We are so excited to announce the winners of our first Spirited Fundraiser Grants Program!
From bake sales to potluck dinners, folding tables and chairs are an integral part of fundraising for many religious organizations. To recognize the hard work that goes into these events, Lifetime Products is proud to award five Spirited Fundraiser Grants to the organizations we think have some of the most creative and successful fundraisers, based on essays submitted to us in 2009. The winners each receive a prize pack useful for future fundraisers - a $1,000 check, plus four Lifetime 6' folding banquet tables and 16 Lifetime folding chairs.
Below are the winning organizations, along with a few suggestions for planning your organization’s next successful fundraiser.
Community Christian School - Westfield, Mass.
Wiffle Ball Tournament
The school hosts numerous fundraisers at a working replica of Fenway Park in the school chairman's backyard—including the Jeremiah Hurley Wiffle Ball Tournament, which raised nearly $8000. Headmaster Robert Cree’s number one tip is: cover all your bases from planning through execution.
Fonde Christian Academy - Fonde, Ky.
Fall Festival
This school's Annual Fall Festival, complete with a dunking booth, food, and an auction, surpassed its goal of $7000 this year. School administrator Susan Adkins says reaching out to the community for help with staffing, food preparation, and prize donations can help achieve goals and save money.
Harrah Church of the Nazarene - Harrah, Okla.
Funnel Cake Booth
Each year since 1976, the church sets up a booth and sells funnel cakes at the city’s one-day festival called Harrah Day. Reverend Larry Stone suggests collaborating with other organizations or becoming part of an existing event–you’ll grow your funds by expanding your reach outside of your own organization.
Our Lady of Grace & St. Joseph Parish - Hoboken, N.J.
FunFest
The annual OLG FunFest, which includes games, rides, arts and crafts, and other kid-centric fun, doubled its earnings from 2008 to 2009. OLG Chairman Mike Nolan says the key to a successful fundraiser is knowing your audience—if your organization has lots of families, a FunFest is a great idea, but if your members are mostly adults, something else may work better.
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School - Brookfield, Ill.
Rummage Sale
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School has been holding an Annual Rummage Sale for more than 40 years and raised $3500 this year. The success of this longstanding event boils down to the old saying that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Pastor Joel Brondos says if you’re hosting your own sale, be sure to price fairly and people will buy (and donate) more.
We hope these success stories and tips provide you a little inspiration for your next fundraising event!