Summer is almost here, which means your COTA volunteers and supporters may be looking for some ‘fun in the sun!’ There is no better way to enjoy summer fun than to combine your COTA campaign fundraising event with summertime activities.
Consider these events made for summertime sunshine and warmer temperatures:
Pool or Beach Party. When people think summer … they think sunshine, water and sand! Whether you partner with a local YMCA or hotel, or stake out a section of your town’s beach, a casual pool or beach party can be a great fundraising idea. Charge for entry and consider holding a pool/beach volleyball tournament or sandcastle building contest for extra fun.
Water Balloon Competition. Combine this with another outdoor fundraising activity or host it as a sporting event. Charge for each balloon or have a team competition where each team pays a registration fee. Participants are sure to have fun while raising funds for COTA in honor of your local patient!
Car Wash. You will need a high-traffic location with access to water, soap and sponges, a group of enthusiastic volunteers and publicity to make this warm weather event a success. Consider recruiting youth and children as volunteers — this is a great activity for their involvement.
Rummage Sales. The warm weather makes for ideal conditions for a rummage sale: potential shoppers are more likely to be out and about, and dry, sunny days allow you to set up shop. The more items you collect, the more successful your sale will be. Remember, you can provide in-kind gift receipts for these important contributions. Let others’ gently used items generate funds for transplant-related expenses!
Food Sales. Investigate local summer carnivals, fairs or concerts for opportunities to have a booth for food sales. Hot dogs, lemonade and even candy are great ideas! The host of the event may be able to provide ideas of what is needed and may even offer a discount for nonprofit organizations.
Outdoor Concert. Summer is concert season. Work with local venues and musicians to build a lineup and sell tickets for an outdoor concert fundraiser. The musicians might even donate a portion of proceeds from merchandise sales to the COTA community campaign, if asked.
Film Series. Put a fun spin on movie nights by hosting a screening in a public park, or working with local businesses to secure an area large enough to host a drive-in. Charge for entry and provide popcorn, drinks and candy for additional contributions to COTA. Remember to set a COTA Coin Box at the concessions stand to collect change.
Block Party. Celebrate Independence Day while raising funds for your COTA community campaign by hosting a summer block party. Work with your neighbors to section off your road and charge for entry. Ask a local band to perform, set up family-friendly games, host eating contests, and sell food and drinks.
Field Day. Whether it is a good old-fashioned field day for the whole family or a day-camp retreat that gives parents a break, supporters will be thrilled about this summer fundraiser. Charge for admission and host a day of arts and crafts, hiking, swimming, kayaking, small competitions (like a wheelbarrow race, sack race, water balloon toss, capture the flag, etc.) and perhaps s’mores by a campfire. Recruit plenty of volunteers to help and be chaperones.
Fun Run. A 5K or Fun Run can be successful any time of year, but warm weather is bound to increase race attendance. Be sure to host your run earlier in the morning to avoid the heat and remember to have plenty of volunteers handing out water and ice to keep runners cool. Or try holding an Electric or Glow Run at night as another option for escaping summer heat.
Do not limit yourself to just these ideas. We encourage you and your volunteer team to be creative. Remember to send photos and updates from all of your COTA fundraising events to CampaignInfo@cota.org. We enjoy celebrating your successes with you!
