New-look School Fairs Mean Business When It Comes To Raising Money
In the past, traditional school fairs were a tedious ordeal. Spending a few hours trying to hook a duck or win prizes, all while drinking soft drinks and mediocre wine, seemed like an unenjoyable summer activity. However, as parents and teachers have become more enterprising, and fundraising more critical, school fairs have taken on an entirely new dimension.
Nowadays, schools across the United Kingdom have developed summer events with champagne and exotic holidays, trading in dog-eared board games and cheap alcohol. PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) leaders such as Chris McNamara have spoken about their efforts to make the school fair stand out from the rest and give their school a competitive edge. PTAs have also begun to use social media, like Facebook and Twitter, to draw in more individuals and use their skills and contacts.
People in affluent neighborhoods have also been hosting lucrative raffles with real gifts, ranging from weekends away in their holiday homes to untouched Apple gadgets. Families with professional skills, such as Olivia Brown, have been using their Facebook page to acquire unique prizes, like event tickets and restaurant vouchers.
Sponsorships are becoming popular, as companies like Barclays match the raised funds by their employees. Other corporations offer sponsorship for a mention in the program or a banner on the school field as part of their corporate social responsibility plan.
PTAs are becoming increasingly successful, often operating as small social enterprises, as they have become creative and innovative in their fundraising practices. According to Annette Wiles, of PTA UK, PTAs are trying to find out sponsorship and link up with businesses beyond their schools. Most importantly, schools need extra funds more than ever, as extra funding is drying up, and difficult economic times have begun.
Some have taken fundraising to the next level, such as Chesham Grammar School in Buckinghamshire. The students visited parents and pledged money over a period of years to raise funds for a new building, and within a few months, they had raised the required £500,000. Some schools, like the ones in Harlesden, North-West London, have found it more challenging to target parents with fatal financial struggles.
In conclusion, school fairs have come a long way and offer an incredible way of raising funds for school. PTAs and individuals are becoming more creative and innovative in their approach, using social media and networking to make the fair more enjoyable and lucrative.
She successfully persuaded a nearby property agent to provide funds for the bouncy castle and felt encouraged when both Tesco and Homebase extended their help. Regrettably, the Argos, Superdrug, and Poundstretcher establishments located in the same shopping area as the school were not as cooperative, according to her. Although it may be irritating, what’s amazing is that parents from diverse backgrounds come together during the school fair to offer their help in enhancing the school experience of their children.
