Make Your Big Event Fundraiser Ceremony Memorable

How to create fond student memories of your school's big event.

So what do we mean by a big event fundraiser anyway? Many people might mistake it for an auction or carnival. By definition, it's a brochure sale that incorporates one of our parties or shows as a reward for selling instead of using a traditional prize program.

Many schools have found that their sales increase significantly when using this format. The reason is that many students are more excited about going to a fun event at their school than receiving a prize in their fundraising box.

We offer four big event fundraising incentives: our super party, splash party, magic show, and reptile show. Our parties are 2-hour events, and our shows last about an hour. While students genuinely enjoy the activities that go on during these events, it's the last part of the event that's the most memorable. We call this the awards ceremony.

See our big event fundraisers.

Recognizing Student Fundraising Performance

Everyone wants to be acknowledged for their accomplishments. The awards ceremony allows schools to make students feel recognized for their efforts. Unlike a traditional prize program where students get a prize that may go unused, the awards ceremony allows you to do so much more.

The ultimate goal is for those students who sold just enough to go to a party or also show up to want to be called up to the front and acknowledged as a top seller after your next big event fundraiser. They get to see those who reached the higher prize levels come up in front of their peers for special recognition, privileges, and exciting incentives.

How to Maximize Your Awards Ceremony

Since your awards ceremony can impact future sales, you should work to make it as big a deal as possible. Here are some tips:

• Announce that you'll have an award ceremony at the end of your big event throughout your sale. This includes the kickoff, during your sale, and before the event.
• Ensure you have a cleared area for students to gather around a microphone. This is easy for shows because the students are already in position.
• Introduce the awards ceremony by acknowledging all students for a job well done, how much was raised, and what the money will be used for.
• Call students who reached levels 2, 3, 4, and so on up to the front. Be sure to announce the top seller last.
• See to it that the top seller gets special acknowledgment. Let everyone know that they are capable of doing the same thing.
• Those who reached the higher prize levels for one of the parties may also be eligible to spin the money wheel and go in the money machine. This is the time to let them experience their reward in front of their classmates, cheering them on.

If they can't experience it at your first event, the goal is for every student to see firsthand what a select few get to do. Your awards ceremony will then hopefully inspire everyone to want to sell more next time.

See our brochure fundraisers.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.