Do-It-Yourself Fundraiser Of The Month

Thons: There is an appropriate "thon" event for every organization. While events vary widely, the basic means of raising funds is pretty much the same.  Participants collect pledges from family and friends - either a flat fee or so much per "x" that they complete during the event. Companies may also sponsor the event - especially if it relates to their business.  Organizations often make additional funds selling refreshments, advertising and souvenirs. Thons are not limited to athletic events. Bowl-a-thon, math-a-thon, swim-a-thon, bird count-a-thon, read-a-thon, weed-a-thon, talk-a-thon, canoe-a-thon, art-a-thon, cut-a-thon, and a skate-a-thon are just a few that other groups have held.

Disney Music:  Walt Disney Records has partnered with Music Rewards to offer music treasures to help school groups raise money.  The catalog features soundtracks from Jungle Book & Mary Poppins, Karaoke CD+Gs from Lion King & Lizzie McGuire, and Baby Einstein CDs.  $10 magazine subscriptions plus hit titles from artists like Vince Gill and Christina Aguilera round out the catalog. Great prices, free brochures, shipping, prizes and your group keeps 40-50%.  Why not let the Disney brand raise money for your school, music program, troop, or sports team?  Call 1-800-770-9735 or visit our website to request a free brochure online.

Fundraiser News Briefs 

Jessup, IA: Hooter's waitresses sell raffle tickets to support local high school; Springfield, OR: Ferret Olympics raises funds for shelter; Oak Harbor, OH: Poker Run fundraiser benefits people with disabilities; Whitehaven, UK: Patients with hip or joint replacement operation take part in walk for charity; Brush Valley, PA: Pastor kisses goat to help send youths to Christian summer camps; Suffolk, UK: Volunteers sleep in church yard to raise awareness and funds for homeless charity; Arizona City, NV: Car wash held to support Boys & Girls Club; Bend, OR: Pottery Olympics held to benefit Empty Bowls 2004; Cary, IL: 11 year-old organizes garage sale for Warm Blankets Orphan Care International; Decatur, AL: Artistic seats and gourmet menu highlight fund-raiser benefits volunteer center; Manteca, CA: Residents hold fundraiser to replace money stolen from soldiers' bank account; Coos Bay, OR: Coastal Douglas Alliance hosts ice cream social to help pay for auditorium renovation; Gardendale, TX: Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary fund-raiser held to help dumped dachshunds; Pahrump Valley, NY: Fundraisers set for the "chemo cowgirl"; Bourne, MA: Bicycle ride raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Ft. Wayne, IN: Bowhunters hold 3-D archery fund-raiser for children's' hospital; Woodlands, TX: Humane Society holds "Furr Balls," bowling fund-raiser.

Interesting or Fun Facts

As is often true, necessity is clearly the mother of invention, and this was so with the BAND-AID. In 1917 Earl Dickson married Josephine Knight.  Josephine was a lovely woman but a bit clumsy in the kitchen. Earl came home each evening to a wife who prepared a wonderful dinner but often had nicks and burns on her hands. The conventional bandages of the time were too big and clumsy so it was difficult to treat her injuries. Earl, being a creative individual, affixed sterile gauze to the center of surgical tape so his wife could unwind and cut off what she needed. Thus, the Band Aid was born. Earle worked for the Johnson and Johnson Company which was already in the business of making large cotton and gauze bandages for hospitals. Dickson told his boss about his invention and the BAND-AID was born. [Source: Johnson & Johnson]

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