Thursday, May 1, 2008

PTO Fundraising


So I absolutely hate fundraisers. I hate asking people for money. Stupid thin wrapping paper, overpriced cookie dough, magazines I don't have time to read- hate it all.

My view on fundraising is this: School, if you need money, just add $5 to our weekly fees, and we'll hardly notice it. You'll have your money, and we won't have to do any ridiculous fundraising.

But see this fabulous piece of 3X3 art pictured in the middle above? That was painted by my super-talented kiddos, and purchased by the Sashas for the bargain price of $65. It's going to look fab in our playroom!

Our director came up with this idea last year, and we raised a whopping $3500! We are on track to do the same this year.

Here's how it works: parents and staff make the canvases, keeping the cost down. Frames are built with scrap wood and canvas is stretched on the frame and stapled on. Paint is slopped on to give it a base color. Then the kids go to town, creating their masterpieces.

Orders are taken from parents for "commissioned art" at these sizes and prices:

  • 1' by 1': $25
  • 2' by 2': $45
  • 3' by 3': $65

We then have an "art show" where all the pieces are hung up at a local coffee and chocolate shop for a month. Not shown in the picture above are the little cards that will be by each picture with the title and artist of each piece.

On a specific night, parents come to admire the work of their children and there is a silent auction on some group or class pieces. The school even offers childcare for the evening and parents get to enjoy wine, cheese, and chocolate and a little social time, and open up their checkbooks.

How fun is that?


4 comments:

Carie said...

Okay, that is the best idea ever! I am on PTO at my daughters school and we have already sold over priced cookie dough and coupon books this year with only minimal success. I think this would be great and if I know the parents around here they would pay big bucks to snag their childs painting just so no one else buys it! I will definately mention this at the next PTO meeting! Maybe the other officers will consider it for next year! Thanks for posting this!

Anonymous said...

If you like the art show idea, why not take it a step forward and allow parents to purchase other items with their child's artwork on it, i.e. t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, etc. Check out www.artwarebyyou.com.

Buford Betty said...

What an awesome idea! And I'm sure it makes the kids feel like true artists. Very cool.

Caffeine Court said...

I love that picture! We do an art raffle every year too. Each class does a piece, sometimes it's painting, other times a table with painted tiles, there are so many possibilties and it brings in tons of cash!