How Can I Make My Fundraiser Packs Successful for 450 Elementary School Kids?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the planning and execution of a fundraiser for approximately 450 elementary school students. Participants share their personal experiences and ideas regarding the contents of fundraiser packs, incentives for students and teachers, and strategies for maximizing participation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses anxiety about preparing fundraiser packs for a large number of students and discusses the financial implications of printing materials.
  • Another participant suggests minimizing the contents of the packets and proposes offering an ice cream sandwich maker as an incentive for top sellers.
  • Several users mention the importance of engaging teachers in the fundraiser, with one participant planning to offer a prize for the highest-selling teacher.
  • One participant shares their experience of low participation rates in past fundraisers, suggesting that only a fraction of students typically contribute.
  • Another participant notes the potential for different participants due to the perceived quality of the items being sold compared to previous fundraisers.
  • One participant discusses the idea of providing additional incentives for new consultants who sign up during the fundraiser.
  • Several users mention the need for promotional materials, such as catalogs and order forms, to be available during concurrent school events.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding expected participation rates and the effectiveness of various incentives. Some participants express skepticism about high participation, while others remain optimistic about the quality of the items leading to better engagement.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily Pampered Chef consultants sharing their personal experiences and strategies related to fundraising efforts in a school setting. The discussion reflects a mix of excitement and apprehension about the upcoming event.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas and support related to organizing school fundraisers may find this discussion relevant.

  • Thread starter
  • #31
I'm not handing out catalogs because our school traditionally does not have high participation in fundraisers. I am still offering the full catalog, and will have them available for anyone who asks (I can think of about 10 who will be calling me the DAY they get their packets to get the full catalog! lol) and will also have them at the office, a couple with each teacher and in the staff lounge.

If this is a big hit, I'll consider giving the full catalog to start off with next year. But I think that for a lot of the kids, they'll want to earn the item they get for participating, so their parents will choose something from the flyer. It's less overwhelming for someone who isn't familiar with TPC......
 
  • Thread starter
  • #32
OY! It's late....... my table is covered in flyers and catalogs.... and I am having a girls' night out here tomorrow...... I better go get some sleep so I can have fun tomorrow :)
 
soccermama said:
OY! It's late....... my table is covered in flyers and catalogs.... and I am having a girls' night out here tomorrow...... I better go get some sleep so I can have fun tomorrow :)
Good night and have a fun day Tomorrow:)
 
If you still want to do the flyers ask the school if you can do your coppies there?

If you end up with lots of leftover catalogs make up a list of places arround your town to leave some. I had 100 catys left over one season from a FR. It had gone fairly well b ut like was said before the work is done by maybee 20% of the students and parents.
 
soccermama said:
OK.... so maybe a LOT!!! In 3 weeks I have to have fundraiser packs for about 450 kids at the elementary school!!!!!! I am beginning to freak a little about this...... I'm already doing the math on it, and unless they have huge sales, I'll not make any money after printing flyers, etc..... I *am* printing them on my own, because the ink will be cheaper than paying for color copies... But OMG!!!!! What have I gotten myself into?

::::deep breaths:::: breathe in... breathe out....... still freakin' out! HELP!!!!!! Thankfully my sister is being generous and has offered to help me off-set some of the cost by purchasing some of the supplies (she feels guilty not helping at the school as much as she used to, so is helping out here, instead) I also have a good group of friends who are willing to come over for an assembly party (as long as I provide the wine! lol)

OK.... but I'm still freakin' a little ;) Once I get my commission on the 8th, I'll buy the ink and paper.... but I still have to figure out what kind of incentive to offer the kiddos so they'll actually SELL!

Oh.... and I think I'm going to challenge the TEACHERS to sell, too! I'll offer them $100 (?) PC products for the highest seller (I'll even add that onto the fundraiser to up their profit a bit, too)

:::::::deep breaths::::::: breathe in... breathe out...... breathe in..... breathe out........

Not sure if this has been said, but after watching Cookie at our regional conference, I am offering ALL students who collect $400 in sales a $10 ToysRUs giftcard, and a $50 giftcard to highest seller that collects over $500. I plan to give each student 2 catalogs with the attached suggested people to share with. 8 order forms (double sided printed). I have given them the website a few times in bold red, and suggested they email the link to ALL of their relatives all over the US.

Good luck!!! It is daunting!
 
Last edited:
soccermama said:
Good Luck!

Ok... I finished my flyer, which I think is what was really stressing me out!!! It was just soooo much to think about to figure out what to put on it, etc.... I'm attaching a copy.... PLEASE give me feedback (especially if I need to make major changes!!!!!)

It's looks great, but I'm not sure you need it unless you aren't giving them a full catalog?

How did you get this fabulous fundraiser???? Did you send a letter/proposal?
 
soccermama said:
I'm not handing out catalogs because our school traditionally does not have high participation in fundraisers. I am still offering the full catalog, and will have them available for anyone who asks (I can think of about 10 who will be calling me the DAY they get their packets to get the full catalog! lol) and will also have them at the office, a couple with each teacher and in the staff lounge.

If this is a big hit, I'll consider giving the full catalog to start off with next year. But I think that for a lot of the kids, they'll want to earn the item they get for participating, so their parents will choose something from the flyer. It's less overwhelming for someone who isn't familiar with TPC......

I would send packets home with every child. Not many here would "volunteer" for a fundraiser. Why not hit the PTO up for a "round robin" of shows in one week's time, to boost the amount earned for the school. Tell them that if 3-5 would have their own school PC fundraiser parties, at their home... making it clear that you do NOT want all the members to attend every party, that you want each host to invite DIFFERENT people to the parties (especially those not known - neighbors, co-workers, family, friends).... say that all the sales will be added to the fundraiser sales. Maybe one host will have a traditional party-like fundraiser - - she can take the products (an entire set of cookware???) to be raffled off at the next school function. You can even book parties at the last minute.

I got these ideas at regional conference by the way. Wow, you have such a GREAT fundraising opportunity. GOOD LUCK!!!!
 
etteluap70PC said:
If you still want to do the flyers ask the school if you can do your coppies there?

If you end up with lots of leftover catalogs make up a list of places arround your town to leave some. I had 100 catys left over one season from a FR. It had gone fairly well b ut like was said before the work is done by maybee 20% of the students and parents.


Where did you leave the catalogs? What was the response?

You can also offer them to your potential recruits and/or downline. Just place white labels over your info.

Can you tell you've gotten me excited? LOL
 
  • Thread starter
  • #39
I am involved with the school and the PAC (Parent Action Council), and when the fundraising chair person changed, I jumped on it and asked her to consider PC. So I printed up some info and took it to a meeting and they all said "Go for it"!

They all agreed that the full-line catalog would be very overwhelming to most of the kids participating in the fundraiser. They loved the idea of Cookbooks & Spices, and I threw in some gift sets, too, just because they are a little higher-priced ;)

Doing the copies at the school might be an option if they had color copies available, but they don't. Printing from my own printer won't be too bad, and I'll print a little at a time and can be cooking/cleaning/reading with kids, etc while things are printing off.

And now to figure out when to invite the girls up to help me assemble the packs! I guess the weekend before it starts....

I'm not concerned about catalogs being leftover.... I'll be able to use them up before they are done. It's the beginning of the selling season, so there's plenty of time. lol

Thanks everyone for input and advice :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best products to include in my Pampered Chef fundraiser packs for elementary school kids?

When selecting products for your fundraiser packs, consider items that are both kid-friendly and practical. Popular choices include fun kitchen tools like cookie cutters, measuring cups, and kid-sized utensils. Additionally, consider including easy-to-make recipe cards that children can use with their families, which can encourage cooking together and make the experience more enjoyable.

How can I promote my fundraiser packs to the parents of the elementary school kids?

Effective promotion can be achieved through various channels. Utilize school newsletters, social media groups, and flyers sent home with students. Hosting a kickoff event or a cooking demonstration can also engage parents and showcase the products. Make sure to highlight the benefits of the fundraiser, such as how the proceeds will support school activities or programs.

What strategies can I use to encourage kids to sell more fundraiser packs?

Incentivizing sales can be very effective. Consider implementing a rewards program where kids can earn prizes for reaching certain sales milestones. You can also create friendly competitions among classes or grades to motivate students. Make sure to communicate the impact of their efforts, emphasizing how their contributions will benefit their school community.

How can I ensure that the fundraiser packs are affordable for all families?

To make your fundraiser packs accessible, consider offering a range of price points. You can create different tiers of packs with varying products and prices, allowing families to choose what fits their budget. Additionally, providing information about the value of the products and how the funds will be used can help parents feel more comfortable with their purchases.

What is the best way to handle orders and deliveries for the fundraiser packs?

To streamline the order and delivery process, create a clear timeline for collecting orders and distributing packs. Use an online platform for order collection if possible, which can simplify tracking. For delivery, consider organizing a pickup event at the school where families can come to collect their packs, or arrange for them to be sent home with students. Ensure clear communication about when and how orders will be delivered to avoid confusion.

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