Hi J., Our school changed from PTA to PTO a few years ago, a big reason was because we got to keep the membership fee and not send it to the state PTA. Having a PTO also gave our school the freedom to have an Executive Board instead of a President and vice President. On our Pto Board we have a Husband and wife team, myself, two teachers who take turnes as treasurer, and Principal, and Vice Principal. It is a great group! We meet once a month to share ideas plan any events for the month, and approve any special funds requests from teachers(like educational needs for classroom)It is great, because we are all sharing the decisions on what works.
First we do a Free back to school picnic,we provide hot dogs and families bring a dish to pass. McDonalds gives us free HiC orange drink and cups every year. It is a social event and we have a table to sell membership cards. (set up at the playground side of the school. with DJ and baloon jump, games and prizes)
Fall fun fair. parents and teachers set up games: ring toss, cake walk, face painting, etc. We ask for donations of juice boxes, water, and chips to sell. Play music raffels etc. Oriental Trading prizes.
Movie night is HUGE! We get the district to set up a big screen and we play a new release. We sell popcorn and juice boxes, and ask for $1.oo/ $5 per family admission donation.
Katherine Beich is our fundraiser company. We get 50% profit. We try to sell October to get things back before Thanksgiving break. or Christmas depending on the cataloge. He puts on a great presentation for the kids too and gets them excited. (He also donates prizes for events durring the year.)
Valentines Family dance is my Favorite! Friday night. My husband is the DJ. We sell Pizza, Hot dogs, nacho's,and have juice and chips donated. Families also donate cakes,cookies, and candy and we have a great sweets table 50 cents a small bag. We set up a photo booth with a printer and a digital camera. We usually do a $1000 profit. Parents love it!
Our school also invested in our own popcorn machine and sell popcorn for 50 cents a bag after school on Fridays. Usually $50-$75 profit each time. On warm months some teachers sell popsicles for $1.oo and do very well.
Hot cheetos, walking taco's, Cool pencils are some others.
Krispy Kream is a good fund raiser. $500+ profit depending on your school size and economic level.
Our school has a lot of low income families so we try not to over-do the fundraisers. One big one in the fall one in spring, and a few free or inexpencive "Family" events. There are always local businesses willing to donate small or big items for prizes. Good luck and have fun. Always ask for help, don't try to do it all yourself. Best wishes! J. M.
