Comments on: Fundraising! Forms! Fun!

By: Walking In My Sleep

Walking In My Sleep — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:23:48 +0000

I have come to believe that every activity our kids join (or are required by law to attend, i.e. school!) has determined that membership equals sales force. I am worn out. And sending off my little guy door to door, or phoning every relative he has, just seems so WRONG.

I love your idea and will put it to good use the next time my son is faced with that fundraising activity as part of the job description for doing something fun.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:40:22 +0000

Yes, it is like the Salvation Army model. You do learn about human nature when you’re hoping for generosity.

By: bill crabb

bill crabb — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:30:35 +0000

Several years ago the Rotary club members rang the bell for the Salvation Army Christmas kettles on Broadway. I would call out Merry Christmas as each person approached. It was funny to see the reactions. Many would meet my gaze and respond in like manner—sometimes sweetening our pot as brother Ed would have said. Others would quicken their step and look down. People are funny.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:40:49 +0000

Okay, with a TJs like that, I’m packing up and moving to Philly!

By: jennifer

jennifer — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:58:57 +0000

Yes, not only is our TJ’s in a cool old stone armory, as Jewels says, you don’t need permission to beg outside it – as long as you stay on the sidewalk, which is public property.
My kids have also had good luck outside one of the bars on the main street, where customers tend to be in a good and giving mood (once someone gave them a $20 bill!). Keep that in mind for the scores of fundraisers you have ahead of you! Mine are winding down so I can be generous with my secret location tips.

By: Jewels

Jewels — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:43:22 +0000

Yup, that TJ’s is in the old armory–cool, huh? The basement is the Veteran’s Museum.

Did you need TJ’s permission to do the fundraising outside? I think that’s a FABulous idea!

I, too, am shocked at just how many fundraisers there are: I’m the Mother of Brothers, too (3 sons here, 6 1/2, 3 1/2, and 15 mos.) and my oldest is in first grade and I’m pretty sure there were 8 fundraisers this school year–and the school year is only 9 1/2 months long! That’s practically a fundraiser a month–and that’s just school, not sports… sheesh.

Glad to have found this blog, ladies. Keep up the good work!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:47:46 +0000

Ugh, I used to HATE all the fundraising I had to do as a kid. My mom would usually take pity on me and buy half of my Girl Scout cookies, after I was shouted out by a neighbor and burst into tears. Maikael made a permanent enemy out of his elementary gym teacher when he refused to fundraise for a jump-a-thon. So we don’t have a very good history in our household. I’m glad your kids fared better.

But more importantly, judging from your photos, is your local Trader Joe’s located in an historic building?! If so, that should be a blog post in and of itself! I am totally fascinated — it’s like none I’ve ever seen before.