Kansas State Budget Cuts, Fundraising Can Help

I’m not sure if the rest of the country is dealing with the the same state budget cuts, but we sure are feeling it here in Kansas. I am truly concerned for our schools, and our kids future, with these recommendations to cut our kids grant funds. I am going to do everything in my power, as a mother and a concerned resident, to help our schools raise as much money as possible, in hopes that we won’t feel the effects of these proposed budget cuts. Yes, I know in our current economic climate, we are feeling a lot of reluctance from the community to participate in our fundraising efforts, but more so than not, I’ve found that the majority of business owners, parents and family members are ALWAYS willing to help support their kids in raising money for their school. We all have needs, but we are all aware that our kids are our future firefighters, police officers, doctors, lawyers, etc. We must make sure that we are doing everything in our power to provide the best curriculum, environment and teachers for our children to become the best they can be. School is the single most important expense for our children’s future as well as our future. Though they may argue with you every morning about not wanting to go, they truly do enjoy the interaction with other kids their age, and learning new things in school. It is up to us parents, family members and local community to make sure we are supporting our local schools by helping provide safe playground equipment, up to date technology for learning, transportation, and a curriculum for all kids to comprehend. The government may be cutting back state funding for our schools, but we still have the power to help make a difference in our schools. It’s clear to me that fundraising for our schools is something that will never go away, regardless of how much you might want it to. Help your school, PTO, PTA or Booster Club by presenting new, exciting fundraising ideas to help raise much needed funds for your school. The sooner you get started planning your next year’s fundraisers, the more successful they will be. Browse our site for easy, painless fundraising ideas, and please feel free to give us a call if you need help raising funds for your school. We are always here to help you.

Upcoming Fundraising Event

The annual Arkansas Music Educators Convention will be held at the Hot Springs Convention Center, Feb. 16th-19th. I am really looking forward to exhibiting at the convention again. Not only do you get to meet music educators for the state of Arkansas, but you also get to walk around the convention center to check out all the exhibitors booths. I can’t wait to get set up at the convention, and talk to any and all who are interested in raising funds for their bands, music classes, etc. If you are attending the convention, be sure to stop by our Big Dog Fundraising booth…you can’t miss us! I will be bringing samples from our delicious popcorn fundraiser and lollipop fundraiser. We will also be raffling off prizes every two hours, so don’t miss your chance to win some goodies! If you have any questions about any of our fundraising programs, request a free sample fundraising kit, give us a call, or drop me an email anytime at: kwhitfield@bigdogprinting.com. I would love to hear from you! I look forward to seeing you at the show!

~Katie – Big Dog Fundraising Expert

February Valentine’s Day Fundraiser

Valentine’s day is a quick and easy time to raise the funds your organization needs with a lollipop fundraiser. They are the perfect gift to give to your special valentine. Sweet and memorable and at a price everyone can afford. If you really want to make an impression, give a lollipop bouquet. A fun and easy gift. With our 30 day terms, you can order them now and not pay for them untill after Valentine’s day!

Give us a call today, you’ll be glad you did (866) 582-3597.

Valentine’s day fast facts.
Saint Valentine’s Day, held on February 14th is a celebration of love and affection between companions. The day is named for an early Christian martyr named Valentine and was created by Pope Gelasius I around 500 AD. It was removed from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still allowed. It is traditionally a day on which couples express their love for each other by the giving of flowers, confectionery and greeting cards; known as “valentines”.

2011 Conventions & Conferences

Please keep the following dates in mind as we will be exhibiting at these conferences:
Arkansas: Arkansas Music Conference, February 17th -19th
Kansas: Kansas PTA Convention, April 29th- May 1st
Tennessee: Tennessee Athletic Directors Conference, April 11th-12th

Fundraising in 2011

Let’s face it. Fundraisers can be extremely stressful, if we allow them to be. Fundraisers should be easy and fun, not just for the kids, but for the teachers, staff and parents involved as well. With the new year, comes a fresh start…for a stress-free and successful fundraiser! With Big Dog Fundraising, most programs don’t have ANY upfront costs, and better yet, we do all the hard work for you! With our new programs and products in place, there is a product for everyone, not to mention prices that everyone can afford. From our scratch off card fundraiser, to our gourmet popcorn fundraiser and jewelry fundraiser, we have it all! Make 2011 a prosperous year for you and your school. Instead of stressing yourself out, pick up the phone and give us a call at 866.582.3597, you’ll be glad you did.

~Katie

Fundraising Newsletter

For Great Fundraising Ideas and Tips

Big Dog fundraising is always on the leading edge of fund raising. We are constantly trying new programs and products looking for the best and most efficient fundraisers for you. Sign up today to receive our newsletter which is stuffed with fundraising tips, new products and reminders as each fundraising season is getting near. We will keep you in the loop so your next fundraiser is an even bigger success.

As always, we do not share your info with anyone. If you wish to cancel your subscription, there is a simple opt out button.

Our latest addition, Scratch Off Fundraiser

The newest addition to our expansive lineup of fundraisers is the scratchcard. These scratch cards put the “fun” in fundraising. These cards offer our largest margin of profit for you! The concept is quite simple:

• Each card has 40 scratch off dots.
• Each dot has a value of $1, $2, or $3.
• Each card totals to $100 in value.
• You ask someone to scratch of at least one or two dots at a time and donate the amount shown. If someone scratches off two dots, the maximum donation is $6 dollars.

The idea is that the amounts are low enough that it won’t put any pressure on the donor’s wallet. Also, you aren’t selling anything. Once the person scratches the dots and gives the amount shown, you’re done. There is no having to wait for the order to come in and then delivering the product. The scratcher cards are fun for everyone!

Discount Card Fundraiser gets better

Great news for those about to start doing business with Big Dog Fundraising. We have just put a new pricing structure into effect that shares a significant amount more profit with our schools and non-profit agencies. Now, depending on quantity of cards purchased, your organization can keep up to 85% of the proceeds of a card fundraiser. We still perform all the background work inclusive of procuring ads, creating the graphics for the cards, printing the cards, and kicking off the program for you. Need extra cash for that trip or equipment purchase? Call us at 866-582-3597 to discuss your needs today.

~Shawn