Fundraising Idea of the Month:
Fashion Show

Mothers have to struggle to get the kids to come and then hassle them to try on the clothes. To buy clothes for themselves is tough as well, for when do they have the spare time to do it in a relaxed manner, a manner that is very very desirable if not essential. As for the male half of this equation, we won't go into that dark and depressing area, suffice to say that maybe it's a good thing that the women are in charge of the clothes shopping.

So, how can we offer a solution to Mum and make a fundraising dollar at the same time? Have a fashion show. If organised properly, you will be doing a public service, helping the local economy and improving your organisation's bottom line.

Things that will need to do or decide:

• Someone willing to be in charge and responsible for the show.

• Models can be volunteers from agency or members of your organisation (for kids' shows use the children of those parents attending).

• Will the show be private (open only to those directly invited) or public? Should you hire an appropriate venue or maybe approach the shopping centre where the shops are to host or sponsor the show.

• Alternatively consider holding the show in a members' backyard in a relaxed bar-b-que atmosphere?

• Support and participation of local clothes stores.

• An appropriate sound system.

• Refreshments (will you need a license to sell alcohol)?

• A decision whether to raise the money by ticket prices, commission on sales, participation fee levied on the clothes stores participating or a combination of the above.

• Should the event be held by night or day, weekday or weekend?

• What theme to use: summer, winter, baby, young, teenager, sports, 14 up (size that is).

Your theme may depend on which clothes shops participate. You may have to see which shops agree to participate then work out a theme. Be prepared to adjust your theme to local influences.

Time is crucial when organising a fashion show so give yourself plenty of lead time. This activity is a great way for the members to mingle and relax as well as raise money. It is also a great way to court new members.



 Subscribe in a reader

Doug Nash lives in Logan City in Queensland, Australia. He has graciously consented to share a fundraising idea with us every month. Although many of the ideas aren't new, each of them has a unique flair that comes from being developed and refined half a world away from ours. Visit his web site at http://www.home.gil.com.au/~dnash/ for more fundraising ideas.