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toomuchmagic Special user 534 Posts |
I have been asked to volunteer my services at an event to raise money for a trip that medical and dental students will take to various places in the world where people are in need of dental and medical care and don't have access to it.
This will be like a booth at a larger event type of thing. Potential 10-20 thousand guests. Now knowing that if it takes between 1 to 2 minutes to create simple structures...that only allows me to make say on average...40-50 balloons an hour. supposing I charge 2 dollars a piece that's only 100 bucks an hour. give or take. Basically what I want to do is maximize and collect as much money as possible for this cause. I am thinking of bringing a few larger extravagant sculptures and offering them for sale or raffle or auction. Other than that I am stuck. I know it is for a great cause so people may find it in themselves to be generous, but I want to be able to contribute as much as possible. Any suggestions? |
AshleyW Regular user 174 Posts |
Mike, I think it's great you are helping this organization. The very problem with any one man show offering services is he can only do so much!
If you REALLY want to help this charity (and I mean that) the best way I have seen is, don't do it alone. Get a sponsor. Better yet, tell the organization to find you a sponsor. The sponsor would make a large contribution to the charity, (I'm talking thousands) and in return their name would be behind every FREE balloon you hand out. (some sponsors even want you to write their name ON the balloon). The sponsor would also supply a banner to be at your booth/table that states something like, "Balloon Animals Courtesy of ___________ Company", the sponsor would ALSO cover the costs of all balloons and your gas and food. You are already donating your precious time, it is only respectful that someone cover your COSTS. Nothing wrong with that at all. Now, on top of that you could take donations, auction large structures, etc. Those are great ideas, but the big money is in sponsoring, so it's not just one guy out there trying to squeeze people! If a large enough sponsor cannot be found in time, do multiple smaller sponsorships, like 10 sponsors of $300 each. Then put all their names on the banner. I have been doing this successfully for a dozen years. Now take it a step further: Most times the sponsors will even agree to pay you a salary for doing it. If you have already volunteered your services X number of times this year, there is nothing wrong with letting a company pay you to be there. It is nothing to a large corporation, and it can give you a better attitude at the event. And it can allow you to actually HELP more charities during the year, that otherwise would not have you at all. You can actually make a living and help good causes at the same time. Anyway, consider it. Thanks. |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Also, another way...it's what I use while selling balloons in my tent...a tip bucket. I charge $1-$5 per balloon, depending upon the difficulty, and in a full day at a slow festival (usually only working about 4 hours) I'll make about $500, and then between $250-$500 just in the tip bucket. Make sure the bucket is clearly labelled, otherwise people will think that's where they pay. Apparently, reading isn't a priority around here where I live.
The sponsor idea is a wonderful one, too...it'll work! Steve |
Comedy Writer Special user 594 Posts |
Raffle off a show?
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dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Is this event for the charity? If so the 20 thousand people will be there to spend money. They may be j7ust happy to use the "tip bucket" and pay a LOAD for each balloon.
If you are in competition with other charities you do need to maximise - otherwise don’t worry too much about it - sounds harsh almost but I know what I mean if I need to I can clarify. Mark the balloon guy recently was had two lines - $1 - $2 donation line and $5+ line. The $5+ line gets done FIRST with every 5th or so being the other line. This increases your money he used the line “if your kids don’t give you more than £5 they don’t love you as much (not sure how I feel about this line but hey!) It worked for him. Ill see if I can find the thread at some time and post the link. Dave |
docbarnes Loyal user 299 Posts |
Have a helper to ask people in the line what type of balloon they want, what color and to take the money. That way you don't have to slow down to take the cash and there are not long delays while people decide. My helper will have all the balloons needed for the each person's sculptures. It greatly speeds up the line.
Larger items will sell, but you can wear yourself out the night before making them. |
toomuchmagic Special user 534 Posts |
Thanks for all of your ideas. I had a team of balloon pumpers, "ballon sharpie artwork specialists", a couple of face painters, and had a great time.
The money we made was matched by a corporate sponsor, and we were the talk of the event, and plans have been made to have me back for future events etc. I did make a bunch of larger sculptures that sold for a larger donation, and lots of people just chipped in extra money etc. Success. Thanks again. |
dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
Come on dish the dirt how much did the corporate sponser have to give?
Dave |
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