Fundraiser ideas needed

[Mindibun]

I volunteer for a dog rescue that pulls dogs from "death row" - dogs that don't even make it to the adoption floor of the shelter, and that never would have a chance at life otherwise.

Recently, they have taken in a LOT of dogs, many needing medical care. Their funds are rapidly dwindling. They have set up a "chipin" and if anyone wants to donate, here is the link:

http://pleasehelpsaveadeathrowdogres...-and-donations

(They are trying to hire a lawyer to help with some yucky stuff that's been going on at the shelter. But they need money for the dogs as well)

However, because there has been no money coming in through Chipin, I was hoping we might be able to get some sort of fund raiser together. Has anyone else had any experience with fund raisers? I've never had to do one myself, other than Girl Scout Cookies, and band stuff.

I need tips, tricks, and ideas. ASAP!

Thanks

[Elise.m]

I've never actually done a fund raiser, but I've seen some neat ideas.

Having a restaurant doing an "All you can eat" competition, something like pizza. You can have the place put up all the money for the event, and set up a donation table, throw a few shout out while doing the all you can eat...

That's the best I have! Lol. Sorry if it doesn't help much. Good luck in finding a better idea!

[BPelizabeth]

well first ....and I am sure they have but have they talked to the local vets in the area to donate their time and surgeries...etc.?? They also might want to see if any attorneys will do pro-bueno for them as well.

We have a local no kill shelter here and they have a thrift store attached to the shelter that funds the shelter. We donate EVERYTHING to them!! I might suggest a large garage sale. Advertise it in the paper and ask ppl to bring things then advertise the sale itself. You will be surprised what ppl will give you and how much you can make.

Also you can go to your local Eagels or Masons club and ask them if you can do a charity dinner. Then have ppl make salads and spagetti to donate for the dinner...advertise it as a fundraiser for the no kill shelter and you would be surprised at how much $$ you can make at that as well with little to no overhead. You can ask a local school to provide entertainment ie. band, play etc.

Those are two things that come to mind right now...hope that gives you some ideas.

[4theSNAKElady]

Why not make flyers for an adoption day, and offer face painting, hot dogs, etc. And put out the ole' donation jars? MAybe you can even get local stores to donate gift certificates or things that coyuld be used as raffle prizes????

[jbean7916]

Doggy fashion show!! Get some of the pups involved. Buy or even make them some cute little outfits to model, sell tix, then raffle off the clothes!!

[tonkatoyman]

The local shelter here got several Architects in town to design "Dog Houses". Then found people to build them for free. The shelter then auctioned them off to the highest bidder. The Architect and the contractors who built the dog houses got free publicity, & a tax write off while the shelter got some much needed money. This also allowed "cough" the socialites to get involved and help by purchasing these one of a kind overpriced dog houses for their dog.

[j_h_smith]

Okay, I know I'm going to sound like the biggest jerk, but with so many dogs needing rescue, why spend the time and money on the dogs that need surgery and other LARGE medical expenses?

It's kinda like picking your battles. Sure, it would be nice if you could save them all, but that's probably not practical. So why not work with the better option? Why take in a dog that needs $1000 worth of surgery when that same $1000 could save 30-40 dogs that doesn't need as much attention?

I know it sound bad, but wouldn't the funds be best used to save as many dogs as possible?

Jim Smith

[wolfy-hound]

I kind of agree with Jim Smith up there.. but..

Some of the better ways to raise funds are to do a BBQ, sell the dinners. Many groceries will donate items for you, like donating paper plates, food items, even the chicken to BBQ! Then you just need a couple grills and someone to let you use the parking lot. If you have a large business around, you can set up in a parking lot corner and sell the lunchs to the workers(with the business's permission of course).

When you do the BBQ dinners, you can add in a bake sale for a extra price, have folks make the baked goods to donate to you. You'll have enough to do with the BBQ, don't have one person do it all.

Also, garage sales with donated items and make sure you have prominent signage saying all money recieved goes to the shelter, and have "tip" or "donation" jars out too.

Raffles are always popular as well, just make sure they're legal in your area.

Also.. with all above things.. make sure they're legal, and get permission from the landowner you'll be setting up on.

[mainbutter]

Anything with attractive girls or naked people usually brings in dollars.

[wolfy-hound]

Ahem.. although not naked.. car washes with ladies is normally a good way to get funds also, since you don't have much overhead at all. Ohh.. wait.. you don't have much outlay... wait.. not getting any better. You don't have to put out much... dang it.

I give up. Car wash = good, makes money.