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3 FUNdraising Ideas for Schools

Although it’s still summer, now is the perfect time to get a head start planning your school fundraiser and we’re here to help. When you sell fun foods at your event’s concession stand, you can see 60-94% profit margins – the highest among other fundraising alternatives.

The success of a fundraiser can be measured by several factors. It should be fun for students and simple for volunteers so that everyone will be willing and enthusiastic to repeat it again (some school programs host at least three fundraisers each year between August and May). And of course, it must be profitable. Selling concessions such as popcorn at your event will ensure that you come out ahead.

 

You know that selling concessions is a great idea for a fundraiser, but where and how should you do so? Here are some fun events that your school can host. You can get as creative as you please with each of these, and one of the best parts is that they all involve the student body as well as the local community.

 

3 School FUNdraising Ideas

1. Host a 5K: This can be for a walk or run in a local park or around your school’s neighborhood. Charge a minimal registration fee that includes a voucher for a free Sno-Kone® for runners.  Community attendees can visit the concession stand with proceeds going to the school. For fun, you can sell school-colored popcorn.
2. Put on a Talent Show: Invite local talent, students, and especially teachers to take the stage for a few minutes each for a night of laughter and entertainment. Have a concession stand open during intermission with freshly popped popcorn to add to the atmosphere. You can also set up a booth selling “Star-grams” for the performers—these would be treats like cotton candy or baked goods that guests can personalize with a congratulatory message.
3. Organize a Yard Sale: Everyone has items in their closets, attics, or basements that they no longer need or use. Sellers can bring their “overstock” to the school and sell in a single event. Ask participants to consider donating a portion of their proceeds or charge a small space fee. Attendees will be more likely to stay and shop if there’s a concession stand serving food and drinks. For example, nachos are an easy, low-prep snack that’s widely popular.

You can see that with each of these events, a fundraiser concession stand is a perfect accompaniment. Offer refreshments such as Sno Kones® in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter, and items like gourmet popcorn, cotton candy (which yields a 94% profit!), and nachos year-round. The more people you get involved with each event, the more they’ll help you spread the word. In the end, each is a win/win opportunity for neighbors of all ages to have a great afternoon or evening and make it easier for youth to succeed in school and in life with the benefits of athletics, music, and visual arts programs.

Selling concessions for a school fundraiser is as simple as calling Gold Medal (800-543-0862). We go beyond the initial sale by training your team, installing the products, and answering all of your questions to keep the sales rolling. Check out our free Guide to School Fundraising and Sports Concessions here.

Have you hosted a successful fundraiser in the past? Share your experience with us and others by commenting on our Facebook page!

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