Fund Raising

Candy sales, citrus sales, and car washes have a long and glorious history as band booster fundraising staples. But if your group is ready for something new and different, here are some other avenues you might want to explore for drumming up some cold, hard cash for your coffers:

Pearls for Purpose

Shucks is a small, pearl jewelry wholesale supplier owned and managed by Donna Lyerly, a wonderful woman from Hendersonville, NC, whose husband's American job is based in Shanghai, China. Donna has taken advantage of her access to beautiful and affordable pearl jewelry and has put together a fund-raising program so her success with her business can be of benefit to others. She will put together a "trunk show event" for you, with 25% of all sales going directly to your band or booster organization. Shucks will provide a representative, merchandise ranging from $14 – $300, credit card processing, displays, bags, tissue, etc. All you need to do is provide a place to meet (preferably with wifi), a few volunteers, and guests. Shucks offers gem quality graded, fresh water and salt water pearl jewelry direct from the pearl markets of Shanghai. This is an easy and unique way to raise significant funds in just a few hours. Your only cost is $75 for a "Pearls for Purpose" kit which includes:

• 200 printed postcards (postage not included)
• 5 posters
• Email campaign templates
• A boxed gift set of Cotillion A-Grade Pearls (to be used as a raffle item) – $119.00 value
• Event planning guide checklist

At this time, the Pearls for Purpose trunk show event is available only to groups in North and South Carolina, but bands in other areas are welcome to call Donna to discuss possibilities. You should allow approximately one month to plan and schedule your event. To book an event or get more information, call Donna Lyerly at 828-398-4696. To see a selection of Shucks jewelry, go to www.shuckspearlsonline.com.

Insider Pages

Insider Pages helps people find the best local businesses through recommendations from friends and neighbors. The company is owned and operated by Citysearch, a subsidiary of IAC/Interactive Corp. (NASDAQ: IACI). Your band can earn from twenty-five cents to $1.50 per review written about local businesses you personally know and use, such as doctors, dentists, hairstylists, home contractors, mechanics, insurance agents, etc. Reviewers must be 18 or over. This fundraiser is designed to run for 3 weeks and Insider Pages says your profit should range from $1000-$10,000. Visit Insider Pages' website at http://www.insiderpages.com/fundraising/how_it_works.