Fundraising Ideas

Does anyone have any fundraising ideas? I have a friend that just lost his entire house and belongings to a house fire. I was thinking of doing some type of benefit to help. Anyone have any ideas?

Mon. Apr 24, 9:47am

Oh...prayers for your friend. I don't know much about fundraising. Spaghetti is inexpensive and easy to prepare in large amounts, which is why spaghetti feeds are common short-term fundraisers. Ditto chili. I'm sure there's someone in here with some expertise in the area, though.

Monday, April 24, 2006, 10:14 AM

My husband is a professional fundraiser and so I will ask him when he gets home from work. I think the only caution I would have is the whole tax implications that come from people donating things/money. It's a huge responsibility. Sorry, about your friend, though. I will try to get back to you this evening with thoughts/ideas.

Monday, April 24, 2006, 10:17 AM

You may want to check out the local news-- I have seen families that have had similar tragedies have spaghetti dinner fundraisers---they usually have the proceeds go directly towards some kind of fund in the bank--Yes, check on tax implications...

Monday, April 24, 2006, 12:05 PM

Another thing to check into... a lot of local bars/pubs will do something like donating 10% of the proceeds for a Tuesday night to the cause... get friends, family & community to go & it adds up pretty quickly (the bar makes out too because more people than usual are there on an off night). You could also hold a raffle that evening. In my experience, many restaurants, stores, spas, etc are more than willing to donate an item, gift certificate, etc for a good cause!

Monday, April 24, 2006, 4:50 PM

pancake breakfasts... a cookout or burger barbecue... trying to think with the season... Has the Red Cross gotten involved yet?

Monday, April 24, 2006, 6:00 PM

Geat ideas so far, and yes, contact the media, the Red Cross. If your friend has an affiliation with a church they might help host the event by providing space for a dinner or simple auction. I would say keep it simple, get everything you can donated - like the food supplies for the event. Ask local businesses to donate something to your event.

Monday, April 24, 2006, 6:05 PM

OP. The red cross got involved to the extent that they offered a hotel until he could find another place. Luckily he has some family in town to stay with for a little while. I am just looking at the facts: he is going to need a new bed, sofa, tv, clothes, food, misc kitchen items, etc. Can you just walk into local businesses, explain the situation and they will help?

Monday, April 24, 2006, 7:18 PM

They should have homeowners insurance which will cover the costs of a new house/replacement of all belongings...

The best thing you can probably do for them is give them a place to stay until their house can be rebuilt//they get in touch with their insurance agency. Their homeowners insurance will also give them money for temporary housing.

Monday, April 24, 2006, 7:40 PM

He (being a bachelor..not a good excuse) had no idea about renters insurance. I wish I could tell everyone out there how important it is. Would make a HUGE difference in his case.

Monday, April 24, 2006, 9:36 PM

When I said ask local businesses for help I meant with donations for a fundraisier, like supplies for making spagetti, chili, gift certificates or other items for an auction. Yes, a lot of people are not covered by insurance, especially renters. Keep puting the word out in your local community and I bet you can help come up with household items to help him out. People have so much extra stuff they are not using. I suggest helping him make a list of items he needs so he doesn't get deluged with things he doesn't need, but of course housing and clothing are probably the first things he needs. It's good of you to try to help out. Good luck and best wishes to you both!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 4:02 AM

I'm not sure what area you live in, but you might try to call 211. It was designated as a social service information line by the federal government a few years ago. All of the states don't have it up and running yet, but most of them do. It is a free call. You'll be asked to give your location and need. The operator can either give you information over the phone or patch you through to your local Information & Referral office. Many times there are thrift stores, religious groups, or other charitable organizations that are willing to donate items to people in need. They can usually help with food, clothing, furniture, or other household items. If you have any questions about it, let me know. It's my job, so I have quite a bit of information about it.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 9:40 AM

Not an expert but..........

Here are some tax implications. Anything that is donated worth 250 dollars or more, the company will want to use as a tax deductable donation. That gets tricky because sometimes the companies need some sort of tax free id number. Also, if someone gives you money and you say you are going to use it to buy groceries, and you use it buy a home stereo, clothes, or something else besides groceries, that's illegal. Someone who is more familiar with tax laws could explain this in more detail, but that's the jist of some of the tax implications.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 3:20 PM

Also,
regarding raffles-- many states require some kind of "raffle license". He needs to definitely check with his local area to see what is required.

Actually, if he's going through the Red Cross-- would they be able to take the donations on his behalf?

Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 4:11 PM

call your local newspapers and explain the situation, and how you are looking for donations of clothes, food, home goods etc-(whatever he needs at this time) and perhaps they will write an article about the fire and your community will lend a major hand! people are more generous than we think!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 10:19 PM

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