitive: just as long as a few willing volunteers are game to run, and they bring some sponsors in tow, it can all be fun and games. All that’s left to do is to set a date and book a local sports field or running track for a few hours, and you’ve got yourself a fun run.
Best of luck with the fundraisers! Hopefully these suggestions will be of help, and mean that children don’t have to miss out on a school trip or endure a broken fence.
Author byline: Kathy Green is a finance student and a freelance writer. She remembers partaking in many fundraisers as a child.
