I have either set myself up for a very fun year or for a bleeding ulcer. My friend Becky and I have agreed to chair the school auction for next year. Everyone who has found out that we’re chairing the auction has either laughed or gasped. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Right now we’re trying to think of a theme. Any ideas? I mean anything other than: Puttin’ on the Ritz, Under a Starry Sky, Casino Night, Fiesa Night, or any other cheesy theme stolen from the rejected list of prom ideas. Um . . . sorry if you just used one of those themes for your school auction and I’m sure it was super fabulous and everything.
It’s kind of like Becky and I are planning our own theme wedding. Which is what I told Scott when he asked how bad this year would be with me running this thing.
ME: Becky and I have to go see some hotels and venues to see if they’ll work for our wedding.
SCOTT: Are you two going on a honeymoon? Can I video tape it?
Men.
Do you have any ideas for me? Anything at all? And no Circus or Clown themes either. They kind of freak me out.
I have an idea. Let Scott decide. It’s sure to be hot….or hawt! as Paris would say.
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Braja has it how about a Paris theme or Venice? Italian food…wines would be easy peasy!
Okay, so my kids are 5 and under. Jake will be hitting Kindergarten next year, but yes, me, Stella, did chair the fundraiser this past year. We did a Framing the Future event, where we had artwork from 1-5 year olds and auctioned them off. We framed it, decorated it and wrote a little bio about the kiddo and what they liked. We had a $75 (gasp) plate dinner and had the kiddos from the classrooms sing a few songs and then leave. We brought in $20,000. Not sure how it would work with older kids…you’d need the cooperation of some art teachers and consent from parents to use their work.
So, I did my own little version of this as a personal touch to a few holiday gifts…check it:
http://stellaaboutthebeach.blogspot.com/2009/12/framing-future.html
Somehow, I’m wrapped now in getting a restaurant to donate 10% of its proceeds during a night to bring in a few more dollars…ummmm, where the hell are the other parents!!! If the research is correct…blah, blah, blah, parents who are actively involved in their children’s school and activities excel more in life…then my kids better let me retire early!!
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Mexican night (taco cart, margaritas, mariachi), or Prom theme (corsages, table set up with fruit punch and baked goods), or Western theme (line dancing, chili and cornbread), or you could do Old Hollywood, or Mardi Gras? I like parties.
My school brought in a ridiculous amount of money each year. Crazy, crazy amounts. Do you guys do “Outing with a teacher” things? Every teacher donates a few hours of his/her time to spend with 2-3 students from their class on a weekend, and the parents bid for their time at the auction. You know, kind of like whores, but whores for a good cause. That part alone raised 20K+ each year.
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Have done a few of these over the years. The most fun ones were “March Mania” if your auction is in March during basketball playoffs. We did basketball theme everything and then had a freethrow contest about half way through for a car (You can purchase insurance for this kind of contest). Also did the auction in quarters, chairs dresses as referees. The other fun one for any time during the year was the 70’s themed auction. Of course, we usually suggest everyone come dressed in the theme. If you have to go with a fancier one ($75 a plate ones) I’ve done some of those as well. Let me know if you need any other ideas.
I got hives just hearing that someone (you) on the internet is doing it. I cannot take that kind of stress.
I don’t know if you’re kids are in a parochial school or not…what a minute, i just realized what i wrote and had to laugh. REALLY LOUD. ok, back to what i was saying, which now, isn’t going to work for public school- but we did an Angels vs Devils auction where we served Chili but auctioned off the ice water. angel food cake for dessert was auctioned off as well.
I have to agree Steam Me Up – Auction off the teachers for kids game nights. I have no idea why these children want to spend MORE time with their teachers but they always draw a huge cash grab. I personally would prefer to bid on my child’s teacher to come to my house so that i can watch them start our dinner, referee a fight over the Wii and have to manage the homework situation that THEY sent home. THAT, that i would pay big bucks for.
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personally, i like Hos and Joes. it just has a nice ring to it.
Oh, MAN! Why do I have to come after Picket. *whine*
I have no good ideas – shocking. But knowing how well you plan Brownie events, I’m sure whatever you do will be a big hit! (And no, I’m not being sarcastic.)
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Lesbian Zombie Clowns and the Circus of the Undead!
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I got nothing. I homeschooled my kids. Shit. Wish I’d thought of a fundraiser.
♥Spot
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Oh boy, you are a brave soul!
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Oh I can’t wait…..will be drinking a toast to you and Becky!
What are you raising money for?! People spend more if there is a definite reason for the funds being raised. Then you can tie your theme up with that. For example if you are raising money for new technology – you could do a science fiction theme (star wars?!)
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Wow this was doubtlessly one of the most effective posts I’ve had the chance to view on the subject so far. I do not know where you gather up all your info but up! I’m going to send a few folks your way to take a look at this post. Amazing, totally awesome. I am just getting into writing articles myself, nothing remotely close to your writing potential (ha!) but I’d love for you to take my stuff someday!