raising funds (again)

Spring means fundraiser time for the Young Women! Last year we tried something different and it was a total flop, so we went back to our tried-and-true method of providing a free nacho bar and having a dessert auction at the end of the evening. I also did a better job at delegating some of the assignments, so it was a lot less stressful for me!  We made just over $2,000, which was awesome.  Camp is $200 per girl, so we were still short funds, but I was pleased with the outcome.  

The week before the fundraiser, the girls made about 40 of these beautiful tissue paper flowers.  We were able to reuse all the paper lanterns and other "fiesta" decorations from years past.  Those dang lanterns really gave us a run for our money as we tried to string them between the two basketball hoops.  In the end, we hung them on the back wall and called it good.

We also had tables set up for face painting (which the girls ran), and crafts available on the stage.  I liked having more activities for the kids so they weren't running amuck in the building.  Feedback from parents was consistent that they liked this aspect as well.  A few of the girls (and my secretary) had also created a Kahoot game, which adults and teens played.

Throughout the evening, we also had this "Pay What You Want" dessert cart moving throughout the gym.  We utilized this as a way for people to feel like they could buy desserts and support the young women without having to pay $30+ for a plate of cookies.  In years past, we had cakes and peanut butter balls auctioned off for $150-$300, so the feedback from a few people was that it seemed like a big competition between the families that had more money.  In my opinion, that is not at all how it seemed, I just knew that those families wanted to make a big contribution and did it in a fun way at the auction.  BUT, I do see how someone might feel that way if they couldn't pay such crazy prices.  We never bid on those big tickets items either because I felt like my contribution was helping with all the food, etc.

The desserts on the cart were provided by the YW leaders, and the whole concept was a HUGE hit!  We only made $350 on the cart items, but I think kids especially loved that they could come buy a few things for just a few dollars.  I'd call that a success :)

The rest of the desserts were provided by the young women.  I loved seeing their creativity and the effort they put into their desserts. Our Stake President, Jason Parr, was our auctioneer and he did an amazing job.  The auction was funny, upbeat, and entertaining!

One dad even made this giant shark cake to contribute to the auction, haha.  Another family (without a YW in the program) generously contributed a few plates of their famous chocolate chip cookies.

Brooke was excited about the coloring pages (that one of the YW drew), and the paper lantern she made in the craft area :) She also asked if she could keep the rainbow on her face for church the next day, haha. That was a big no, but it didn't hurt to ask I guess.

I really was happy with how the evening went, and those that attended all had a great time.  I wish we would have had some more of the ward members that have attended in years past, but maybe it was just a busy weekend for people.