Fundraising ideas-rollerskating,selling chocolate bars, penny drive, selling sheets, restaurant fundraiser.

Angela Verges | Contributor

Here’s a book not yet written (by me): "Fundraising for dummies who think they’re smart." Have you ever taken on a project only to discover it is a little more work than you anticipated? I made it through the typical school fundraisers of selling pizza kits, attending Booster Club meetings, etc.

I graduated to the big league of fundraisers when we decided to let my son travel to Japan with the People to People program. “It’ll be a great experience,” I told him. In his mild mannered tone of voice he said, “Ok.”

I now ponder the question, “How does one earn the title of ‘Guru’?” I feel like I am a fundraising guru. We have sold chocolate bars, held a roller skating party, a penny drive, and an Applebee’s Fundraiser. Let’s not forget the sell of sheets. That’s right I have sold bed sheets as a fundraiser. It sounded strange when I first heard about it, but it works.

I have solicited all of my friends, family and church members for donations. My son and I began sending out donation letters in November 2010. We contacted everyone from our doctor’s office to funeral homes. I feel like I’m developing carpal tunnel from all of the typing.

When the fundraising began, I knew it would require work, but I wasn’t ready for the constant pattern of events. It has gotten to the point that I am always looking for opportunities to raise money. When someone asks how the kids are doing I say, “Fine, we’re getting Donovan ready for a trip to Japan.” Then I hand them a Ziploc baggie with a postcard asking them to save their pennies for our penny drive.

This fundraising gig reminds me of when I was about eight months pregnant, and people said to me, “You’re still pregnant?” Now the phrase is, “You’re still fundraising, when is the trip?” Yes, we are still fundraising, but we’re nearing the home stretch.

What is the underlying message of this post? Proceed with caution before taking on an in-depth fundraising adventure. There is a lot of work in store, but things can go smoothly if you are not the only person doing all of the work. Put the “fun” in fundraising by involving the entire family.

Include active events in your fundraising plans such as bowling, roller skating, or a trip to a place that has inflatables for younger kids to enjoy. There are many websites that provide suggestions for fundraisers.

Familyeducation.com lists their top 10 fundraising ideas, which include a garage sale, basket raffle and a holiday flower sale. For a full list of ideas visit www.school.familyeducation.com/school-funding/38482.html.

Fundraising for a major event requires tenacity and a team approach. Do you have a fundraising experience to share?

Angela Verges is a writer and mother of two. She can be reached at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.