For field trips and new supplies, fundraising is one of the top ways that schools bring in money. From parent fundraising activities to community events, there are many different techniques that schools can use. By using a creative fundraising technique, schools can reach out to the community for help.
1. Gather Some Rubber Ducks
In Derby, Connecticut, a high school tried to take a new approach to fundraising. The event began by selling 2,000 rubber ducks to the community. Each buyer was able to decorate their rubber duck and put their name on it. At the event, each rubber duck was floated down the river in a race. Beforehand, event organizers wore bright yellow shirts as they marched in the Memorial Day parade to advertise for the event.
2. A Pig, a Kissing Booth and One Unlucky Teacher
For a more innovative take on the kissing booth, a school in Spring Valley, California decided to host a “Kiss a Pig” event. One of the girls at the school had a hefty pig at home, which was loaned to the school temporarily. Volunteers collected $1 from voters as students, staff and parents voted on the staff member who would have to kiss a pig. Jars were placed in the school office with an image of each staff member so that participants could track who was the most likely candidate for the big kiss. On Valentine’s Day, a principal and two wrestling coaches ended up being the unlucky teachers selected for the job.
3. Gardening Time
In Boulder, Colorado, the Whittier International School PTA hosts a fundraising event at nine houses in the area. To access each location, participants must buy a $12 ticket. All of the nine locations host gardening events, master gardeners and volunteer experts for an in-depth study of gardening. To maximize the number of participants, the school hosts the event at the same time as an area rummage sale and advertises for the event online.
4. Floating a Boat
The Portage High Schools sells tickets to a race for cardboard boats. Each team of two people pays $15 to join the race. Boats are made of cardboard, duct tape and any decoration that the participant wants. On the day of the race, the participants are organized into heats that race across a pool in their cardboard boats. A raffle is held during the race, and tickets are $4 for the audience members. At the end of the event, awards are given for the most creative boat and the fastest boat.
5. You Have a Minute to Win
At the Maple Shade High School, students decided to host a version of a television game show. Participants had to move candy from one side of the stage to another with only a straw. Another game made participants wear nylons on their head. A ball was placed in the end of the nylons, and the participants had to knock over bowling pins with the ball. Be creative and find new games because the audience is sure to love this competition.
Any event that is interesting, creative and fun can help to bring in fundraising dollars. Many of the events on this list were created by the students, so do not be shy about asking students for help. For an innovative take on fundraising, modify these events or provide them with modern updates.
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