- Have a comprehensive checklist and start getting things in place early. I start my initial preparations as soon as the Christmas fair is done!
- Start requesting raffle prizes early, I start in January sending letters and talking to contacts. Keep a list of who has donated what and the value.
- Look after your volunteers. If it is hot, provide cool water. If it’s raining, give them access to hot drinks or a free cake!
- Find a sponsor for raffle tickets which then covers printing costs.
- Think about having entertainment spaced throughout the event to keep people there, especially if it involves the children!
- Tombola mufti. Agree a date with the school where the children come in mufti in exchange for bringing a tombola prize. Split the classes, 2 classes bring sweets and chocolate, 2 classes bring toys and games, 3 classes bring adult tombola items. This allows you to have 3 tombola stalls, as they are always popular
- Win tickets to exchange for prizes. Make sure you have enough stalls where you can win tickets as prizes. Then purchase prizes and label them (2 tickets to win this, 5 tickets to win this etc)
- Tool belt for chair and main helpers. Have a tool belt which has all the essentials in it: Tickets, scissors, walkie talkie, raffle tickets, small float, sellotape etc)
- Send out information well in advance of the event so people know what is happening and when. Such as cake donations, when raffle tickets are being distributed etc
- Have a programme with a map in it of the stalls, also have a large map at the entrance for people to view.
- Request ice from local McDonalds if it is hot!
By Gail Roe, Chair – Friends of Little Harrowden Primary School (FLHPS)
( Friends of Little Harrowden Primary School are a member of The Stamptastic PTA Rewards Scheme) and received a £30 fundraising voucher for writing this blog post. If you would like to write a blog post for us please join our Stamptastic PTA and Schools Facebook Group to find out more!)
