Relay Fundraiser Disappoints: Lessons Learned and Improvements for Next Time

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses personal experiences and reflections on fundraising efforts, particularly related to Relay for Life events. Participants share their successes and challenges, as well as strategies for improving future fundraisers.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared their experience with a first fundraiser that yielded $214 in sales, expressing disappointment in the group's lack of understanding about collecting orders.
  • Another participant mentioned their first fundraiser was also unsuccessful due to a lack of interest in taking orders.
  • Several users noted that some fundraisers can be more successful than others, with one participant sharing a successful fundraiser that raised nearly $900.
  • One participant expressed frustration over a lack of engagement during a Relay meeting, while another highlighted the importance of excitement and enthusiasm in fundraising efforts.
  • Multiple participants discussed the use of outside order forms and suggested that cooking shows could help generate interest and outside orders.
  • One participant mentioned offering incentives for top sellers as a motivational strategy.
  • Several users expressed concerns and sought advice about upcoming fundraising meetings, indicating a shared apprehension about their effectiveness.
  • One participant shared a creative idea of using raffle prizes to encourage participation in fundraisers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for fundraising, with some participants sharing successful experiences while others recount challenges. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to ensure a successful fundraiser.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily consultants sharing personal experiences related to fundraising for Relay for Life, with discussions focusing on strategies, challenges, and the importance of engagement.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants involved in fundraising efforts, particularly for Relay for Life, may find the shared experiences and strategies helpful as they plan their own events.

jrstephens
jrstephens
Messages
7,085
Well, as many of you know I got my first Fundraiser this month with a Relay for Life group. Just picked up and sales are $214 with one more order to pick up tomorrow.

UHH!!! There was suppose to be about 20 people selling. I think they just each order about $10/15 worth. I do not think they got the concept of COLLECTING ORDERS!!!

Oh well, small sales is better than no sales and I can only improve on Fundraisers from here!!!:D
 
Don't feel bad my first fundraiser I did was a flop... They didn't seem to care to get orders, so needless to say they didn't make very much off of it.
 
Oh no!!! And they will probably be ticked when their check from PC is so small. THEIR LOSS!!!

I went to a Relay meeting last night to pitch our fundraisers....those ladies were just so boring! They seemed to take no interest in what I was there for. Oh well...we'll see. Their Relay isn't until July anyway.
 
That's a bummer. I just got done doing a fundraiser for a girl going on an exchange trip and it turned out to be almost $900! She was SO excited about it. I think it's probably easier to get one or two people to get really excited about it than 20, though...I think some are winners and some are losers. Stick with them, maybe they'll do another one next year and it will get better...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Well, they ended up closing with $554 in sales. That is much better than $200. I was of course hoping for at least $1000 but was very happy they got it to $554. The Chairperson was as disappointed as I was that the people did not take up orders especially seeing how quick it added up with just them ordering.

And with double points I got over a 1000 points from it!
 
Jennifer-what type of order forms did you use for this fundraiser? I am doing a couple (hopefully more) fundraisers for RFL teams, and not sure about order forms. Wouldn't it just be as easy for the team member to use OOF just like when people do catty shows? I am just wondering what worked for you?
 
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  • #7
sillylittlechef said:
Jennifer-what type of order forms did you use for this fundraiser? I am doing a couple (hopefully more) fundraisers for RFL teams, and not sure about order forms. Wouldn't it just be as easy for the team member to use OOF just like when people do catty shows? I am just wondering what worked for you?
Click to expand...

I just used the outside order form. And I got them to make checks out to the organization and then make one check out to me from the organization.

Be sure to make sure they understand to get outside orders. Mine did not do that. I know if they had of it would have been really successfull.

I highly recommend doing a cooking show to show products to kick it off. I think this is what I am going to do next year and if I ever do another one. I think this would give you the opportunity to really stress outside orders.
 
Thank you Jennifer. I am hoping they will be willing to do a kick off party (cooking show) that way I have the opportunity to get them all excited about the products. I think since these are adults I will just use the OOF like you did. I think I will give them each 15-20 copies of the OOF and maybe that will give them a hint to get OUTSIDE ORDERS!!!! thanks again!
 
Thanks for the tips - I have an RFL meeting coming up to pitch our fundraiser next week, and I'm a little worried. I like your idea, Dusty, of giving them 15-20 OOFs!! And I will certainly push the cooking show.

Keep your fingers crossed, and any other tips are truly appreciated!!
 
If you have a PC website; how about offering each member the ability to have their guests enter their orders on the website-after you have already entered the team members name as the fundraiser in order to keep track of who sold what. I think this might be easier for some people so they do not have to handle the $ or delivering products.
 
I am doing one this month. The co-ordinator is so excited about it! I sent her a packet with my outside order forms (see attachment) and we are doing an open house/demo after church on the 18th. The ladies of the church are making Taco Rings, Dips, etc. I just need to demo a Trifle in the new bowl. She is advertising galore around town, on the church sign and in church newsletter, bullitens. She even talked the minister into wearing a chef's hat, apron and holding a bamboo spoon for the next two Sundays to premote her Fundraiser! How cute is that?!?! I hope it goes well - I have one in April & May for the same Relay group, just different teams.

Joanne
 

Attachments

Thank you Joanne for that oof. I love it. I think I will use that one. The only thing (besides contact info) is that I have to change the guest special. One team so far wants to run it for two months!
 
Oh no, you guys are scaring me because I'm going to a RFL fundraiser meeting on Tuesday! Wish me luck!:D
 
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  • #14
PampMomof3 said:
Oh no, you guys are scaring me because I'm going to a RFL fundraiser meeting on Tuesday! Wish me luck!:D
Click to expand...

Good luck Kristi!!!
 
Great form, Joanne. Not to be critical but I would change it to show that we offer an awesome wedding registery.
 
Can't wait to hear how it went Joanne! Good luck Kristi with your upcoming meeting!!!!!!
 
OMG! :eek: I agree with Kristi. ;) I have a Relay for Life Team meeting the 15th to present our funraiser. They are interested in having the fundraiser during May.

Wish me luck too!! I was hoping this would be a good thing for me. :rolleyes:
 
Good luck, Jennifer on your RFL meeting!
 
I try to meet with everyone who will be involved with the fund raiser. I tell them matter of factly, that if they want a successful fund raiser, they need to each do their part. I offer a gift to the individuals with the top three sales in the group, and this is a good motivator.
With a bigger fund raiser, I give each person 2-3 catalogs and at least 10 order forms. I also list the things they can do to boost their sales and offer up my website and host link to encourage them to add their contacts... local and around the country.
And the one thing I tell them (learned from a director friend, Donna Marshall) that if they remember that song the Hokey Pokey... the last thing you put in is your whole self. I tell them I am willing to put my whole self into THEIR fund raiser, and I only ask they do the same.
 
I recently had a flop myself, I called Stop and Shop and asked if I could sit outside with a table this weekend... can we do that?
 
Cookingfool said:
I recently had a flop myself, I called Stop and Shop and asked if I could sit outside with a table this weekend... can we do that?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that is allowed but I'd call HO just to be sure.
 
Hey...an idea that my director gave me...bring something med-small to raffle off and then make them fill out drawing slips. I offered MEGA shows to each team and told them I'd be providing raffle prizes for them. I told them they would be GOOD prizes and not just dollar store junk and raffled off a small bar pan I had sitting around...here are my files for you to see!
 

Attachments

PS GOOD LUCK!! Make sure they know how excited you are to be a part of such an important event!

I got an email from one lady who said, "I'm with the county clerk's office, and 160 of us work here...what if we can't all go to the show? Can they still order?!" YIKES! YES YES YES!!!
 
Thanks for sharing, Kim. This is great!
 
I had my first of 3, Relay fundraisers last week after their church. The ladies (and men) were pouring into the hall! She had 5 tables of 6 chairs and we were full! I almost ran out of catalogs. They had the food set up (they made 3 PC Taco Rings, cookies with the cookie press, and a PC hot dip in a Rectangular Baker) so people could eat right away. All I demoed was the Peanut Butter Trifle in our new bowl. I had everything measured and cut - but demo'd a few things (chopper, knives, easy accent decorator). I only talked for about 15-20 mins. Hit our main product lines and did the "dessert" demo. Her sales are almost at $800 and people were taking 2-3 catalogs with order forms! She was thrilled!! It was probably the easiest show ever! They even washed all my dishes while I was packing up my products. What a great group! I also had a last minute Fundriaser (teacher called me Thurs night for a Friday pass catalogs out fundraiser!) for my son's preschool. I made up a letter for the front explaining the fundraiser, myself and how I will donate my commission, etc. It closed in a week - sales are over $1150! I'm thrilled!! I really didn't know what to expect - and I got 3 bookings from it.
Just sharing!!
Joanne
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main reasons for the disappointment in the Relay Fundraiser?

The main reasons for disappointment in the Relay Fundraiser included poor communication with participants, inadequate marketing efforts, and a lack of engagement from the community. Additionally, some participants may not have fully understood the fundraising goals or how their contributions would make an impact.

What lessons can be learned from the experience?

Key lessons include the importance of clear communication, setting realistic goals, and actively engaging participants throughout the process. It's also crucial to create a strong marketing plan that highlights the benefits of the fundraiser and encourages community involvement.

How can we improve marketing efforts for future fundraisers?

Improving marketing efforts can involve utilizing social media platforms more effectively, creating visually appealing promotional materials, and reaching out to local businesses for support. Additionally, sharing success stories and testimonials from previous fundraisers can help generate interest and excitement.

What strategies can be implemented to enhance participant engagement?

To enhance participant engagement, consider hosting pre-fundraiser events to build excitement, providing regular updates on fundraising progress, and recognizing top contributors. Offering incentives or rewards for participation can also motivate individuals to get involved and stay engaged.

How can we ensure better communication in future fundraisers?

To ensure better communication, establish a clear communication plan that includes regular updates via email, social media, and community meetings. Designate a point of contact for participants to address questions or concerns, and encourage feedback to improve future fundraisers.

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