I would like to share with you a painless fundraiser I learned of from my
brother-in-law who is the youth pastor in a Methodist church in Denison
Texas. Joe's (my brother-in-law) youth group raised $2,100.00 in two weeks.
It is a pumpkin patch. Yes, a pumpkin patch. A brief history:
Richard Hamby, Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser (800) 453-9793 (ask for Tina) has
been doing fundraisers for nonprofit organizations for 25 years. They grow
their pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and corn stalks on 1200 acres of land on
a Navajo reservation in Arizona.
They ship their produce all over the country at no cost and it is sold on
consignment, they receive 75% and you receive 25% of the profits. Their 75%
goes mostly towards growing and shipping costs. They do not do this for "for
profit" organizations.
When visiting Joe last fall we toured his patch. He had bales of hay and
such for decoration, was dressed as Farmer Joe and had a tarp on the ground
for story hour when the local day care centers (whom he'd sent flyers to)
came by. He gave out the mini pumpkins to the kids and almost always later
that day they came back with their parents to buy pumpkins. They sold sodas
and if a pumpkin started to turn one of the ladies would take it home, make
pie and bring it back to sell. They also let families take photos in the
patch and had photos with farmer Joe ($1 church's film) as well.
I know you see visions of smashed pumpkin everywhere, but Joe said he had an
honor box out which did receive money and there was not one smashed pumpkin.
Also the fundraiser company doesn't hold us responsible for rot, damage, or
theft or leftovers (which Joe gave to farmers for fodder and the zoo will
take for food as well). Anything sold like the pies or the leftovers PPF
does not get any money from.
There are a few rules and these are they:
1. Use Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers ("PPF") pricing as outlined in the packet.
2. The organization I represent will be required to pay a $500 cancellation
fee if we cancel on or after September 1st.
3. Our patch must be open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am till dark for a
minimum of two weeks up through and including October 31.
4. Sales contact (me) must call in figures every other day with sales to
date (so PPF can see if you need more stuff).
5. When unloading keep an accurate count.
6. Check must be mailed to PPF by Nov. 15; they work on the honor system.
They will send you all the information including a video and a binder with 25
years worth of suggestions on how to be successful with your patch.
One church in South Caroline made $22,000.00 (yes, I meant all of those
zeros) last year.
I am so happy to share this fundraiser with you, but I ask only one thing in
return. Those of you who use it please tell Tina that you heard about it
from me, Kelly Gist, Faith Crossing Church Royal Ranger Balch Springs, Texas
and my OP will receive $100.00 for PPF and not from your cut either. Plus if
you tell anyone you can do the same and you will receive $100.00 based on the
referral.
Also, if you have a stadium nearby we have a concession stand at the local
rodeo where we receive $300.00 per night (this is for Children's ministries)
2 weekends a month (1200.00 per month) and we have been invited to work at
Texas Stadium for a base of 300.00 per night, plus an extra 100.00 per night
I have a full crew, plus if groups I've referred work stands we will receive
and extra 200.00 per night they work. The company is Allsports (but there
may be others call your stadium and ask for concessions manager). It is hard
work, but working these stands is guaranteed income for you OP, plus if you
have a poor church like we do the congregation is happy to work at these
stands and we are happy not to ask them for funds. If it is too difficult to
staff the stand from just your church join with another OP and split the
funds. Last year our youth group had stands at Reunion Arena, (Stanley cup
finals), Texas stadium, and the Mesquite Rodeo and they raised 26,000.00 in
seven months. Now they worked a lot more than we have or will, but you've
got to give them credit. They went on a ski trip and had engagements for
their dance and drama team to perform while there and are performing at World
Harvest this spring break. A lot of the money will go towards new costumes
and pyrotechnics and such. They took their dance and drama to Acquire the
Fire and won first place.
Hope these fundraising ideas bless you. Don't forget if you use PPF to tell
them you heard about it from me. By the way Tine never heard of RR and her
sons have been in scouts for years. I gave her info (Methodist church) told
her to seek AG church and find out what we're all about. So some of you need
to call her and follow up. she sounded enthused.
God Bless you all abundantly,
Kelly
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