Fundraising News From Around the World

Edmonton, AB: Exotic dancers participate in peeler marathon to raise money for Santas Anonymous gift-gathering charity; USA: Sears donates portion of sales to Heroes at Home to help military families in need across America by making necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to their homes; Sarasota, FL: Two hair saloons provide free haircuts to customers who donate their hair to Locks of Love; Hagerstown, MD: Festival of Trees fundraiser supports pediatric programs at local hospital; Camp Pendleton, CA: More than two dozen teams of men, women and children suit up for flag-football tournament to raise money for military personnel and their families; Toledo, OH: Pet rescue organization raises funds with photographs of people with their pets; Middleboro, MA: Key Club holds ‘Eat to Heat’ dinner fundraiser to help local families heat their homes; Providence, RI: Social services agency holds trivia tournament featuring trivia questions strictly related to Rhode Island; San Jose, CA: Dominican Sisters sell out of extra-virgin oil made from the olives that grow on their campus in about 90 minutes of their planned two-day fundraiser; Bethel Park, PA: Church hosts “Dancing with the Christ Church Stars” featuring teenage contestants who were paired off with members of the church staff, including the pastors; Durham, NC: Brewing company hosts Black Friday Beer Festival to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Joplin, MO: Jaycees wrap presents at local mall to raise funds for community service projects; Andalusia, AL: Adoption Assistance Program asks local residents and businesses to donate their spare change to fill baby bottles in support of adoptive families; Staten Island, NY: Community group "Poor People Dinner" fundraiser features a simple meal of a bowl of soup, a piece of bread and a glass of water to support emergency food programs; Locust Grove, GA: Ten-year old walks from Tallahassee to Atlanta to raise awareness about the needs of underprivileged children, including the homeless.

Skratchers was developed to overcome many of the problems associated with traditional fundraisers, such as cumbersome order-taking and deliveries, consistently less value for the supporter, and the need for more profit. We have worked hard to ensure that Skratchers is superior to other traditional fundraisers and that it beats out all other scratch card programs. A Skratchers fundraiser is hassle-free, and provides high profit, great value, high quality, free shipping, quick delivery, and won’t spoil or melt. Get a free sample and learn more at Skratchers.com or call toll free 888-800-9506.

Do-It-Yourself Fundraiser Of The Month

Gas Station Attendant: Ask a local gas station to let you pump customers gas and wash their windshields. You can either ask for an unspecified donation or a set amount (you will do better without a set amount). Since most stations are now self service you will be offering the customers a welcome option. It's a win-win situation. It doesn't cost the station a cent and their customers get premium service. You'll get a few cheapskates but most customers will "treat you right"! You have no upfront cost.  The gas stations already have the windshield cleaner, squeegees and paper towels. You just provide warm bodies and elbow grease.

Fun Pasta Fundraising: New, unique, fun! Pasta in fun shapes like cheerleaders, soccer, music, holidays, collegiate logos, and more! Up to 50% profits with no hidden costs. Informative videos available for kids and leaders on website! Free brochures, free samples, posters, envelopes, bags, DVD, and free shipping! Great prize packages include Itunes gift cards, IPod shuffles, and IPods. Learn more at www.funpastafundraising.com, or call 1-800-247-0188 x205. Have Fun, Sell Pasta, Earn Money!

Non-Profit In The Spotlight

Sew Much Comfort provides adaptive clothing free of charge to support the unique needs of our injured service members from all branches of the military and national guard. The need for adaptive clothing continues to grow as American military members are injured serving their country. Each week, many wounded military members arrive in the States from Germany for extensive medical treatment for bullet and shrapnel wounds, burns, head and limb injuries and amputations, while tens of thousands are still in the recovery process. These medical conditions require large fixator, prosthetics and casts that are too bulky to fit under ordinary clothing or underwear. Sew Much Comfort is the only organization providing adaptive clothing in large volumes to attempt to meet those special needs.

Morris Press Cookbooks is the nation¹s largest and most trusted publisher of custom cookbooks. Selling your cookbook is easy. Recipe contributors, as well as friends, family, and community members will be eager to buy several copies. Preserving recipes and history with a cookbook also creates a lasting keepsake and builds a sense of unity and pride within your organization. No other fundraiser can do that! For a free cookbook kit that shows you how a fundraising cookbook is affordable, profitable, and fun, visit our website at www.morriscookbooks.com or call us at (800) 445-6621, ext. FHOTLN.

Holiday Facts

Believe it or not, New Years Day has not always been celebrated on January 1st. The ancient Roman calendar started the year on March 1st, which is still reflected in the names of some months which are derived from Latin: September (seventh), October (eighth), November (ninth), December (tenth). The first time the new year was celebrated on January 1st was in Rome in 153 B.C. when the second King of Rome added the months of January and February. In 46 B.C. Julius Caesar introduced a new, solar-based (Julian) calendar which continued to use January 1st as the beginning of the new year within the Roman Empire. In medieval Europe, however, celebrations accompanying the new year were considered pagan and unchristian like, and in 567, January 1st was abolished as the beginning of the year, only to be restored in 1582 with the Gregorian Calendar. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries. The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire and their American Colonies still celebrated the new year in March.
 

“Love That Smell” Candles: Free shipping and complete fundraising start-up packet for your school, church, team, individual programs. Risk-free 30 day “consignment” plan includes return of any unsold candles for 100% credit. Premium quality, triple-scented jar candles max out high profits. 866-379-8493 or visit www.lovethatsmellcandles.com.

  G&R Publishing: Custom cookbook fundraisers. Your group can easily create your own custom cookbook – just use G&R’s simple online system or let us type your recipes. Cookbooks not only make a great keepsake, but G&R will guarantee your fundraising success! Simply call 800-383-1679 or visit www.gandrpublishing.com to get started.

Ezfund.com: Our Go-Green Fundraising programs help protect our planet. Choose from our new DoDo bags (reusable heavy duty cotton shopping totes), scented soy candles (made from soy beans instead of oil based paraffin), Smencils (scented pencils made from recycled newspaper), and flower bulbs (brings beauty to your home and community).  

DMI Fundraising: Our shirts are adorable! You’ll love the custom school activity design featuring a drawing of your school, caricatures of your staff and your favorite activities and events. We make your fundraising job easy with free order forms, tally service, pre-pack & delivery! (800) 628-5905 or visit dmifundraising.com.