Hey there, fellow PTA members, and welcome to another exciting school fundraising adventure! Today, we’re diving into the world of sweet treats and social gatherings with a twist – Ice Cream Social Fundraisers. If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to scoop up some cash for your school, you’re in the right place. These work awesome with any other fundraising strategies for school. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
What You’ll Need
- Planning Prowess: To pull off a successful Ice Cream Social fundraiser, you’ll need some good old-fashioned planning skills. Think of it as the blueprint for building your fundraising masterpiece.
- Ice Cream, Toppings, and Cones: Ice cream, of course! You can either scoop your own or find a generous ice cream parlor sponsor (we’ll talk more about that later). And don’t forget the toppings and cones – they’re the colorful paint on your fundraising canvas.
- Venue Vibes: A suitable venue is like the stage for a fantastic performance. Look for a location within your school or community that can accommodate your ice cream social and provide a cozy atmosphere.
- Volunteers and Scoopers: Gathering willing volunteers and scoopers is like assembling your superhero team. They’ll be the ones making sure everyone’s ice cream dreams come true.
- Marketing Magic: Think of marketing as your ice cream social’s PR campaign. Flyers, social media posts, and word-of-mouth will all play a crucial role in attracting a crowd.
How to Raise Money
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents – how to raise money with your Ice Cream Social Fundraiser.
- Ticket Sales: Sell tickets for entry, and maybe even offer different ticket packages for those who want to indulge in more ice cream and toppings. It’s like selling tickets to the hottest show in town.
- Silent Auction: Incorporate a silent auction into your event. Encourage local businesses to donate items, and let the bidding frenzy begin. It’s like a treasure hunt for your attendees.
- Games and Activities: Set up fun games and activities for attendees, like a bean bag toss or a ring toss. Charge a small fee to participate and watch the dollars stack up. It’s like turning your fundraiser into an amusement park.
- Donation Station: Some generous souls might not want the ice cream but still want to support the cause. Have a donation station where they can contribute as they please. It’s like having a tip jar at your favorite coffee shop.
DIY or Find an Ice Cream Parlor Sponsor
When it comes to the ice cream itself, you have two tasty options.
DIY: If you choose to go the Do-It-Yourself route, you’ll need to secure a place to store the ice cream and make sure you have enough scoopers on hand. It’s like baking cookies from scratch – more work, but the satisfaction is priceless.
Ice Cream Parlor Sponsor: Finding an ice cream parlor, restaurant, or ice cream stand sponsor is like having a superstar headliner at your event. Many local parlors are happy to support community initiatives, and they’ll provide the ice cream, toppings, and even staff to scoop. For instance, Brusters has several programs to help your school raise funds. It’s a win-win, and it can save you time and effort.
Fundraisers to Combine With Your Ice Cream Social
Want to maximize your fundraising efforts? Consider combining your Ice Cream Social with other fundraisers for a winning combo.
Bake Sale: Pairing your ice cream with a bake sale is like a match made in dessert heaven. The sweet and savory offerings will have your attendees buzzing with delight.
Scavenger Hunts: Imagine if everyone one that made a donation for their ice cream cone got a free scavenger hunt map. For a small additional donation they could buy a key that unlocked free clues. I would say most kids would want to play!
Raffle: Hosting a raffle fundraiser alongside your Ice Cream Social can be a real crowd-pleaser. The anticipation of winning a prize is like the cherry on top of your fundraising sundae.
In conclusion, an Ice Cream Social fundraiser is a deliciously delightful way to raise money for your school. By following these steps and getting creative with your approach, you’ll have a scoop-tacular event that’ll leave everyone with smiles as big as banana splits. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Ice Cream Social today, and watch the funds roll in while your community enjoys the sweetest of times!