My First Fundraiser

I've really been stressing hard about what to do to raise money for my walk. I really don't like sending emails asking for money, and giving nothing in return. I've been checking the message boards at The3day.com, and I got a great idea that I could actually use and something I actually have some experience in: a Garage Sale Fundraiser.

Now, I've held a few garage sales, and have made a decent amount of change, but usually it's with dread, and I don't always have that much stuff because I don't like stuff laying around, or out of place...that's just my OCD talking. I've been holing up some stuff in our spare room, but it still wasn't enough to hold a sale, yet. The idea was to recruit other others to donate their stuff for my cause!

I made up a flyer notifying my neighbors and friends that I would be not only holding a garage sale on a predetermined date, but that I would be blocking the street with cars as they stopped in. I mentioned that if they had anything they wanted to donate that I would gladly pick it up. Pia helped me walk up & down our street leaving flyers in our neighbors doors, and my friend, Magda, who lives a few blocks up, did the same. I also posted it on my Facebook page, just in case some friends needed to make room in their home, too.

The very next day I already received word from a couple neighbors, and several friends! Wow! I wasn't sure how well it would work, but it already is, and I still have another week to go before the big day. One neighbor volunteered to lend me her upright clothes rack to hang garments from! Now, I need to begin making room for the items that are coming in...my OCD is a little unnerved, but common sense is keeping it under control. :)

My plan is to also put out some cookies/donuts & coffee for donations, as well. Another idea from a message board is to get a bunch a grocery bags and allow people to fill the bag for a $5 donation...only what will fill the bag...I believe that could work well. I'll let you know how that goes.

I'm really looking forward to this and even Pia is excited to help. She told me as we were walking down the street that she was proud of my for making the effort to put these flyers out. I about cried, and was proud of her for being aware of the situation and what it meant for me. No matter how much we make, it will be worth hearing that from her.