Hi Girls, I am chairing a school fundraiser - Fashion Show/ Raffle Basket auction. We have some great raffle prizes, but still looking for more. Have you ever been to a Raffle basket auction? What have you won or wished you won. Also we have marketed this event to the extreme, but ticket sales are not where I want them, any suggestions on that end? We have a Mardi Gras theme and the event includes dinner at really nice place. I am hearing that parents think the tickets are too much ($36) and that because it is basically an adult event, parents are not supportive. We have alot of other family oriented fundraisers and I know that this type of event can raise alot of money, I just am having a sinking feeling that this is going to flop....

By Mommmie on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 10:57 pm:

What's a raffle basket auction? You pay $36 and then what happens? Haven't heard of it, so I was interested to know what it is.

By Jayne2 on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 11:14 pm:

Its a Fashion Show/Raffle Basket Auction (Chinese Auction). You buy a ticket that covers dinner (choice of 3), watch the Fashion Show (teachers are the models) after that you buy raffle tickets and place them in a bag corresponding to each raffle basket that you would like to take a chance on. One basket may be dinner for 2 at fancy restaurant, one basket is an over night, mid-week stay at an upscale hotel, another could be a gift certificate to a day spa, etc. Then once everyone has placed their tickets in the baskets whe call of the coresponding ticket and you win that basket.

By Mommmie on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 11:29 pm:

It sounds like a good idea to me!

My son's school is having their auction this weekend (typical live and silent auctions with dinner and dancing to a live band, no kids). But, guess what? I sound like your parents when I say - I can't afford to get in the door, much less bid on anything. Tickets to get in are $125/person. It's out of my league.

I hope yours works out! This economy is tough.

By Kaye on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 09:11 am:

We doa basket raffle but do not have to be present to win. The baskets are made of donations from the community and from each class. the tickets for the baskets are cheap, 5 for a dollar. I think if you want to make more and do better you might want to try to split the two up! You can still draw at that event, but don't make that the only way. We had our baskets done and displayed at the school for a few days, kids could buy tickets etc. Good luck!

By Bea on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 10:04 am:

Jayne is there a way to market this to the grandparents of the students....maybe with a take-home addressed to them? I think the retired set would be thrilled to be included in something like this that would benefit their grandchildren's school. Us old folks love to go out for dinner, and enjoy raffles. The younger ones are looking at $36 each, plus raffle ticket price, plus baby sitters. That is probably a bit high for many.

By Mommyathome on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 06:07 pm:

I like Bea's idea. Grandparents would love to do something like that.
Personally, I wouldn't pay $72 for DH and I to go to a dinner/basket raffle. I would have to pay for a sitter on top of that which would be another $20. Not worth the hassle.

If there were just a raffle, I would probably buy tickets. Maybe $20 worth. But, I can't afford a hundred dollars for a night out. And, if I could, I probably wouldn't choose to go to a fashion show with the models being the teachers. Sounds like a cute idea, just a little pricey IMO.
I do hope you have a good turnout!

By Melana on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 08:32 pm:

LOL...I'm SOOO glad DD isn't in school yet!!! It's a lot cheaper for now.