Fundraising Ideas

Tournaments, Raffles and Auctions

Tournaments
Tournaments can range from golf to bowling to softball. Have fun with the concept and be creative. Organization and execution of tournaments can be either low-key or quite involved. Most important is to make sure that your participants and guests have fun and that your finances are able to not only cover costs, but also produce a sizeable donation that best reflects the dedication you have put forth on the project. Also, make sure to provide an environment conducive to professional networking as an extra incentive for participants to take part. Below are necessary steps to any successful tournament-related fund raiser:

1. Assign a date.
   a. Determine location and times
   b. Avoid weekends
   c. Confirm your reservation with the venue
   d. Determine price
   e. Set an attendance goal and margin
   
2. Write and mail the initial announcement for the event. Determine who will receive the announcements. Groups to consider:
   a. Previous year’s attendees
   b. Directors
   c. Staff
   d. Members
   e. Vendors
   
3. Mail donation solicitation letters
   
4. Create a registration form
   
5. Mail the invitation letter and registration
   
6. Track the responses
   a. Register the participants
   b. Maintain general ledger for monetary contributions vs. tourney fees
   c. Collect and inventory prize donations
   
7. Set tournament specifics, which include, yet are not limited to:
   a. Luncheon menu, if necessary
   b. Tournament supplies, prizes, certificates and trophies
   c. Calendar deposit and balance due dates
   d. Tee times or venue reservations
   
8. Send a reminder mailing
   
9. Prepare signs and certificates for the golf course or venue
   
10. Attend the event
    
11. Prepare and mail thank you letters
    
12. Determine donations
    
13. Again, thank all parties involved and announce total raised

Raffles*

Conduct raffles or chance giveaways among employees, members or other business affiliates. Solicit donations from vendors and local businesses to use as prizes. Remember that the less money you spend on prizes, the greater your overall donation can be to your local hospital.

Join together with other credit unions or Children's Miracle Network sponsors (see www.cufk.org or contact your local hospital) in your area to organize a raffle for a “big ticket” prize such as a car or a vacation. Keep in mind what your members would find appealing when selecting a prize. By pooling your resources with other organizations, you can raise enough money to cover the costs of a bigger prize. Bigger prizes may draw more participants to your raffle, not to mention potential new members, and raise an even bigger amount to donate to your Children's Miracle Network hospital.

Auctions*

Auctions can be a substantial fund raiser in which a lot of credit unions can become involved. To get started, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Recruit a committee, appoint chair(s) and create an auction agenda. You may want to include your Children's Miracle Network Director in the process

2. Set the date and place of the auction. Coordinate with the league’s annual meeting or education conference if possible

3. Coordinate hotel/event room logistics

4. Select dinner and refreshment menu items, if necessary

5. Solicit other credit unions’ participation in person, through letters and via phone

6. Send invitations and thank you letters as items are received

7. Designate an auctioneer and/or emcee (not necessary for silent auctions)

8. Recruit local “Miracle Families” (patients that have been treated at the hospital)
through your Children's Miracle Network Director

9. Solicit corporate sponsors and advertise

10. Prepare print materials: item catalog, bid sheets, receipts, bidder numbers, etc.

11. Detail the cashiering of the event. Accept several forms of payment

12. Recruit and train volunteers and hold a gathering to thank them after the event

13. After a final total raised is determined, thank all parties involved including the purchasers of auction items

*Due to the size, scope and possible state regulations and laws, please contact your credit union league attorney regarding legal constraints. Laws may differ not only by state, but also by county, city, etc. Do not engage in fund raising that can or will put you, your credit union, state league/ association or Children's Miracle Network hospital in jeopardy.

Let us know what you are doing at your credit union or state league! Email us at creditunions@childrensmiraclenetwork.org!