Should I Show Up with My Donation for the School Carnival?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the experiences of participants regarding donations made for school events, particularly in relation to communication and follow-up with event organizers. Participants share their personal experiences with donations and the outcomes they encountered.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts a past experience where their donation for a school fair went unacknowledged, leading to frustration when trying to follow up for a current event.
  • Another participant suggests contacting the school directly for information about the PTA, expressing uncertainty about whether they would provide assistance without having children in the school.
  • Several users mention that their past donations have not resulted in business or bookings, often serving only as tax write-offs.
  • One participant, identifying as a PTO president, shares that schools typically assist in connecting donors with PTA contacts.
  • Another participant reflects on the lack of responses received after donating items to various events, indicating a pattern of unreciprocated outreach.
  • One user shares their strategy of giving gift certificates with expiration dates to mitigate potential losses if no contact is made.
  • Another participant expresses disbelief at the lack of communication from the event organizer, noting that they had to remind the organizer of their donation pickup.
  • One participant comments on the busy nature of people's lives, suggesting that delays in communication may not be personal but rather a result of busy schedules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the effectiveness of donations in generating business, with several participants agreeing that their experiences have not led to fruitful outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences primarily related to school events and fundraising activities, highlighting the challenges of communication and follow-up in these contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering donations for school events or similar fundraisers may find the shared experiences relevant to their own decision-making processes.

Luv2bake
Luv2bake
Messages
61
Not sure how to handle this one... in Oct 2006 I worked a school fair at an elementary school not very close to my home at all. It failed miserably since they put my table directly across from a vendor table for a Music School- complete with fully functioning musical instruments (including DRUMS!) for the kiddies to try out. So of course no sane adult came anywhere near this end of the hallway. I also made a donation of some items for their raffle. Jump forward to January of this year, and the same PTA contact from that first event emailed me (and the other vendors) asking if we would participate in this year's Silent Auction for the school carnival. So no tables...just donations...but the promise of free mention in their school newletter for 2 months prior to the event. So I email her back that I would participate. I ordered the Pizza Party gift set (stone, cookbook, pizza cutter) and when it came in tried to reach her. Now, I am small potatoes. I do this very very part time in addition to my full time job. So to order this set was a hit for me. She initially wrote back that she would come pick up the set, and I have not heard from her since. I have politely emailed and left voice mails...to no avail. The carnival is this Saturday. Should I just show up with my donation and try to find where it goes? I wonder if she got a bigger donation from another Pampered Chef consultant. For some reason this really is irking me!
 
Have you called the school directly?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
No I haven't. Think I should? Do you think they would give me any information (like PTA Contacts) if I don't even have any kids?
 
Luv2bake said:
No I haven't. Think I should? Do you think they would give me any information (like PTA Contacts) if I don't even have any kids?
Click to expand...

Personally, I would let them contact you. If they don't, you can keep the set or return it. I have donated MANY things over the years to silent auctions, junior league, etc. NEVER have I received any business from these, just ended up using them as a tax write off. I actually put 85 SBCB in the goodie bags of the Junior League "newbies" with a personal note congratulating them and giving my name and number....NOTHING, no calls, no thank you's, nothing!

Okay...that said, Yes, the school will put you in touch with someone from the PTA. I'm the PTO president at my son's middle school and, depending on the reason people are asking, they do give out my phone number. Sometimes they take a message and pass it along to me but they will work with you to help you make contact.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
That has been my experience too...that the donations end up just being tax write offs with no business or bookings obtained in the process.
I even donated 100+ of the old style small bamboo tongs (that of course now everyone is looking for) to swag bags for a Junior League function, only to get zero responses. And I'm even a member in that League!!
Guess I have learned what works for me and what doesn't.:blushing:
 
Don't worry. I have two gift certificates outstanding, totaling $50. One was to the PTA fundraiser in NOVEMBER and the other was to the Spouse Club in February. So don't worry I haven't gotten anything out of donations either and I think I won't again. The PTA said I'd have my name,etc. out there in advertising but the only thing I saw was the flyer for the night of the event. That didn't do me any good!!

Good luck all!
 
That's why it's best to give your own gift certificates and put a expiration date on them. Then if no one contacts you, you lose nothing and if they do, you have a new contact! Maybe you'll never hear from them again, but usually, I give a $25 gift certificate and often they purchase $50+!!It is strange that they aren't contacting you. I'm sure that she's just busy and that it's not personal.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I laugh when people try to tell me they are busy. Too busy to hit the "reply" button? ;) Anyway, she did email me today asking if I could drive the set over to the school. No mention or apologies for not returning any of my calls or emails. I kindly told her that I only could on Saturday morning, since I work full time during the week...but she is welcome to come pick up at my office. (She does not work.) Sheesh.
 
I don't "work" either, but it's surprising how busy my days can be. But I can find time to do something I need to do. Some day my daughter will be in all day school and THEN what will I do with myself?? :sing: Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being with her, but just the idea of being able to run errands and quickly clean or whatever is just amazing!! I almost wish it was only a couple days a week though. Oh wait...this was about something else....anyway...

People don't all check email daily and then there is procrastination so if they don't do it RIGHT then, the best of intentions don't help b/c they forget before returning to the computer.

I'm right there with you though. It drives me crazy!! I instantly reply even if to say I don't know yet, but I'll get back to you. I just meant that I was sure it wasn't personal (just personality probably).
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring my donation for the school carnival even if I can't attend?

Yes, it's a good idea to bring your donation even if you can't attend the carnival. Your contribution will still support the event and help raise funds for the school. Make sure to communicate with the event organizers about your donation so they know to expect it.

What types of donations are typically accepted for school carnivals?

School carnivals often accept a variety of donations, including gift baskets, gift cards, baked goods, and items for raffle prizes. Check with the event organizers for specific guidelines on what they are looking for.

Is it better to donate items or cash for the school carnival?

Both items and cash donations are valuable. Cash donations can give organizers flexibility to purchase what they need, while donated items can be used directly for games, prizes, or food. Consider what you feel comfortable giving and what the event might need most.

How should I package my donation for the carnival?

When packaging your donation, make sure it is clearly labeled with your name and any relevant information about the item. If it’s a gift basket or a collection of items, ensure it is securely wrapped or boxed to prevent damage. Presentation can also make a difference, so consider making it visually appealing.

What if I forget to bring my donation on the day of the carnival?

If you forget to bring your donation, contact the event organizers as soon as possible. They may be able to arrange for you to drop it off later or suggest an alternative way to contribute. It's always best to communicate and see how you can still support the event.

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