| Fundraising
Until “Fundraising” came to The Railroad Club, the Board of Directors believed the way to generate funds was to upend members and shake them till coins rained from their pockets.
Seriously, though – the club treasury could not support special
programs or acquisitions, and members were entreated to be generous.
Regular “Yard Sales” paid the bills – these were
rummage sales of items donated by the membership, held in the old
Pere Marquette yardmaster’s station being rehabilitated for
club use. The first serious money came from a quilt raffle –
made possible through the club’s non-profit/501c3 status and
filing the proper paperwork with the state Bureau of Lottery and
Gaming.
The club logo emblazoned on ample sweatshirts, Beefy-T shirts and domestically produced ceramic cups currently generate good money. Raffles continue – each year for several, a G-scale train was featured and tickets sold at the City Opera House’s annual “Festival of Trains.” The club’s success and visibility have stimulated outside donations, as well.
Funds flowing in have made the difference for The Railroad Club, and all members had to do was get a little creative with some common fundraising activities. Enthusiasm certainly doesn’t hurt, either!
Explore the examples here, of projects that have been both fun and
lucrative for various organizations. Submit your own fundraising
success stories; photos and drawings are welcome. (clover@villagepress.com)
. Visit Live Steam & Outdoor Railroading’s BBS, The Steaming
Bay (and follow “The Tiemaker”) to chat with
others concerning fundraising ideas.
Welcome! Let’s roll up our sleeves!
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