Valentines Fundraising Ideas
A new year just started and we are rapidly coming up to Valentines Day. This is the perfect time to raise a little money for your cause while at the same time, filling the need that this special day requires:)
There are many options for Valentine’s Day fundraising. You could do the big catalog fundraisers for chocolates, candies or gifts. Or you could go an easier, simpler route. For me, I am not keen on large catalog sales so I will, of course, go for the simpler option. I thought I’d share some of the ones that are tried and true with you:) Remember, before you plan any fundraiser you need to get approval by your school or organization administration. There will be rules that must be followed and you may have to bend or work your fundraiser around the rules and regulations that are written out by your school or organization.
A “Crush for your Crush” is a big hit in the schools. What you will need for this are cases of orange, strawberry, pineapple or grape Crush drinks. At our schools, they would sell them for $1 each. On the note, the sender may choose to say who it’s from or just let it be anonymous. I think you’ll find a lot of kids send them to themselves, as well:) You’ll want to sell these at least a week ahead of time and then on also have some extras on hand for Valentines Day in case people missed out. Set up tables before school, lunch and after school in order for anyone who wants to send their crush a Crush, can do so. A day or so before Valentine’s, attach the notes to each can so they can be delivered to the students on Valentine’s Day. I’ve seen kids walk out of school with 6 or 7 in their backpacks! Depending on when you buy Crush – we have seen them on sale for $2.50 a 12-pack but as high as $4.00 for a 12-pack. Your profit should be no less than 50% on this one. Check with your school or organization first though, because the current school nutrition standards may not allow for this fundraiser to be held. However, if they do, I say go for it.
Singing Telegrams. How old fashioned does this sound?:) When I think of singing telegrams, I envision Bette Midler in the movie, “Beaches”, when she’s singing to John Heard with her bunny costume on:) Love that movie…. Anyway, yes, Singing Telegrams. This would be the perfect fundraiser for a choir or drama department to run for Valentines Day. If not, recruit people with nice voices and that aren’t afraid to sing in public. Just like I specified for the “Crush for You Crush”, set your tables up and sell those telegrams. Have a small catalog of short sweet or funny songs they can send. Remember to run those songs by your school administration first and get their approval. Also, ask them when would be the best time for these telegrams to be delivered? It may be just a lunch time thing, but other options may be given as well. Then, on Valentine’s Day they will be vocally delivered to their intended:)
My next suggestion is one of two I plan on submitting for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for Matthew’s swim team. Dinner and a Movie Raffle. Grab a $30 gift card from a restaurant, we are thinking either Bagger Dave’s or Buffalo Wild Wings, and then a $30 gift card from AMC. The swim team will sell chances to win this little Valentine’s Day package for, probably $1.00. Even if someone doesn’t have a significant other, they are going to want to put their money in for it. I know I would. Paying a dollar or two for $60 worth of food and the movies? Heck yeah! If you wanted, you could always go out and ask for restaurant and movie donations from the companies, however, I just did a big fundraiser for swim concessions, last month, and I don’t want to make another round with my hand out, asking for more. This could be extravagant or it could be simple, like what I am planning. Either way, you’ll make a little money and help students out along the way:)
This brings me to my last suggestion and it is the other one of the two options I am looking at for Matthew’s swim team. Carnations. Carnations are actually one of my favorite flowers. They smell divine and they last so much longer than a rose. For this fundraiser, you can either do all one color (red or pink) OR you can red, pink, white, and yellow. Red is love. Pink is a crush. White means secret admirer and yellow for friendship. Costco always has nice flowers (they are cheaper than Sams Club) or do what I’m going to do, speak to your local grocer and see if they can get you a good deal on them – seeing as you’re going to be buying in bulk.
This one will take a little more time to put together. I’d start a month or two ahead with the flowers. Ask them how much time do they need to get your order once it’s placed. Arrange a time and day to pick them up. Then, print out the order documents I have on the site and start advertising via morning announcements, school newspaper, flyers home to parents, flyers around the school etc…. Let everyone know you’ll be selling carnations for Valentines Day. Tell them the dates you will be selling them, the location and the price. Once you pick up your flowers, make sure on the count/colors. Have names/msgs ready to be attached to your flowers. Attach them high on the stem, the day before and leave them i water overnight. Carnations will be passed out to recipients on Valentine’s Day. This is a bit more work but so worth it when you see the smiles on people’s faces:) Like the Crush, make sure you have extras on hand. You never know who might need a ‘secret admirer’ to cheer up their day. Your earning potential for this fundraiser varies. Shop around for the best bulk price ahead of time.
So, whatever you choose to do, Valentines Day is always so much fun to put together. You’re not only bringing in some money for your cause, but you are also bringing a little joy to those around you.
Do you have a tried and true fundraiser that you like to pull out for Valentine’s Day? If so, make sure you leave it in the comments or email me! I look forward to hearing from yall:)
Speak Soon!
take care,
~kat
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