Fundraising News From Around the World

Lockport, NY: Wanted posters were distributed across the county with the names and faces of more than 100 wanted individuals. “Wanted!” the posters said. “Caution: Heavily armed with kindness ... highly contagious.” These people weren't criminals, but rather local business leaders and individuals who agreed to be part of a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Volunteers acted as armed officers and “arrested” these people at their workplaces. They were “arraigned” and had their mug shots taken. Each person had to raise $1,600 in “bail” with all the funds going directly to the MDA; Lancaster, PA: Library promotes motorcycle safety while raising money for participating county libraries. Entry fee was $20 per bike and included one poker hand. Additional hands could be played for $10 each. Riders chose the library at which they wanted to start and finish. No cards were drawn at the starting library. Riders had to visit five to seven libraries; Peoria, IL: A cute little porker provided by an area farmer traditionally is the star of the American Diabetes Association's annual Kiss-A-Pig Gala fundraiser. The "candidate" raising the most money for the cause gets the "honor" of smooching it. But because of the swine flu outbreak, organizers of the event are considering forgoing a live animal and instead having a man dress up in a pig costume; Murray, KY: Non-profit distributes baby bottles to area churches for congregation members to fill up with loose change. Bottles traditionally go out on Mother's Day and are returned Father's Day. While out, families are encouraged to fill the bottles with loose change and pray for the center. The first name of a child helped by the center is also written on the bottle for people to pray for; and Hagerstown, MD: Volunteers walked down the runway in local hotel dressed to the nines, many with rescue dogs from the humane society in tow in ‘Fur Couture Fundraiser’;

Entertainment® Coupon Book: There’s never been a better time to try the Entertainment® coupon book fundraiser. Here’s why … did you know that 86% of households are now using coupons? You can use this to your fundraising advantage! Each Entertainment® Book is packed with over $5,000 in coupons. Our fundraiser has lots of appeal, is easy to sell and just makes sense. Plus, there’s no upfront cost and you earn up to 50% profit. Click here for your free personalized fundraising kit and make this your best fundraising season ever!

Do-It-Yourself Fundraiser Of The Month

Dog Walk: Call it what you will – Jog Your Dog, Canine Constitutional, Million Mutt Walk, Paws in the Park, Sidewalk of Many Dog Poops, Wag and Walk. A sponsored pet walk where the walkers (and their pets) solicit donations for how far they walk. Or, participants pay a set fee to enter and walk their dog. OR, bring homeless dogs who need walking. Remember the pooper scoopers. This could culminate in a pet talent show or some other event where you solicit additional donations. Use it to present spay/neuter message, or message of finding homes for all the homeless ones. Ask people to sponsor a homeless dog to see how many laps (limit of four?) he can do. Very funny with puppies, who have their own agenda. Or, sponsor a dog who wants to walk his person? You could do a cute turn-around, with advertising that promotes "walking your person" and that explains that this is good for your "person's" health. Relays and races, booths for snacks, kennel rentals for dogs while people do their own things. Remember to try to get lots of vendors, even yard sale table type vendors, exhibits, dog wash and a vaccination clinic. Have a yard sale area where you rent spaces out-lined in chalk. Food booths for people and dogs. Organize an interesting route for dogs and their owners to walk around, with all participants sponsored. Take a synonym of walk and add something to it. Re-member you can change the verb case. To really increase your turnout, name a dog "Naked" and get a local celebrity (television or radio personality, sports star, public official, etc) to "Walk Naked in the park at a designated time." Advertise the heck out of that.

“Love That Smell” Candles: Free shipping and complete fundraising start-up packet for your school, church, team, individual fundraiser. Premium quality, triple-scented jar candles to max out high profits. Order brochure sales or risk-free 30 day “consignment” plan includes return of any unsold candles for 100% credit. “Easiest fund-raiser my students have ever done.…so very easy to work with. I would highly recommend this as a fundraiser!! Wonderful service!!” (Sandra-Sullivan South High School) Call: 866-379-8493 or visit www.lovethatsmellcandles.com.

Non-Profit In The Spotlight

Pure Thoughts Inc. is an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of horses, yearlings and foals that were bound for slaughter in addition to those that are victims of starvation, neglect and abuse. Our labors to restore horses to productive and happy lives are focused on their ability to socialize with humans and other horses, thus insuring a good quality “forever home”. Our volunteers that are involved with horses go through an orientation and receive an education before being ready to work with the horses, this will allow both human and horse to live and learn in a safe environment. Our educational programs are designed to increase their responsibility for a horse's welfare throughout this country. Through education we can put an end to horse abuse, neglect and to horse slaughter in the country.

eFundraising.com: Reach your fundraising goals in exciting and original ways! Whether it's for your school, sports team, church, or any other non-profit organization, support for your group is out there - starting right here with us! If you are looking for innovative fundraising ideas and programs to guarantee the success of your next fundraiser, we are here to help you achieve your goals! We offer quality service and up to 90% profit with your choice of proven fundraising programs.

Holiday Facts

The idea for an official Father’s Day celebration came to a married daughter, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, seated in a church in Spokane, Washington, attentive to a Sunday sermon on Mother’s Day in 1910 two years after the first Mother’s Day observance in West Virginia. Mrs. Smart wanted to honor her father, Henry Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, widowed when his wife died during the birth of their sixth child. This father then raised his six children alone on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. Mrs. Smart's  father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910. In 1972 sixty-two years after it was proposed, Father’s Day was permanently established by President Richard Nixon.
 

 Fun Pasta Fundraising: New, unique, fun! Pasta in fun shapes like cheerleaders, music, holidays, collegiate logos, etc! Up to 50% profits. Free brochures, free samples, posters, envelopes, bags, DVD, and free shipping! Great prize packages include Itunes gift cards, IPod shuffles, and IPods. Click pasta fundraising, or call 1-800-247-0188 x205

 Beary Thoughtful, LLC:  Beary Thoughtful Bears promote the appreciation of family, the community, and a salute to our military that make great gifts for any occasion. We also design 9" Custom Teddy Bears that are excellent fundraisers for schools, sport leagues, and other organizations.

 Silver Jangles: All sterling silver jewelry charms bracelets dangle & hoop earrings & necklaces. Sports music church cheerleader dance patriotic animal themes. No calories! You keep 50% of sales. Email us your mailing address or call. We will mail a free information packet.

 Leave Your Mark:  Bricks with personalized bronze plaques. Pave your way to fundraising profits with our high quality, uniquely designed concrete brick/paver which holds a bronze commemorative plaque. Generate needed funds and support by selling sponsorships to your community.