A full-time parent, Wendy Dransfield takes an active role in her children's education. At Woodside Elementary School, Wendy Dransfield served as chair of an auction fund-raiser.

2. A full-time parent, Wendy Dransfield takes an active role in
her children's education. At Woodside Elementary School,
Wendy Dransfield served as chair of an auction fund-
raiser.
When schools need money, there are many more options
than the traditional bake sale. Raffles stand out as a
perennial favorite, largely because children can become
involved in both ticket selling and securing prizes. Many
children feel a sense of accomplishment when they are
able to obtain a raffle prize from a local business, and this
strategy can fuel an auction as well.

3. By gathering items for raffles or auctions, children
learn persuasive techniques and business skills
while helping their schools.
Both children and parents can communicate the
value of a fund-raiser to a potential event sponsor
or item donor. Local businesses frequently benefit
from becoming engaged in community events,
which makes a sponsored project mutually
appealing. Events also give parents a chance to
volunteer for the school, and children tend to
appreciate having their whole families involved.

4. For this reason, many schools have
embraced theme nights, gift-wrap events,
student art sales, and other projects with a
community element. The best fund-raisers
not only bring in money for school programs
but also get home, school, and
neighborhood connected in supporting
children.