Best Practices

Looks like we're a little short on success stories from the membership.  Has your squadron been successful in a fundraising event or method?  Or maybe you just have a few tips you can share from a fundraiser.  Either way, if you don't mind sharing, please send it to Marie at mvogt@capnhq.gov  



Fundraiser - Dance
Funds Raised - $4,000
MA 019 Beverly Composite Squadron
Commander:  Major Thomas J. Lyons, CAP

I urge everyone to refer to CAP online news dated October 15, 2008. (Click here for a PDF of the article) The Beverly Composite Squadron hosted a dance that raised almost $4,000.00 in one evening. The effort to make this happen was enormous. It was a challenge, yet fun at the same time.  

We hired a local vendor to provide the food and beverages. We had to provide liability insurance to the ciy of Beverly. It was our responsibility to make sure the vendor was completely insured as well.   All the cadets received a DDR type briefing, mandated by the Vice Wing Commander, about staying clear of the bar during the evening.    We also knew to brief the cadets and fulfilled the requirements. As expected there were no issues with the cadets.

We hired a local swing band for the music, and they were excellent.   The Collings Foundation was kind enough to park a B-25 and a P-51 in front of the hangar for the evening. All we had to do was ask.

Key Points to Consider:

Venue: We were given a hangar to use for the evening

Advertising: Local cable access, PAO getting out to newspapers and posters printed by members

Food and Beverages: GET A REPUTABLE CATERER  As with any event the caterer can make or break it

Ticket Sales: We used a members Pay-Pal account for on-line sales, get cadets and parents involved and we also used the local airport diner as a spot to buy tickets during the day

Set up committees: Ticket sales, decorating, clean up etc.

Rentals: Find a company that will work with you, you need chairs and tables, linens etc.

Raffle donations: We sold tickets during the dance and held drawings during band breaks, all prizes were donated

I will discuss this event with anyone interested in hosting a dance.   If you are interested in more information, please contact Marie at mvogt@capnhq for Major Lyon's email address.