Hopemarks and Other Fundraising Ideas

I've always said that I absolutely despise asking people for money, but I have no problem with selling them something!  Hopemarks are my way of fundraising.  I like being able to sell something practical and unique, and my Hopemarks -- "Bookmarks that inspire hope" do quite well.  While in years past I have only sold them to friends, family, organizations of which I am a member and after Masses at St. Jude, this year I branched out and am selling them at craft fairs.  My first craft fair grossed $236.00 -- I'm still amazed! 

The success of my Hopemarks proves that fundraisers don't need to be fancy or expensive, simplicity most often works best.  This year I'm adding Hopelights to my bag of fundraising tricks.  I've ordered very nice, practical keychain flashlights with "It's All About Hope" printed on them and I will add a beaded fob with our team's rainbow colors.  They look awesome and I can't wait to see how they sell. The tag line for the Hopelights is:  "The key to a cure is the light of hope."  Pretty slick if I do say so myself, but I can't take credit -- I was truly inspired from the heart.

As for other fundraising ideas, Trish and I would like to put on a used book sale at the church one weekend before Lent.  I also thought of handing out brown paper lunch bags after church and asking people to "brown bag" it for lunch one day and donate what they would normally spend on lunch (a typical meal at McDonalds costs between $5.00 and $10.00).  This idea could easily be transferred to workplaces, organizations, families and friends, so feel free to use the idea!

Need some more inspiration?  Visit 2009 Relay for Life of Greater Derry and Londonderry and select Fundraising Tips under the Area News section.  There is also some great information at www.relayforlife.org in the Fundraising Tips section and in the site's Relay Blogs and Relay Forums sections as well. 

Do you have a great idea? If so, don't keep it to yourself, let us know! 

Hey Bonnie, I Have an Incredibly Awesome Idea for Fundraising!