| A great idea for a church fundraiser is | | | | Tape down bid sheets, pens, and descriptions |
| putting together an annual 'Church Feastival' | | | | next to each auction item. Make sure the |
| where good food, carnival games, auctions, | | | | descriptions are typed in large fonts so no |
| and family fun combine for a wonderful | | | | one has to pull out their reading glasses to |
| fundraising event. The idea is to attract a | | | | bid. |
| broad spectrum of the local population to | | | | |
| your fundraiser by having something for | | | | For large dollar value items, use a live |
| everybody. | | | | auction format and a professional auctioneer |
| | | | when appropriate. People will donate unusual |
| The benefit to the church is that many | | | | and valuable items for a good cause, so put |
| newcomers will form a very positive | | | | the word out well ahead of time to friends |
| impression of your ministry and facilities | | | | and local businesses about your auction |
| that will in time translate into a larger | | | | fundraiser. |
| congregation. And of course, there's all the | | | | |
| wonderful things you can do with all the | | | | Publicity tips |
| funds raised by your 'Feastival.' | | | | |
| | | | To draw a big crowd, you have to get the word |
| Getting started | | | | out about what a great event your 'Feastival' |
| | | | will be. Use your newsletter and email lists |
| You'll need to arrange for carnival games, | | | | to send reminders to mark the day and create |
| inflatable amusements, plenty of good food, | | | | a sense of anticipation well ahead of the |
| live music, tickets, and all the other | | | | event. |
| seemingly endless tasks any large fundraising | | | | |
| event requires. Always divide and conquer - | | | | You can also use flyers, roadside signs, |
| split up all the major tasks among your | | | | posters and other traditional methods of |
| organizing committee and don't overload any | | | | attracting attention. Placing carnival rides |
| one person. | | | | where they can be seen by passing traffic is |
| | | | another good way to create interest. |
| Approach local businesses and prominent | | | | |
| congregation members for help with signature | | | | Most importantly, put together a press |
| food items such as barbecue, fish fry, corn | | | | release and distribute it to all the |
| on the cob, regional specialties like oysters | | | | newspapers, TV and radio stations in your |
| or Cajun shrimp, etc. Getting these items | | | | market. Make sure you put the most newsworthy |
| donated instead of purchased adds | | | | aspect of your fundraiser in the summary |
| tremendously to the bottom line. | | | | paragraph up top. Include pictures for use by |
| | | | newspapers and offer live broadcast spots to |
| For live music, work with a booking agent who | | | | radio stations. |
| can line up the right talent for a church | | | | |
| fundraiser crowd. You want quality | | | | Church fundraiser wrap-up |
| entertainment that won't offend while still | | | | |
| encouraging young and old to join in the fun. | | | | Make your 'Church Feastival' an annual event |
| | | | by creating the most fun, family-oriented day |
| Fundraising tips | | | | of entertainment possible. Publicize your |
| | | | event well ahead of time and also put the |
| There are lots of ways to raise funds with a | | | | word out about how to donate goods and |
| big event. You can include additional | | | | services. |
| fundraising activities like a bake sale, a | | | | |
| cake walk, face painting, craft sales, and | | | | Contract for carnival rides and inflatable |
| various carnival games. | | | | rentals like a Moonwalk or jump house. |
| | | | Arrange for great live entertainment and |
| Auctions can raise incredible amounts if you | | | | large quantities of excellent food. Saturday |
| have desirable goods and services for sale. | | | | or Sunday afternoons work best and remember |
| Group together related smaller items into | | | | to allow plenty of space for people to just |
| larger gift baskets and offer those through | | | | spread out and enjoy everything. |
| silent auction bids. | | | | |
| | | | Make your 'Feastival' your best church |
| Do all that you can to make it easy to bid. | | | | fundraiser ever! |