by Ardis Bazyn
On our last focus call, we discussed how fundraising events could be used to get or retain membership. Why not try some of the following?
- Have a booth at county or state fairs or low-vision fairs.
- Hold a live auction and raffle and sell chances to win baskets with donations from Avon, Bath and Body Works, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, painting with braille design, or Loving Touch by Kathy Keck. Some states require a gambling license.
- Hold hot dog sales at local grocery stores. The stores may give you a discount on the products, but you may need a food permit, gloves, and hairnets. Some businesses require liability insurance.
- Buy snacks like granola bars for members to sell at various events. Candy sales, especially See’s, when getting a discount, are popular.
- Celebrity events draw more people — comedian, bands, speakers, or TV or radio personalities. Other fundraisers are held at local comedy clubs, with the club giving a certain percentage to the organization. Tommy T performed in California; an auction followed.
- Dining in the Dark events draw outsiders. In California, well-known blind chef Christine Ha was invited. They often include a live and silent auction. Spaghetti in the Dark is another option. Before wearing blindfolds, participants check where tableware and glasses are. Your group can choose to eat salads and desserts without blindfolds. An option is to have visually impaired people serving the food.
- Hold bake sales with such treats as cookies, cupcakes, muffins, etc.
- Organize a braille puzzle word party with empowering messages where people work together at a table, with one blind person at each table.
- Ask youth to get involved.
- Work at rest areas serving coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cookies. Members share materials about the chapter or affiliate.
- On White Cane Safety Day, team with your state/local agency to hold a low-vision fair. You can also team with a diabetes organization.
- Join the Braille Revival League and set up a table with braille demo at fundraising, outreach, and service groups, Lions, and bus transportation companies.
- Join service projects.
- Hold a low-vision expo at a church for White Cane Day.
- Encourage mainstreamed youth to get involved in chapter activities.
- Plan restaurant fundraisers and spirit nights where chapters can earn 20 to 30 percent of food receipts.
- Sell bracelets or T-shirts with braille on them.
- Invite rock and roll band and invite friends.
- CCLVI is using its web link to sell items with its logo on them.
- Have a walk-a-thon or parade of guide dogs.
- Sell tickets or soda at beep baseball games.
- Send convention flyers to talking book libraries or orientation training.
- Partner with state rehab to hold an employment seminar.
- Reach out to special-interest affiliates.
- Disseminate braille and large print business cards or flyers. Place imprint of braille on the business cards.
- Use signature guides as business cards.
- Use ACB Radio to get the word out about your chapter.
- Prepare radio spots.
- Have a barbecue or chili cook-off with an entry fee. Ask a public figure or celebrity to judge the event. Share the recipes used.
- Request sponsorships and advertising for such events.
Offer wine and cheese tasting events.