Car Wash Fundraiser

Raise money for organizations with a car wash fundraiser or basketball fundraisers. There are many ways to raise funds for a school, sports team or other cause. Two of the most popular are holding a car wash or selling products at basketball games. These activities take some planning, but yield profitable results. The increased sense of unity resulting from such efforts makes these fundraising drives well worth the effort. One activity which is welcome is a car wash fundraiser. Many people like to have their car washed on a weekly basis for appearance's sake and also in order to guard against the corrosive effects of grime upon the exterior finish. Most would be glad to take a break from this chore, especially if the money is going for a worthy cause! With proper planning and a team of dedicated volunteers, a car wash can bring in some much-needed funds.

Assemble a team. Have interested individuals meet to determine the date of the car wash fundraiser and outline the course of the fundraising program. Select a date which does not conflict with holidays or community events. (Sometimes it is possible to piggyback on another event and attract additional customers, if the locations are near each other.) Clearly explain the purpose of the event and how funds will be used to benefit the team or cause. Express appreciation for the volunteers' willingness to help. Ask for a specific volunteer to fill each job which must be accomplished. The person in charge of the event will need to periodically check up on these helpers to be sure that each aspect is proceeding on schedule. If the volunteers are mainly young people from the sports team or school, be sure to enlist adults to help with coordinating the event and to assist in keeping order during the fundraiser.

Select a location for the car wash fundraiser in a place with high visibility and great traffic flow. Obtain event insurance if needed. Sometimes schools, churches or other property owners already have insurance which covers fundraising activities. Another person may coordinate supplies such as buckets, hoses, soap, sponges and towels. Try to have individuals who can not otherwise participate donate these items. Some businesses may be willing to sponsor particular aspects, in return for the opportunity to advertise their company through signs or coupons. Consider pre-selling tickets to the car wash. Although this may take some effort, many may be willing to buy a ticket. Even if these individuals never show up at the event, the money for the cause is already collected. Keep a record of any tickets distributed, and payment received from team members, so that there is clear financial accountability. This person will deal with finances on the day of the fundraiser as well. He or she must have money available for making change on the day of the event.

A publicity person will be needed to advertise the event in free sources such as community calendars or local newspapers. Radio stations can make a public service announcement of the event. Local reporters may be interested in the fundraiser as a human interest story, especially if the money raised will benefit local youth or be contributed to aid a certain cause. Flyers displayed in local businesses may help drum up further support. Make highly visible signs for the day of the event, so that passing cars will be able to notice the opportunity to make a contribution. Be sure to have an adult present for safety concerns. Some fundraisers also have coin toss areas set up on both sides of the street near the car wash, so that passing motorists who can not stop to have their cars washed can still assist in the effort. After the day's activities, let participants know the financial results of their work. Thank volunteers for their time and send letters of appreciation to local businesses which may have provided materials or services.

If a car wash fundraiser seems too involved, consider selling products during events such as basketball fundraisers. There are a great number of products available for selling during basketball or other sporting games. These range from sports lollipops or other candy items, to pizza cards for discounts to local pizzerias, to tubs of cookie dough in popular flavors. A variety of other items may be sold as well: bracelets, car magnets or other items personalized with team names, beverages or bags of chips or popcorn. The items can be varied as the season progresses. Audiences attending sports events are likely to be made up of those who are willing to contribute to the cause. This fundraiser does not need a large team to coordinate the program. Of course, someone will be needed to order supplies, have money available for change, and to keep track of the selling process. Helpers who move throughout the crowd selling items are likely to make more sales than those selling from a central location. Have adults accompany the sellers, for safety and to avoid problems from strangers or classmates who might seek to take advantage of the situation.

Other types of basketball fundraisers are special events where the school basketball team competes against a team made up of faculty members. Students are often curious about the outcome of such games and relish the opportunity of seeing their favorite teachers display their sports prowess (or lack thereof). Basketball fundraisers generally sell tickets for somewhere between $5-10. Sometimes a popular sports figure may be willing to donate time to speak briefly at halftime at such events, especially if the profits are to be given to charitable organizations. "In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury", says the writer of Proverbs 14:23. Car wash and basketball fundraisers are just some of many activities which can be attempted. Actually trying one instead of complaining about the current state of team finances will result in a positive outcome. In addition, working together will solidify relationships between team members.

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