SUCCESSFULCivitan Fundraisers

Tried and True Ideas You Can Put to Work in Your Hometown

Over the years, club officers have asked us time and

again for successful fundraising ideas they can use.

During the most recent geographical training sessions,

we asked officers to submit their most successful club

fundraisers, along with a brief set of instructions. The

response was nothing short of amazing. The ideas

ranged from the familiar (such as the Christmas tree

sales held by the Gainesville, Florida club) to the new

and innovative (like “Pell City Idol,” held by the Pell City

club in Alabama)! We gathered together all the ideas to

produce the booklet you now hold. Each one of these

represents a wonderful opportunity to raise funds in

your community.

We are proud to showcase these successful fundraisers,

and hope they help your club continue to find new ways

to help your community. In case you have any questions

about a specific fundraiser, the submitting officers have

also included their contact information. Thank you to all

those who contributed – this is your booklet, and it could

not have been produced without you.

Hello, Civitan officers!

Contests . . . . . . . . . . 4Golf Scramble Basketball TournamentPutting ContestSinging ContestSoftball TournamentCitizen of the YearCornhole TournamentFishing TournamentChili ChallengeOld Time Fiddlers CompetitionPell City IdolSpecial Olympics Golf TournamentCharitable Texas Hold’em

Special Events . . . . . . 9Christmas BazaarDance-a-thonCahaba River CleanupVincennes Rendezvous ConcessionsEvening in the Park ConcessionsPolar PlungeZombie Farm (Haunted House)Tour de Collierville

Meals & Banquets. . . 12Prayer BreakfastBingo KitchenSt. Patrick’s Day Champagne BrunchPancake BreakfastSpaghetti DinnerWine TastingSteak DinnerSuper Bowl Brunswick Stew SalePlate Dinner Sale

Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Christmas Tree ProjectPecan SalesCoupon BooksCookbooks

Yard SaleVidalia OnionsPoinsettia SalePizza MakingAnnual Turkey/Ham SalesBoston Butt SaleAnnual Rose SaleClaxton Fruitcake SalesMums SaleButter Braids SalesFresh Fruit SalesDillion/Kroger Gift CardsCivitan Candy BoxCivitan Coin Box

Auctions & Raffles . . 23Sports Memorabilia Raffle Art AuctionRadio AuctionAuctionThirty Day RaffleFruitcake AuctionIron Bowl Ticket RaffleChristmas Silent Auction

Other Fundraisers . . . 26Luminary Project Motorcycle Ride Cozy Dog (Fair Project)Flushing Away Developmental

DisabilitiesParking Cars for CharityBell Ringing at ChristmasChristmas Gift WrapPutt Pub CrawlBowl-a-thon Flag Days

Holidays . . . . . . . . . 30

CONTENTS

ContestsA competition is a wonderful way to get people excited about your event orfundraiser. When that competitive spirit comes out, everyone wants to getinvolved. This section contains several contests, raffles and other competitivefundraisers that clubs have successfully held in their communities.

If you are handing out prizes, especially cash prizes, make sure to check yourlocal laws and regulations for any necessary permits. Different regions have dif-ferent laws concerning raffles, tournaments, and games of chance, even whenheld by a charitable group. But above all, make sure you have everything youneed for people to have a great time!

Golf Scramble Submitted by: Dickson Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Rob TruittEmail: RDTJCT@aol.comContact Telephone: (615) 740-9180Number of Members Needed for Success: 20 membersUp-front cost: Minimal Estimated Revenue: $6,000.00

Project Description: Ask local businesses and golfers to solicit golf teams, holdsponsors and donate goody bag items, door prizes and golf winner prizes.Club members put together goody bags and work the registration table, drawfor door prizes, calculate scores and hand out prizes the day of the Scramble.After the Scramble, thank you letters are mailed and an ad is placed in thenewspaper thanking sponsors for their contributions.

Basketball TournamentSubmitted by: Northwest Nashville Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Arthur FoxEmail: ArthurLFox@comcast.netContact Telephone: (615) 876-7072Number of Members Needed for Success: 10-15 members Up-front cost: $2,000.00Estimated Revenue: $6,000.00

Project Description: Invite local high school and surrounding area basketball teams to participate in a three-day tournament. Our games are sanctioned by TSSAA (the regional school athletic association). Funds are raised through concessions and ticket sales.

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Putting ContestSubmitted by: University Civitan Club (Mississippi) Contact: Sam Clinton Email: eaglestc@comcast.netContact Telephone: (601) 268-6986Number of Members Needed for Success: 6 membersUp-front cost: None Estimated Revenue: $4,000.00

Project Description: Secure a practice putting green near the 1st golf hole at alocal golf course. Charge $5.00 for two putts, and hold the putting contest overfive days. Putt off with the top three putters on the last day. The winner takes50% of the proceeds, and the club takes the other half.

Singing ContestSubmitted by: Boaz Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: DonNeeysa AdamsEmail: DonNeeysa.Adams@wachovia.com Contact Telephone: (256) 840-4245Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 membersUp-front cost: $100.00 for tickets and postersEstimated Revenue: $3,500.00

Project Description: Contact local singing groups to donate time and talent toperform at your event. Gospel groups or church groups work well in our com-munity. Secure a free event venue, such as a local school auditorium. Eachmember is given tickets to sell. Advertise the event on the radio and at localbusinesses.

Softball TournamentSubmitted by: Jackson County Civitan Club (Michigan) Contact: Dorothy HelmContact Telephone: (517) 750-1028Number of Members Needed for Success: 6 membersUp-front cost: $50.00Estimated Revenue: $1,275.00

Project Description: Coordinate and promote a local softball tournament, withan entry fee of $100.00 per team. Coordinate raffles using donated items, andsell local advertising for the event. Funds can be raised through entry fees, raf-fles, concessions, advertising, and more.

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Citizen of the Year(Mobilian of the Year)Submitted by: Cottage Hill Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Randall EckhoffEmail: rh.eckhoff101@comcast.com Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 members Up-front cost: Cost of venue and food (preferably donated)Estimated Revenue: $6,000.00 to $10,000.00

Project Description: From September throughNovember request nominations for a community award in your region – we callour award Mobilian of the Year. The club board selects the honoree. A newsconference in late January (two to three weeks before the banquet) willannounce the recipient. A banquet during Civitan Awareness Month will honorthe recipient. A news conference encourages ticket sales, and helps bringattendance to nearly 500 people.

Cornhole TournamentSubmitted by: Dutch Fork Civitan Club (South Carolina) Contact: Mike TaylorEmail: pmtee@sc.rr.comContact Telephone: (803) 622-2692Number of Members Needed for Success: 8-10 membersUp-front cost: $200.00 Estimated Revenue: $2,000.00

Project Description: Hold a cornhole tournament at a local bar or restaurant.Charge an entry fee for each team to compete. Hold a single elimination tour-nament, sell tickets for donated raffle items, and sell tournament t-shirts. Clubscan build their own game board and order beanbags. A cash prize is awardedto the winning team. Gift cards are solicited from restaurants and other localbusinesses, and sold at the event. Promote the event using Facebook, posters,and local news.

Fishing TournamentSubmitted by: Stanislaus Civitan Club (California) Contact: Munch HickersonNumber of Members Needed for Success: 9+ membersUp-front cost: Approx. $200.00Estimated Revenue: Up to $10,000.00

Project Description: Contact state department to acquire fishing permits on alake of your club’s choice. Establish two committees; one for sponsorshipand one for cooking. Set up a registration table where each fisherman pays a$25.00 entry fee. Competitors go fishing, bring in their catch and weigh themin. Prizes are awarded for largest and smallest catch. Have a table set up toraffle prizes.

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Chili ChallengeSubmitted by: Line Creek Civitan Club (Georgia) Contact: Doug IveyEmail: aivey2@bellsouth.netNumber of Members Needed for Success: 30 members Up-front cost: $2,500.00 Estimated Revenue: $8,000.00-$10,000.00

Project Description: Secure sponsors for the event, and let them put up adver-tising materials such as banners. Charge $5.00 for each admission or entry,which allows you to enter the challenge, or just attend and eat chili. Furnishtables and chairs. Contestants bring their chili, and judges and visitors deter-mine winners of Chili Challenge. Prizes awarded to the winners.

Old Time Fiddlers CompetitionSubmitted by: Hilldale Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Bryce HesterEmail: nbhester@gmail.comContact Telephone: (931) 503-9072Number of Members Needed for Success: 15 members & volunteers from Jr. Civitan andother organizationsUp-front cost: Everything should be donated Estimated Revenue: $15,000.00

Project Description: Competition is a special event that includes several differ-ent competitions such as guitar, peewee guitar, dance, harmonica, banjo andfiddle. The main competition is for the fiddle championship (our winner goeson to the Grand Masters Fiddle Championship in Nashville, TN). Money israised through donations by local companies, ticket sales, food sales, and con-cessions. A local barbeque restaurant donates all food.

Pell City IdolSubmitted by: Pell City Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Randy MasonEmail: rimason@centurylink.comContact Telephone: (205) 405-4781Number of Members Needed for Success: 5 to 10 members Up-front cost: Cost of printing tickets, popcorn, drinks and trophiesEstimated Revenue: $2,300.00

Project Description: Vocalists compete for “Audience Favorite” trophies.Admission is $5.00, and audience members can donate money to theirfavorite vocalist.

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Special Olympics Golf TournamentSubmitted by: Cookeville Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Frank MassaEmail: samshouse@frontier.netContact Telephone: (931) 537-6787Number of Members Needed for Success: All members Up-front cost: None Estimated Revenue: $8,000.00-$18,000.00

Project Description: This club has organized the Special Olympics GolfTournament for eight years. The three-man scramble costs $50.00 per golfer.Sponsorships are $200.00 per hole, and $500.00 for a major sponsorship. Doorprizes, hole-in-one prizes and goodie bags are all donated by local businesses.Local restaurants donate breakfast and lunch. Proceeds go to the SpecialOlympics and Civitan International.

Charitable Texas Hold’em Submitted by: Wayne Civitan Club (Michigan) Contact: Rachel Lessard Contact Telephone: (313) 384-6426Number of Members Needed for Success: 5-20 membersUp-front cost: $500.00Estimated Revenue: $1,500.00-$4,000.00

Project Description: The club contracts with a state approved supplier to manageand conduct a Texas Hold‘em poker tournament at an approved location. Theevent is conducted for four consecutive days. Club members sell and redeemall chips for games. Two members must be present at all times. One memberis designated as chairperson. The event chairperson must apply for a statelicense to conduct the event (the fee in Michigan is $50.00 per day for a total of$200.00 over four days). The chairperson must complete all paperwork andreporting requirements. The club retains 50% of the gross sales and supplierreceives the remaining sales. Suppliers pay all expenses except the license fee.

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Special EventsOrganizing a special event can get everyone in your community involved, nomatter how big or small your budget. This section provides entertaining andcreative events that can bring in serious revenue for your club or district.Annual events can give your club great publicity, as people in your area startlooking forward to it.

Christmas BazaarSubmitted by: Wilsonville Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Stephen StampsEmail: x2stamps@southernco.comNumber of Members Needed for Success: 12-14 membersUp-front cost: Location to have bazaar and tables for vendors Estimated revenue: $1,300.00

Project Description: Christmas bazaar with arts and crafts vendors, who pay arate to set up a table. A breakfast of pancakes, sausage and coffee is served.Members prepare crafts for each table. Photos with Santa are available for kidsand families. Revenue can come from tickets, concessions and vendor fees.

Dance-a-thonSubmitted by: Avery Trace Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Tonya WattsEmail: tonya.watts@michaeldunncenter.orgContact Telephone: (865) 376-3416Number of Members Needed for Success: 5 membersUp-front cost: NoneEstimated revenue: $300.00

Project Description: Find a free location to hold event. Find a DJ (our club hasone as a member) and ask for donations during the event. Everyone attends,dances, and has fun. Attendees give donations to club treasurer.

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Cahaba River CleanupSubmitted by: Perimeter Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Edward ThomasEmail: ethomas@akpassociates.comNumber of Members Needed for Success: 30 membersUp-front cost: $700.00 (for canoe rentals)Estimated revenue: $2,000.00

Projcet Description: Club organizes a clean-up for a small river that is a sourceof drinking water for Birmingham, AL. Volunteers walk and canoe along theriver and remove trash, tires, etc., which are taken to a dumpster. It is now adistrict-wide project that involves the community. Local businesses sponsor theevent, and they are featured on banners and event t-shirts (given to all volun-teers). The district pays for the t-shirts and keeps 40% of the funds. 60% goesto the club that obtained the sponsor.

Vincennes Rendezvous ConcessionsSubmitted by: Vincennes Civitan Club (Indiana) Contact: René VermillionEmail: unclefay@wvc.comContact Telephone: (812) 886-5972Number of Members Needed for Success: All membersUp-front cost: Minimal; most items donated Estimated revenue: $6,000.00

Project Description: Members sell food at a local1700’s festival, held one weekend in May. Membersdressed in 1700’s style clothing and costumes sell barbequeand other items. No electricity can be used at this festival.

Evening in the Park ConcessionsSubmitted by: Muskogee Civitan Club (Oklahoma) Contact: Betty HoneaEmail: bettom@datzfast.comContact Telephone: (918) 682-3947Number of Members Needed for Success: 25 membersUp-front cost: None Estimated revenue: $3,000.00

Project Description: Evening in the Park is a concert series featuring variousbands, a blow up moon bounce for kids and a politician dunk tank. Our clubmembers sell concessions, which are mostly donated.

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Polar PlungeSubmitted by: Myrtle Beach Civitan Club (South Carolina)Contact: Tia Wainsright Contact Telephone: (843) 236-2489Number of Members Needed for Success: 400-600 volunteersUp-front cost: Minimal with local donationsEstimated Revenue: $80,000.00

Project Description: Polar Plunge is held on theoceanfront of Myrtle Beach. The event, held the last weekend in January, is sosuccessful due to the individuals recruited and the amount of money each per-son raises. Contact police officers, local high schools and other organizationsto spread the word about the Plunge. Each school competes with the other toraise the most money. One Myrtle Beach high school raised more than$20,000.00. These kids are highly motivated and enjoy competing in the event.

Zombie Farm (Haunted House)Submitted by: Newburgh Civitan Club (Indiana) Contact: Rob WargelEmail: robwargel@gmail.comContact Telephone: (812) 573-1267Number of Members Needed for Success: Entire club (joint project with Junior Civitans) Up-front cost: $7,000.00 to $10,000.00Estimated Revenue: $40,000.00

Project Description: Beginning in July, Junior and adult members work togetherto prepare a Haunted House. Members work every weekend in October, andcharge $10.00+ per person for admission. Revenue comes from admission, park-ing, and food concessions, all of which are staffed by volunteers.

Tour de ColliervilleSubmitted by: Collierville Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Gordon BrigmanContact Telephone: (901) 683-2789Number of Members Needed for Success: 20 membersUp-front cost: $1,000.00Estimated Revenue: $7,500.00

Project Description: This is a bike ride, with different courses: a 5k family bikeride, and 25, 50, or 100 mile courses for individuals. Sponsors are solicited, theevent is promoted through local media and newspapers, and refreshments aredonated. Local police must be present, t-shirts are sold and registration isonline. Door prizes and goodie bags are donated. The course is laid out and aregistration area is set up using a tent. Funds are raised through entry fees andsponsorships. PA Equipment and music are managed by club volunteers. Cityofficials are contacted and asked to attend the event to help generate publicity.

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Meals & BanquetsNothing brings people together like a great meal! Whether it’s a homemadecountry meal featuring your grandmother’s secret recipe, or a catered banquetto recognize a special honoree, this kind of fundraiser is always a crowd-pleas-er. Best of all, it is always easy to find volunteers, since none of them will gohome hungry! These fundraisers are just a sampling of the tasty projects yourclub can put together.

Prayer BreakfastSubmitted by: Nocatula Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Betty HaralsonEmail: bettyharalson@aol.comContact Telephone: (423) 336-3004Estimated Revenue: $1,500.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 + (forthe event; all club members should sell tickets)Up-front Cost: $500.00

Project Description: Print tickets three months inadvance. Group tickets into packets of 10 and pass out to clubmembers, who will sell to friends, family and coworkers. Tickets can be soldindividually, or companies can book an entire table. Solicit donations and/orcontributions for food. Form a decorating committee; ask club members tovolunteer to serve as cooks and servers. Arrange for a speaker, as well. Prepthe food the night before, and meet beforehand the day of the event to cookand set up the buffet.

Bingo KitchenSubmitted by: Mansfield Civitan Club (Ohio) Contact: Dick OrsborneContact Telephone: (419) 756-6900Estimated Revenue: $700.00 monthlyNumber of Members Needed for Success: 4 members each weekUp-front Cost: None

Project Description: Club members prepare food (concessions) to sell to bingoplayers. Our club is paid $175.00 per night. Members work regularly (we do thiseach Wednesday) to secure a steady club income. This kind of ongoing projectcan be held at any regular local venue.

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St. Patrick’s Day Champagne BrunchSubmitted by: Burbank Civitan Club (California) Contact: Richard BertainEmail: richbertain@aol.comContact Telephone: (818) 972-2747Estimated Revenue: $4,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 15-20 membersUp-front Cost: Approx. $1,000.00

Project Description: Sell tickets and hold a Sunday brunch with entertainment(live music, Irish dancers, etc.), silent auctions, raffles and door prizes.

Pancake BreakfastSubmitted by: Joelton Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Wayne ProctorEmail: Waynep3@comcast.netContact Telephone: (615) 390-4419Estimated Revenue: $2,900.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 20+ membersUp-front Cost: $20.00

Project Description: The club sells tickets for a pancake breakfast. Club mem-bers serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and grits. They provide a diningroom complete with servers. Ticket holders are entered in a drawing for a$100.00 door prize. The club also conducts a silent auction at the same time.Almost all breakfast supplies and auction items are supplied by club members,individual donors and local businesses.

Spaghetti DinnerSubmitted by: Owasso Civitan Club (Oklahoma) Contact: Dr. Sunny GoodsonEmail: goodson@tulsacoxmail.comContact Telephone: (918) 376-4663Estimated Revenue: $1,250.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 10-15 membersUp-front Cost: None – all food is donated

Project Description: Sell tickets for about $5.00. Serve spaghetti and salad. Clubmembers sell tickets, cook and serve the meal.

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Wine TastingSubmitted by: Frontier Civitan Club (Florida) Contact: Nichole McPhersonEmail: musicnick@hotmail.comContact Telephone: (407) 497-1807 Estimated Revenue: $1,000.00+Number of Members Needed for Success: 15-20 membersUp-front Cost: None

Project Description: Partner with a local restaurant that has a weekly wine tast-ing. The event includes appetizers and a sampling of white and red wines. Theclub prints tickets and flyers to people in the community. The tasting is held ona Friday evening, with tickets sold for $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door.During the first ten minutes, club members introduce their club and speakabout Civitan. The night is also used as an informal recruitment event.

Steak DinnerSubmitted by: El Monte/Arcadia Civitan Club (California) Contact: Joanne MakishimaEmail: jmakishima@earthlink.netContact Telephone: (626) 534-1549Estimated Revenue: $1000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 membersUp-front Cost: Cost of catered meal, table coverings, dinnerware, and entertainment.

Project Description: An elegant steak buffet dinner is held at a local communitycenter. Tickets are sold for $10.00 over the estimated per-person cost of theevent. The dinner includes a silent auction, with items donated by club mem-bers or local businesses. A local high school music department provides theentertainment. Our club uses the revenue to purchase a canine companion dogto assist a person with physical disabilities.

Super Bowl Brunswick Stew SaleSubmitted by: Guntersville Ladies Civitan Club (Alabama)Contact: Pam KrichevEmail: pkrichev@yahoo.comContact Telephone: (256) 572-6351Number of Members Needed for Success: All membersUp-front cost: Recipe ingredientsEstimated Revenue: $3,200.00

Project Description: Order the ingredients for Brunswick stew from a whole-saler and pre-sell quarts of stew for $8.00 each to people in the community.Recipes can be found on the internet, or you can find a family recipe. Clubmembers meet to chop and prepare food, then deliver the stew the daybefore the Super Bowl.

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Plate Dinner SaleSubmitted by: Central Civitan Club (Tennessee)Contact: Brad TaylorEmail: btaylor@cemc.orgContact Telephone: (931) 206-0745Number of Members Needed for Success: All membersUp-front cost: Approx. $3,000.00Estimated Revenue: $5,000.00

Project Description: Purchase meat from awholesale supplier, purchase side items at a discount and cook on-site. Puttogether meals and serve. Pre-sell tickets and sell on-site for $6.00 per plate.

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SalesThis is the largest section of our fundraiser booklet, and for good reason! Someof Civitan’s most successful fundraisers are sales, which can require little to nostart-up cost. Many businesses are happy to donate merchandise or otherresources, and club members can always lend a hand. Sales can be linked toholidays and other events, such as Christmas, the Super Bowl, and more, whenpeople are already looking for certain products.

Christmas Tree ProjectSubmitted by: Gainesville Civitan Club (Florida)Contact: Phil BakerEmail: dodoe7020@yahoo.comContact Telephone: (352) 374-8558Number of Members Needed for Success: All membersUp-front cost: $5,000.00 to $10,000.00Estimated Revenue: $18,500

Project Description: Sell Christmas trees fromThanksgiving through December 20th. Must workat the Christmas tree lot during the day andevenings. Our club has held the Christmas TreeProject for 17 years – our most successful yearraised $19,000.

Pecan SalesSubmitted by: Bear Creek Civitan Club (Alabama)Contact: Bobbie CofieldEmail: bobbiecofield@gmail.comContact Telephone: (205) 486-2322Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 membersUp-front cost: $500.00 to $1,000.00Estimated Revenue: $5,000.00

Project Description: Club members pre-sell pecans to be delivered on a specifieddate. Use the money to order pecans at a discount, then deliver to the customers.

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Coupon BooksSubmitted by: Maryville Alcoa Civitan Club (Tennessee)Contact: Genny KiddEmail: grangen@bellsouth.netContact Telephone: (865) 379-7479Number of Members Needed for Success: All membersUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: $1,200.00

Project Description: Each member sells Life Style coupon books that contain“buy one get one free” deals for area stores and restaurants. The coupons arevalued at approximately $5,000.00, but the books sell for only $35.00. The clubearns $15.00 per book, and in the past has sold 80 books in one year.

Cookbooks Submitted by: Sunset Civitan Club (Florida) Contact: James Dorsey Contact Telephone: (386) 767-0912Number of Members Needed for Success: All membersUp-front cost: $300.00 to printEstimated Revenue: Not listed

Project Description: The club produces and sells cookbooks for $10.00 each.

Yard SaleSubmitted by: Conducted by many clubsNumber of Members Needed for Success: 5 membersUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: $650.00+

Project Description: Collect items for yard sale from club members, friends,family members and other clubs in the community. Ask a local business toagree to serve as the collection point for items to sell. One week prior to thesale, members will organize and price items. The sale is held for threeSaturdays. Remaining unsold items can be donated to area charities, shelters orother organizations.

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Vidalia OnionsSubmitted by: Conducted by many clubsNumber of Members Needed for Success: 10 to 30 members (selling & distributing)Up-front cost: None – pre-sell ticketsEstimated Revenue: $2,000.00 to $7,000.00

Project Description: Contact a supplier to get prices and delivery options. Allmembers take pre-orders and place ads on club website, newspaper, posters inlocal businesses, etc. Get a delivery date so members can pick up onions anddeliver them quickly. Clubs suggest ordering “jumbo selects” – a size differentthan what grocery stores offer. Try to deliver your orders prior to when storesget their deliveries (usually the first week of May). Clubs pay approximately$4.00 per bag and sells onions for $10.00 per bag. Clubs often sell 5,000 to 10,000pounds of onions through word of mouth alone. Using a local trucking compa-ny for delivery can also keep down costs.

Poinsettia SaleSubmitted by: Green Hills Civitan Club (Tennessee)Contact: Holly LockeEmail: hollylocke@earthlink.netContact Telephone: (615) 309-0647Number of Members Needed for Success: 15 membersUp-front cost: None – only pay for those soldEstimated Revenue: $2,300.00

Project Description: Members take orders for poinsettias in November. Themajority are pre-sold to businesses and individuals. The poinsettias are shippedto a central warehouse and are distributed to the members based on theirorder. Members are responsible for delivering poinsettias and collectingmoney. Two sizes are sold (one for $8.00 and $16.00).

Pizza MakingSubmitted by: Westerville Civitan Club (Ohio)Contact: Tom DaughertyEmail: tdaugherty@columbus.rr.comContact Telephone: (614) 352-6443Number of Members Needed for Success: 20 membersUp-front cost: $300.00-$400.00Estimated Revenue: $1,200.00

Project Description: Work with a Junior Civitan or Boy Scout group and pre-order pizza from customers. Groups get together to make pizzas, and cus-tomers pick them up. Charge $6.00 a pizza.

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Annual Turkey/Ham SalesSubmitted by: Auburn Civitan Club (Alabama)Contact: Eve KneelandEmail: eengle@auburnalabama.orgContact Telephone: (334) 501-3198Number of Members Needed for Success: Allmembers sell, cook & deliverUp-front cost: Cost of meats and prep materials.Estimated Revenue: $3,500.00

Project Description: Each year before Thanksgiving and Christmas, the club pre-sells turkeys and hams. Members of the club get together for an overnight prepand smoking of the meat. A “secret” basting sauce is applied to the meatbefore smoking. Smokers are donated by sources within the community.

Boston Butt SaleSubmitted by: Tuscaloosa Civitan Club (Alabama)Contact: Brett LaneyEmail: brett.laney@edwardjones.comContact Telephone: (205) 759-3023Number of Members Needed for Success: 5 workers (full membership to sell)Up-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: $2,500.00

Project Description: This is a Memorial & Labor Day sale. Pass out tickets tomembers a month before these holidays. Take up money and tickets a weekprior to each holiday. Deliver Boston Butts to customers the Thursday beforeeach holiday.

Annual Rose Sale for Administrative Assistants Day (Last Full Week in April)Submitted by: Auburn Civitan Club (Alabama)Contact: Eve KneelandEmail: eengle@auburnalabama.orgContact Telephone: (334) 501-3198Number of Members Needed for Success: All club membersUp-front cost: Cost of flowers, cards, vases and ribbons.Estimated Revenue: $2,000.00

Project Description: Each April, prior to AdministrativeAssistants Day, club members sell bouquets of a dozenroses for $30.00 each to businesses, university offices andother organizations. Orders are given to a local florist theafternoon prior to Administrative Assistants Day. Personal messages from cus-tomers are attached during assembly. The next morning, members return to thestore and pick up orders, which are delivered in a glass vase.

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Claxton Fruit CakeContact: Glenn Thomas, Civitan National Account RepresentativeEmail: glenn@civitan.orgContact Telephone: 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 104Number of Members Needed for Success: 1 memberUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: Varies from location to location

Project Description:For over half a century, Civitans have been selling ClaxtonFruit Cake to fund various community service projects. Today, local CivitanClubs work with area grocery retailers to bring Claxton Fruit Cake to thecommunity and fund local service projects. In 2010 Civitans sold over 900,000pounds of Claxton Fruit Cake. Nearly 300 clubs now participate in the fruitcake program and raise thousands of dollars for their local projects. It is easyto participate in the fruit cake project. If your club has an interest or ques-tions, just contact your district fruit cake chair person or Glenn Thomas atCivitan International, glenn@civitan.org. 1-800-CIVITAN ext 104.

Mums SaleSubmitted by: Evansville Eastside Civitan Club(Indiana)Contact: Rebecca HunsingerEmail: hunsingerrebecca@yahoo.comContact Telephone: (812) 204-6054Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 membersUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: $800.00

Project Description: In the past, a member hasdonated flyers and order forms to ensure that there would be no up front costs.The club treasurer sends payment to a local greenhouse, which takes ordersover the phone and provides a truck for delivery. On delivery day membersmeet, unload the truck and take plants to the customers. Customers pay upondelivery.

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Butter Braids SalesSubmitted by: City of Vision Civitan Club (New Mexico)Contact: Kara ScottEmail: Karascott143@yahoo.comNumber of Members Needed for Success: Not listedUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: $600.00

Project Description: Visit www.butterbraid.com. Club members pre-sell braids.Members order, thaw, cook and distribute the butter braids. Braids are boughtfor $10.00 and sold for $14.00. Different flavors such as Bavarian Crème,Blueberry, Cinnamon and Cherry are offered.

Fresh Fruit SalesSubmitted by: Wichita Civitan Club (Kansas)Contact: Harold ConnellEmail: brookiowa@aol.comContact Telephone: (316) 204-6202Number of Members Needed for Success: 20 membersUp-front cost: None – funds collected before payment.Estimated Revenue: $2,500.00

Project Description: Club members pre-sell oranges, grapefruit, apples andpears to be delivered on a specified date. Fruit is ordered approximately twoweeks prior to delivery from a food wholesale company. Fruit can be stored forup to about four days. The club holds two sales a year, one in December andthe other in March.

Dillion/Kroger Gift CardsSubmitted by: Civitan Club of Wichita (Kansas)Contact: Carolyn BridgesEmail: cbqatar@yahoo.comContact Telephone: (316) 204-2509Number of Members Needed for Success: 5 membersUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: $2,000.00

Project Description: Club members secure gift cards from Dillon’s or anotherlocal grocery store. Gift cards will have a club code. Individual card “owners”put money on their cards and shop at Dillon’s. The club will receive 5% of allmoney spent using the cards. Pharmacy medication, gasoline and groceries canbe paid for with these gift cards. This project’s success relies on simply shop-ping at Dillon’s.

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Civitan Candy BoxSubmitted by: Many clubsContact: Debra Smith, Civitan International Revenue AssistantEmail: debra@civitan.orgContact Telephone: 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 113Number of Members Needed for Success: 1 memberUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: Varies from location to location

Project Description: With the Civitan CandyBox program, you can order candy boxes toplace at restaurants and local businesses.Customers take a mint, and are encouraged tomake a donation to Civitan. All you need is abusiness willing to place the candy box, andsomeone to service it regularly. Civitan willsend you all the necessary supplies. 75% of revenue goes to CivitanHeadquarters to support the Civitan International Research Center, and yourclub keeps 25% for local charity programs. To find out more, visit theCandy/Coin Box page (under Fundraisers) at www.civitan.org. You can alsocall Debra Smith, who manages the Candy Box program, at 1-800-CIVITAN, extension 113.

Civitan Coin BoxContact: Debra Smith, Civitan International Revenue AssistantEmail: debra@civitan.orgContact Telephone: 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 113Number of Members Needed for Success: 1 memberUp-front cost: NoneEstimated Revenue: Varies from location to location

Project Description: Civitan Coin Boxes are just like the candy boxes, onlyyou can place them where candy boxes may not be feasible. These donationboxes feature attractive cards asking people to make a donation to Civitanand help people with developmental disabilities. All you need is someone toservice the donation box regularly to pick up donations. 50% of the revenuestays with your club, for local projects, and 50% goes to InternationalHeadquarters, to support the Civitan International Research Center. To findout more, visit the Candy/Coin Box page (under Fundraisers) atwww.civitan.org. You can also call Debra Smith, who manages the Candy Boxprogram, at 1-800-CIVITAN, extension 113.

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Auctions & RafflesStep right up, step right up! Here are several great ideas for fundraiser auctionsand raffles your club can organize. Prizes and items for sale can be donated byyour fellow club members, local businesses, or friends in the community, whichhelps keep down the cost of the event.

Be sure to check your local laws and regulations concerning raffles, or anyother game of chance, before starting your fundraiser. Many areas require youto apply for a license or pay a small fee, which is still worth the money you canraise at your fundraiser.

Sports Memorabilia Raffle Submitted by: Pell City Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Randy MasonEmail: rLmason@centurytel.comContact Telephone: (205) 405-4781Estimated Revenue: $1,500.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 5 to 10members Up-front cost: $250.00

Project Description: Raffle memorabilia for the college or professional sportsteams in your area. Sell items such as footballs, helmets, jerseys, etc. Sell ticketsto the event for $5.00 each.

Art AuctionSubmitted by: Findlay Civitan Club (Ohio)Contact: Robin ReyesEmail: rhinski@earthlink.netContact Telephone: (419) 306-1565Estimated Revenue: $8,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 members Up-front cost: $300.00 for newspaper ad

Project Description: Ask local artists to donate artwork for a charity auction. Alocal restaurant can provide space with white tablecloths and a cash bar. About200 people attend our event, each paying a $10.00 admission fee. Club mem-bers help promote the event on web sites. Club members volunteer at theevent to greet attendees and to talk about Civitan. Hors d’oeuvres are includedin the admission price, and all art sales profits go to the club.

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Radio AuctionSubmitted by: Vincennes Civitan Club (Indiana) Contact: Renee VermillionEmail: unclefay@wvc.comContact Telephone: (812) 882-5273Estimated Revenue: $12,000.00-$15,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 15-20 members Up-front cost: None – all items donated

Project Description: Club starts approaching businesses two months prior tothe event to collect donated items (autographed sports items, coupons, carwashes, YMCA memberships, etc). A local radio station sets up camp at thelocation of our choice and for four days we auction off the items. People tunein each evening and call in to place their bids. Five members operate thephone lines, one person works the board of items, one person co-anchors withthe radio auctioneer, one person takes bids to the auctioneer, and one persontypes up the receipts.

AuctionSubmitted by: Paragould Civitan Club (Arkansas) Contact: Kassie PhillipsEmail: Kassielangston@hotmail.comContact Telephone: (870) 450-6233Estimated Revenue: $10,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 30+ membersUp-front cost: Less than $250.00

Project Description: Get list of businesses from your local chamber of commerce and ask them for donations to a charity auction. Once they are collected, produce a list of items to send to the newspaper (items are dividedinto categories based on dollar amount). Set up tables with items, makerboards for bids, telephones, etc. Separate members into categories for dutiessuch as phone workers, runners, auctioneers, money takers, etc. Our highschool TV crew set up equipment and the auction airs on Thursday and Fridaynight on the school TV station.

Thirty Day RaffleSubmitted by: Michigan Area Contact: Ron FalknerEmail: gerryfalkner@att.netContact Telephone: (517) 546-8547Estimated Revenue: $4,000.00+Up-front cost: License fee $200.00/Printing $80.00

Project Description: Pick a month (with 30 days). Print 1000 tickets numbered000-999. Tickets are sold for $5.00. Hold daily drawings - the person with thewinning ticket wins $50.00. Additional prizes can be donated.

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Fruitcake AuctionSubmitted by: Chattanooga Civitan Club (Tennessee) Contact: Gary NapolitanEmail: gary.napolitan@leitnerfirm.comContact Telephone: (423) 265-0214Estimated Revenue: $10,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 60 membersUp-front cost: $150.00 for Miss Tennessee expenses and fruitcake costs.

Project Description: The club invites Miss Tennessee to chair and entertain atthe auction. Members encourage and control bidding and each member buysa cake or multiple cakes @ $100.00 or $500.00 per cake. Each bidder gets theirpicture taken with Miss Tennessee. The club calls members that don’t attendand asks them to bid.

Iron Bowl Ticket RaffleSubmitted by: Vestavia Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Jonathan NelsonEmail: nelson@barons.comContact Telephone: (205) 988-3200Estimated Revenue: $2,500.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 20 membersUp-front cost: Approx. $600.00

Project Description: Sell $10.00 raffle tickets to biggest rival college footballgame in Alabama (in our area it is Alabama vs Auburn, also know as the IronBowl). Drawing to occur one week prior to game. Tickets are donated by aCivitan club member.

Christmas Silent AuctionSubmitted by: Pensacola Civitan Club (Florida) Contact: Kathy CottonEmail: kathycotton@cox.netContact Telephone: (850) 475-3576Estimated Revenue: $2,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: All club membersUp-front cost: None

Project Description: Plan a Christmas banquet for all members and their guests.Invite all speakers from the year and ask members to bring one or two niceitems for the auction. Appoint one to two people to act as the auctioneers. Theprofit is split between the club and one charity organization that has spoken tothe club (selected by the club board prior to the auction). The fund raiser isgreat because you raise money and have fellowship as well.

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Other FundraisersIf you’re looking for a fresh, inventive fundraiser idea, this section is for you!These fundraisers below are too unique and inventive to fit in any of the previ-ous categories. From flags to motorcycles to cozy dogs, these fundraisers are awonderful way to “break out of the box” and try new ideas in your community.

Luminary Project at CemeterySubmitted by: Anniston Civitan Club (Alabama) Contact: Theresa LackeyEmail: tlackey@edgarlackey.comContact Telephone: (256) 237-1773Estimated Revenue: $8,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: All club membersUp-front cost: very little

Project Description: From October to November, club members ask for a dona-tion of $5.00-$20.00. In return, they will place a luminary at the grave of thedonor’s loved one. Candles are held in small, white containers (instead of bagsfilled with sand). A church youth group helps set up and clean up. Membersbegin lighting the first Saturday morning in December, and by that evening, theentire cemetery is lit from candlelight. It is a beautiful event that the entirecommunity enjoys. Volunteers come back Sunday morning and clean up.

Motorcycle Ride Submitted by: Kaolin Civitan Club (Georgia) Contact: Joey GiddenEmail: geosquarters@sandersville.netContact Telephone: (478) 553-9400Estimated Revenue: $1,500.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 10 membersUp-front cost: $250.00 for mailing

Project Description: The event is a 60-mile motorcycle ride. The entry fee is$20.00 per bike and $5.00 a rider. Raffle tickets are sold at lunch during theevent.

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Cozy Dog (Fair Project)Submitted by: Selma Civitan Club (Alabama)Contact: Bill NeighborsEmail: wilodean3@yahoo.comContact Telephone: (334) 874-8654Estimated Revenue: $10,000.00-$12,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: All club members Up-front cost: $500.00

Project Description: This is a concessions project during the Central AlabamaFair. Club members sell “cozy dogs,” which are hot dogs on a stick dipped into aspecial butter, then deep fried. Cozy dog recipes and instructions can be foundon the internet.

Flushing Away Developmental DisabilitiesSubmitted by: Myrtle Beach Civitan Club (South Carolina) Contact: Robin VreelandEmail: rockinrobin511@aol.comContact Telephone: (843) 902-6619Estimated Revenue: $1,200.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 6-10 membersUp-front cost: Money for paint

Project Description: Obtain toilets from a dump in the area, pressure wash andpaint them with Civitan colors. Put silk flowers in the bowl or tank to decoratethem, then place them on a recipient’s lawn, along with a flyer about how tohave the toilet removed via a donation to the Civitan International ResearchCenter. Toilets can be placed at the homes of club members, friends, family, etc.This is a fun joint project with Jr. Civitan club members, and local news mediacame out to cover placement of the first toilet.

Parking Cars for CharitySubmitted by: Midland Civitan Club (Michigan) Contact: Carol JacobsEmail: cajacobs@delta.eduContact Telephone: (989) 631-5085Estimated Revenue: $4,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 15-18 membersUp-front cost: Minimal – need signs to publicize parking.

Project Description: Arrange to handle parking services at a local event. Clubmembers park cars during baseball games for three nights. Members simplystand at the entrance to the parking lot and collect the fee.

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Bell Ringing at ChristmasSubmitted by: Linton Civitan Club (Indiana) Contact: Wendy SpurlinEmail: wspurlin@juno.comContact Telephone: (812) 699-0353Estimated Revenue: $10,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 5-10 membersUp-front cost: $200.00

Project Description: Have different groups or individuals with candy canes ringbells in front of stores. Ring two days a week, in two-hour shifts, both Fridayand Saturday. This project requires help from many different groups. Startringing the Friday after Thanksgiving and ring until Christmas.

Christmas Gift WrapSubmitted by: St. Bethlehem Civitan Club(Tennessee) Contact: Jim ThomasEmail: beagles3@bellsouth.netContact Telephone: (931) 503-0526Estimated Revenue: $1,200.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 25 members Up-front cost: $400.00

Project Description: Members work at the local mall in four-hour shifts throughout the day. Shoppers can have their pur-chases gift-wrapped, in return for a donation to Civitan.

Putt Pub CrawlSubmitted by: Citrus Civitan Club (Florida) Contact: John O’DonnellEmail: john@iccf.comEstimated Revenue: $5,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: Can vary depending on size of the eventUp-front cost: Not listed

Project Description: Nine bars each set up a putting green. Participants sign upin teams of four, or as individuals, and go from hole to hole / bar to bar in anattempt to get the best or worst individual or team scores. Prizes are awarded,and there is a silent auction and raffle. Funds are raised through entry fees andauction and raffle proceeds.

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Bowl-a-thon Submitted by: Marietta Civitan Club (Georgia) Contact: Chris BusbyEmail: chris.busby@wtadvisors.comEstimated Revenue: $1,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 30 members Up-front cost: $20.00 for paper to make flyers

Project Description: Ask a local bowling alley to donate one game of bowling.Members recruit friends and co-workers to sponsor them to bowl one game.Sponsors pledge five cents, ten cents, 25 cents or a dollar per pin that isknocked down. Sponsors can also donate a flat dollar amount.

Flag DaysSubmitted by: Conducted by many clubsEstimated Revenue: $3,500.00 -$10,000.00Number of Members Needed for Success: 15 membersUp-front cost: $25.00+ per flag pole and holder

Project Description: Charge businesses to placeUnited States flags at their storefronts 12 days ayear or during national holidays.

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Holidays and Important DatesHere is a useful calendar of holidays and important dates throughout the yearyou can use to help schedule fundraisers.

January 1 – New Year’s Day

February 2 – Groundhog Day

February 14 – Valentine’s Day

March – Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras; last day before Ash Wednesday)

March – Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter Sunday)

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

April 1 – April Fool’s Day

April – Palm Sunday (Last Sunday before Easter)

April – Good Friday (Last Friday before Easter Sunday)

April – Easter (First Sunday after the Full Moon of the Spring Equinox)

April 22 – Earth Day

April – Administrative Professionals Day

(Wednesday of the last full week in April)

May 5 – Cinco de May

May – Mother’s Day (Second Sunday in June)

May – Memorial Day

June 14 – Flag Day

June – Father’s Day (Third Sunday in June)

July – Independence Day

September – Labor Day (First Monday of September)

October 31 – Halloween

November 1 – All Saint’s Day

November 11 – Veterans’ Day

November – Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday of November)

December 24 – Christmas Eve

December 25 – Christmas Day

December – Boxing Day (Canada - first weekday after Christmas)

December 31 – New Year’s Eve

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Notes