Fundraising Focus - Bake Sales

BAKE SALES!!!

Many of you know that I am training and fundraising for the Chicago Triathlon through TNT so I find myself doing exactly what you guys are doing in terms of working on my fundraising plan and executing it. My fundraising was in need of a boost so I organized a bake sale at work. I heard of people doing these in the past, but I was never that excited about it because I didn't think that it would really be all that beneficial (plus I am not the most handy in the kitchen). I proved myself wrong in both regards, especially in terms of its potential. My sale was on Tuesday and I made $402. I would have made more but I ran out of items to sell – it was incredible! I made a TON of stuff and then people at work and friends also chipped in items. It was extremely easy to do and I highly recommend it to anyone. Here are some tips:

* Pick a location – work is a great first choice, but some people don't work in big office complexes. You can also talk to an area store (they may even match what you make at a sale outside their store) and sit out there.

* Put out flyers that it is a charity bake sale.

* Have raffle items. My prizes weren't anything great. A couple gift certificates but people who didn't want to eat brownies or muffins, still contributed to the raffle (flyer on getting raffle prizes is attached).

* Recruit friends and co-workers to help you bake items. Have a wide variety.

* Then let the money start pouring in. People will buy something even if they don't really want it just to donate.

* HAVE FUN. The more engaging you are with the people around, the more profitable you'll be.

Amanda - Team In Training Campaign Coordinator