Connecting Schools With Great Fundraising Ideas.

Friday I wrote a post about an article supporting public schools fundraising from alumni. It’s interesting that the same article talks aboutother kinds of fundraisers that most schools are doing already (car washes, sales, etc.)

Jane Heimerdinger works for a college prep school and is president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Hawaii. She talked about how school fundraisers can also build teamwork and a community spirit:

However, while ‘Iolani doesn’t focus a lot on candy sales or car washes, Heimerdinger sees value in them. “There’s a certain spirit about those hands-on fundraisers,” she said. “They’re a point of rally for our parents and students. There’s a camaraderie that goes on with selling spam musubi and shave ice at volleyball games.

“The result might not be as much money as you want, but one of the spinoffs is working together as a team, having a common goal and working with teachers, administrators and students to raise money through those common efforts.”

All schools need those kinds of activities to hold them together as a family, she said. Banding together to address a current need — painting a gymnasium, for example — gives students experience helping with their schools, helping to build that philanthropic spirit.

“It’s very beneficial and unifying,” Heimerdinger said.

It kind of depends on the fundraiser – catalog sales and candy aren’t much of a team builder.   Some of the real team building fundraisers are events like sports tournaments and school carnivals.  Parents and kids benefit as it’s a fun family time activity.  Mom & dad get to know others parents and teachers by doing things like working a concession stand together.   But once the parent does their 1 hour duty, they can enjoy the event with their kids!

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