Fundraising News From Around the World

Welcome to the February 2017 issue of Fundraising News From Around the World. It contains summaries and photos of fundraising activities by other groups such as yours. Some are traditional, some are unusual, and some are totally bizarre! We hope that you will find each issue interesting. You can subscribe at the bottom of this page if you would like to be notified each time a new issue is published. If you later decide you no longer want monthly notifications or if you don't find our newsletter helpful, just click on the unsubscribe link at the end of each notification. You will stop receiving newsletters immediately.

Rangeley, ME - Party with a Purpose! is set Saturday at RFA Lakeside Theater. The fundraising event will benefit the showing of Sensory Friendly Movies at the theater. Attendees can shop and enjoy family friendly cartoons. The event is an opportunity to support local kids and individuals living with Autism so they can enjoy films in a safe and accepting environment. During a Sensory Friendly Move, the movie auditorium will have the lights turned slightly up and the sound will be slightly down. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.

Enid, OK - Next month, Creative Arts Enid will be Feeding the Arts during a soup cook-off fundraiser aimed at raising money for the nonprofit. The cook-off is set for Feb. 17 at Creative Arts Enid. For $15, those in attendance will get to sample soups, bread and desserts and will get to keep their hand-made bowls made by pottery students. Those who participate will be able to vote for their favorite soup and be eligible to win available door prizes.

Chattanooga, TN - Sweethearts and singles alike can gather at the Chattanooga Zoo this Valentine’s Day weekend for a fundraising event. The zoo will host its annual conservation event Wild at Heart on Friday the 10th. Guests will enjoy an open bar, light hors d’oeuvres, keeper chats, animal training demos, behind-the-scenes tours and up-close animal encounters. All proceeds from the event will go toward the zoo’s many conservation initiatives, including participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plans for endangered species.

St. Augustine, FL - The first All American Air Table Tennis Classic was held at the home of benefactors Steve and Christine Chapman eight years ago. At that time, no one could have foreseen it evolving into the major annual fundraising event it is today. Initially planned as a one-time event to aid the charitable projects of the Junior Service League, the Classic has grown into not only a sporting event where community leaders engage in a table tennis tournament for charity, but also a full-blown gala. Now, festivities include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and dance music to entertain the more than 350 guests who attend each year.

Macon, GA - The Tubman Museum’s signature fundraising event returns Saturday with black ties and ball gowns. The 21st annual “All That Jazz Concert and Ball” features R&B, gospel and jazz performances - usually to a sold-out crowd. The floor seating includes food, wine and a chance to dance. “It’s gotten to be an evening that brings a large crowd together. It’s become one of those highlights in the social calendar,” said Andy Ambrose, executive director of the Tubman. The opening act and special guest will be Avery Sunshine - an Atlanta resident and Spellman College graduate.

Montclair, CA - The Montclair Film Festival board wanted to go bigger. The annual pre-Oscar fundraiser has always been a success, but relatively small and with primarily the same crowd in attendance. Heading into its sixth year this spring, members of the festival’s board wanted to branch out. Executive director Tom Hall suggested a tribute band, The Loser’s Lounge, that could perform. Soon, the '80s theme was established. “We thought how fun it would be to do an '80s night,” said Colbert. “That kind of resonated with a lot of us who are in our mid-life, shall we say, and look back on the '80s fondly.”

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Aiken, SC - Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt and Sgt. Mary Frantz will make an appearance today at the Statehouse for a kick-off event for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Hundreds of men and women from more than 70 law enforcement agencies around South Carolina will gather on the north steps of the Statehouse for the statewide kick-off fundraising event, according to a news release.

Hagerstown, MD - Over the years, the Community Free Clinic has helped thousands of uninsured county residents get the health care they need. But with political change under way in Washington, clinic officials believe their services will be especially important this year. "We anticipate there will be a surge," clinic Executive Director Adam Roberson said Sunday afternoon during one of the largest fundraisers for the clinic. Dozens of people crowded into The Gourmet Goat for auctions, food, drinks and other entertainment including female impersonator, Chi Chi, in an event that was expected to raise $20,000 to $25,000.

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Oklahoma City, OK - The Beef Affair is a fundraising event for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association that will feature a four course meal. The star of each course will be beef and each course will be perfectly paired with a different wine. The event will take place Feb. 17 at Castle Falls in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “I can’t think of a better way to say, ‘I love you’ to my Valentine than to enjoy a first class eating experience featuring beef and wine,” said Charlie Swanson, OCA president.

St. George, UT - The Assistance League of Southern Utah will host their annual fundraising event, the 2017 Annual Spring Benefit Dinner and Auction on Saturday, February 11. The event will be held in the SunRiver St. George Ballroom. As part of the nonprofit organization’s fundraising efforts, the event will feature a live auction, silent auction and opportunity drawings for many wonderful prizes. The ticket price is $65 per person, and all proceeds from this event will stay in Washington County and help fund the organization’s signature program, Operation School Bell.

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Cedar Falls, IA - Newly engaged couples often mail “save the date” cards to friends and family as reminders not to schedule anything else on their big day. It’s not a wedding, but Community Main Street sent out “save the date” e-cards alerting supporters of downtown Cedar Falls to keep June 4 open on their calendars. A brand-new fundraising event, “Dinner Down Main, A Summer Soiree” is in the planning stages to mark the 30th anniversary of Community Main Street, said Executive Director Carol Lilly.

Prattville, AL - The Prattauga Art Guild is planning its annual Art with a Heart fundraising event on Saturday, to benefit the Autauga Interfaith Care Center food bank. This tasty event will feature a Soup Cook-Off with teams and individuals competing for awards while raising money to help with the needs of our community. Local artists have donated handcrafted and custom painted bowls and local restaurants are donating soup for this event.

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Bronx, NY - St. Benedict’s School has employed a creative fundraising method to raise money for the technology it needs to meet today’s challengers. The elementary and junior high school raised $15,000 and hopes to clear at least $10,000 in a recently completed ceremonial brick campaign that will commemorate the donors inside the main entrance to the school building. The funding, mostly from alumni but also from teachers, will be used to purchase more Chromebook laptop computers for instructional purposes, said Ray Vitiello, St. Benedict’s School principal.

Lafayette, LA - Several members of the Lafayette community came together Thursday to support and to send off local musicians as they prepared to head to the 59th Grammy Awards. The “Gateway to the Grammys” fundraising event, held at Vermilionville, served as an exciting way to raise money and offset the travel costs for local musicians who are nominees for Grammys in the “Best Regional Roots Album” category. The night was all about music, food and community. Once the doors opened, guests filled the space with chatter as they ate jambalaya in anticipation for the night of music to begin.

West Kootenay, BC - What better way to enjoy the beautiful Kootenay winter than an evening of guided snowshoeing under the moonlight with friends and family? The West Kootenay Take a Hike Program invites your participation in the first annual moonlight snowshoe event featuring excellent food, live music, a silent auction and prizes - all in support of a great cause! The Moonlight Snowshoe is the West Kootenay Take a Hike Program’s inaugural fundraising event to raise funds and awareness for its alternative education program which operates in School District 20. The event aims to showcase an innovative approach to education that engages students who typically struggle in the mainstream school system.

Joliet, IL - Northern Illinois Food Bank’s executive women’s council is inviting people to learn about gardening and support hunger relief at a fundraising event. At the event called A Cup of Hope on March 5, Nancy Hatmaker Ristau will speak about her experiences in attracting wildlife, including butterflies, to her backyard garden. During the event, people also will be able to share in gardening passions, mingle with friends and raise funds to help feed the hungry in the communities the Northern Illinois Food Bank serves, according to the organization’s news release.

Cedar Rapids, IA - Cedar Rapids Xavier put on dancing shoes for an entertaining evening downtown on Saturday night. It was all for Season 2 of 'Dancing with the Saints' Fundraising Event. Competitors were Xavier High School supporters such as parents and even grandparents of students. They all dressed up in their finest outfits or a themed outfit to strut their stuff at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. A panel of judges, including KCRG-TV9 Sports Director Scott Saville, commented on each performance. "It's unique in that it's a fundraising event, but it's also a great fun entertaining and community event for us, " said Xavier Principal Tom Keating.

LaGrange, GA - Twin Cedars recently kicked off its annual fundraising campaign called Behind the Mask that included a jubilant party at the Mare Sol restaurant. Twin Cedars is a local non-profit organization that offers services and programs to help children, youths and families reach their full potential and deal with difficult situations going on in their lives. There are 15 men and women competing for the title of king and queen at the Behind the Mask Ball this year. The fifth annual fundraiser will use peer-to-peer fundraising…for four weeks each January, the public has a chance to vote for their favorite candidate and support the number of LaGrange programs associated with Twin Cedars. It will cost one dollar to submit a vote and there are no restrictions on the amount or number of times a person can vote.

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Loves Park, IL - Cheap Trick drummer Daxx Nielsen will be the first guest bartender at a kickoff event of a 10-week fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford at Casey's Pub. An event will be held each week featuring a local celebrity as a guest bartender. Guest bartenders will include alderman Tom McNamara, Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana, longtime East High School teacher Terry Giardini, DJ Steve Shannon of the Steve Shannon Show and Whitney Martin of WIFR. Casey's Pub will donate 50 percent of all food sales to the club, a 50/50 raffle will be held, and 100 percent of all tips and donations will go to the Rockford Boys & Girl's Club. Whichever guest bartender raises the most amount of money will win $1,000 for themselves.

Bonita Springs, FL - How often do you come across an event that supports children’s education, provides an evening of entertainment and a great meal, and lets you go home with a fabulous original artwork or collectible of your choice? If you are already familiar with the Off the Walls! fundraiser put on by the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs, the answer is probably once a year. If not, your answer is probably considerably less often. Everyone is a winner at this event, as each ticket holder is entered into a drawing to choose from hundreds of pieces of art, fine jewelry, wine collections and collectibles, each of which is valued between $275 and $6,000.

Middletown, NY - HONOR (Helping Others Needing Our Resources), formerly known as Emergency Housing Program in Middletown, continues to help people who welcome a helping hand. The only visible change since it was established in 1974 is the increase in the number of people needing help. HONOR's first WinterFest, which includes a dinner and a concert to "end homelessness," will be held at the Thomas Bull Memorial Park, in Montgomery. Tickets for two hours of snow tubing are $20 and already in limited number.

Derby, KS - The Derby Community Foundation’s fundraiser, Uncorked, is back this year with a new theme - and a few other changes. The theme for the event is “Springtime in Paris,” and in that regard, the music, to be provided by the Blue Moon Jazz Quartet, will feature Paris Swing numbers. Last year’s event brought in about $30,000, which the DCF uses for grants awarded twice a year, and other efforts to support the community. Uncorked is the group’s only fundraiser, and while it brings in a sizable sum, its largest revenue source is actually from individuals.

Coconut Creek, FL - Therapy dogs go places. You'll find them in counseling sessions with troubled veterans, in courtrooms where nervous children must go before a judge, in nursing homes where they cuddle with lonely residents. You can support their work -- and find out if your pooch has the right stuff to be a therapy dog -- at the first ever PUP Strut walk in Coconut Creek. The fundraiser is for Canine Assisted Therapy Inc., or CAT. The nonprofit provides trained therapy dog teams at no charge to more than 60 healthcare facilities, schools, veterans groups and other organizations in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.

Brunson, SC - Most people say it’s the sauce that makes the chicken special at the Brunson Fire Department’s annual barbecue. Recently, the department held its 20th annual fundraising barbecue to the delight of patrons yearning for the secret recipe BBQ sauce originally created by O.P. Lightsey. Lightsey later gave his secret recipe to Gary Ulmer and Lewis Bryan. Before Bryan passed away, he gave the recipe to current Town of Brunson Fire Chief Kenny Harrison. The recipe remains a highly guarded secret, causing patrons to wait with anticipation for the annual barbecue dinner, which raises funds to purchase beneficial equipment for the fire station.

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West Olive, MI - If you're looking for a new four legged friend Harbor Humane might have the perfect dog or cat for you. On February 9, the Whisker Whirl fundraising event will take place and all funds raised support Harbor Humane Society’s critical mission to provide a safe harbor for animals. The evening features a silent and live auction that allows attendees to bid on potential Valentine’s gifts, exclusive services, fabulous goods and tasty cuisine.

Albuquerque, NM - Music, dancing and fashion with a multicultural flavor will be on show at the Cultural Fusion Fashion Celebration. The fundraising event is produced by New Mexico Women’s Global Pathways and will display clothing, accessories and bags designed and crafted by refugees and immigrants from many countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Chad, Congo and Central African Republic. The charity event will be Sunday at the Albuquerque Museum. Global Pathways is a volunteer-driven organization founded in 2009 by African and Asian women who wanted to give women and families that seek refuge in Albuquerque opportunities to become self-sufficient.

Halifax, NS - The management, staff, board members and the 50 children and youth who benefit from the services offered by Big Brother Big Sisters (BBBS) of the South Shore need the help and support of the community in order to keep the local office open. Dance the Night Away is a new and exciting fundraising event that will be held on Feb. 11 at the Best Western Plus in Cookville. Tickets are currently available through the Bridgewater office of BBBS and are only $20 per person. The music will be provided by Radio in Colour which is a popular local band.

Asheville, NC - Asheville-based band Laura Blackley & the Wildflowers won first place in the 2016 North Carolina Piedmont Blues Society’s 31st Annual Blues Challenge. They will travel to Memphis, Tennessee from January 31-February 4 to compete in the International Blues Challenge with musicians from all over the world. A fundraising event to offset the band’s travel expenses is planned for Sunday evening, January 22 at Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues Club at 28 Broadway in Asheville. There will be food, silent auction items and an all-star jam featuring the Wildflowers and friends from the Asheville musician community.

Vacaville, CA - If you have the lucky ticket in your pocket on a mid-February Saturday, you and seven others will be wined and dined in a historic Vacaville home. The Vacaville Museum Guild’s popular fundraiser, Dinner for Eight, will be March 4, it has been announced. Themed “Vacaville’s First Lady,” it will once again be held at Donna and Jay Fox’s home, the former McKevitt House, on historic Buck Avenue. Leila McKevitt invites a fortunate winner and seven guests to travel back to another time and enjoy a dinner in her historic home, as she recounts what life was like in Vacaville during a bygone era.

Redlands, CA - Mansion Memories is offering yoga classes at the historic Burrage Mansion in Redlands. Mansion Yoga is the nonprofit’s newest fundraiser open to the community as a way to support its Magical Day events for children in the area. Heidi Pasley, a registered Holy Yoga instructor, will lead the spiritual and relaxation-based group class Mondays in the mansion’s Ballroom. Classes are one-hour long and will be held in candlelight by the fireplace and will include faith-based music.

Sparta, NJ - The Sussex County Chapter of Business Women Networking Involving Charity and Education (BW NICE) announces the launch of the Red Shoe Fashion Show and Luncheon fundraising event to occur April 28, 2017, at the Sparta Lake Mohawk Country Club, with proceeds to benefit Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI) of Newton. Fashion vendors are currently being confirmed for the event, as well as 18 additional vendors providing shopping and information to attendees. Sponsorship, advertiser and vendor opportunities remain available.

New Bern NC - Beer Army Burger Company is hosting a fundraiser to publish artists in Eastern North Carolina on Thursday. There will be a silent auction with creative wares such as pottery, paintings, prints and books. The money raised will be used to publish pages about creative people in the community. The goal is to produce a book titled, “A Brief History of Artists in Eastern North Carolina.”

Wonewoc, WI - A program that helps veterans and other groups is having a fundraiser this weekend to help more people. V.E.T.S. (Veteran Equine Trail Services) offers therapy horses to help veterans with a variety of needs for free. The organization out of LaValle specializes in vets with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries by helping them regain self-awareness, confidence, task completion and reward. Friends have organized a fundraising event scheduled for Saturday in Wonewoc. The includes a 50/50 raffle, arts and crafts, bake sale, drawings for prizes and live music by "Country Gold." There is a $5 cover charge.

Louisville, KY - Louisville’s River City Fraternal Order of Police will throw a massive benefit bash to raise money for the family of a Louisville Police Officer killed by a suspected drunk driver. On October 29, Louisville Metro Police Officer Jason Schweitzer was killed when police say he was struck by a car on South Upper Street in Lexington. The 37-year-old was a husband and father. He had a young daughter and his wife was pregnant with the couple’s second child when he died. Since his death, the community has wrapped its arms around the family. Organizers of the fundraising event say that tons of donations are already pouring in for the silent auction including jewelry, tools, gift certificates, golf packages, and a two-night stay in the castle in Versailles. A brand new 2016 Jeep SUV will also be raffled off. All proceeds from the event will go to the Schweitzer family.

Cullman, AL - The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Cullman County will kick off the 2017 fundraising season on Thursday in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Cullman, marking the 24th year for local fundraiser organized by a group of local volunteers. The 2017 Relay For Life of Cullman County event will be held Friday, May 5, 2017, at Cullman County Fairgrounds, from 6 p.m. to midnight. The theme for Cullman’s event is “Once Upon a Cure,” with participating teams encouraged to build their team theme/slogan around books.

Carbondale, IL - The Women's Center Inc. will host the 2017 Taste of Chocolate fundraising event at the Carbondale Civic Center. The event includes a live and silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a variety of sweet and savory chocolate tastings. Last year's event raised more than $35,000 for The Women's Center, according to a news release from the organization. The Women's Center's mission is "to end domestic violence and sexual assault against women, men, adolescents, and children in Southern Illinois and to assist survivors of these crimes and their non-offending significant others," according to its website. The organization has served Southern Illinois for more than 40 years and is available daily to provide support.

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Fundraising News From Around the World is published monthly by the Fundraising Ideas & Products Center, 1328 Fairway Village Drive ~ Fleming Island, FL 32003-8398.