Well, since I have a moment to sit & write to you all, I'm going to take this opportunity to discuss my preparation for the Miss American Coed National Pageant!
Since capturing the title of "Miss Great Lakes Coed 2013-2014" back in April, I have been vigorously rehearsing and fundraising to become the 2013 National Coed Queen! The pageant does not take place until November in sunny Florida, but I have been super busy these last few months!
Most people think because I participate in pageants, they are really expensive (which they can be). HOWEVER, if you take the right steps to raise funds, little to no money will come from your pocket! So, if you are preparing for an upcoming pageant, here are some ideas to help you fundraise!
1.) Embrace the ad opportunity:
Most pageant systems have an ad program where basically you ask family, friends, and local businesses to put an advertisement in your state or national program book for a fee. These fees may range from $25 for a business card size to $600 for a full page. It all depends on the pageant system. They may seem like a lot of work, but they are totally worth it! The incentive for the businesses that fund an ad space is that their donation is tax deductible! I always make a point to highlight this. I mean, who doesn't like saving money!? :) It is also a way for a business to advertise to a whole new crowd! In addition to all this good stuff, YOU, my pageant girl, may receive special recognition for all your hard work! Trophies, cash prizes, digital cameras, free hotel nights, optional contest fees paid... I mean the list goes on & on!
2.) Got a hobby?
Another great way to raise funds is by using your various gifts! It could be sewing, knitting, cooking, but for me, its baking!! I absolutely L O V E to bake you guys and I mean EVERYTHING: cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes, and so much more! I began my business in 2007 when I was preparing to go to the National American Miss National Pageant in California! I paid for my sponsor fee, optional contest fees, airfare, and hotel stay that year! Honestly when I look back, I have no idea how I did it as I was a member of the National Honor Society, took AP classes, did a load of volunteering, taught dance weekly at my church, a member of the choir, a member of the drama club, and STILL found time to bake! Haha :) Well, "Victoria's Delicious Bakes" is still in full swing and is STILL my #1 way to raise funds for my pageantry endeavors! I am even preparing to provide a dessert table for a wedding that will take place next year, so YES! Expand on your hobby and with the right attitude, watch it thrive!
3.) eBay it up giiiirl:
Let's just say this...eBay is flipping addictive. Seriously. I may have 200 items on the watchlist as I am typing this blog, LOL. Anyway, it is not only a great place to score amazing deals on items but also to SELL! Go to your closet and pick out items that you don't wear anymore, and put them up for bid! This a great way to raise the funds you need. If you have an account, great, if not, GO SIGN UP NOW! Insertion fees are really low so you will not be cheated out of your $$$. Check out this page for more information on how their system works. Every so often, eBay will also have various weeks or days where you will be able to post items FOR FREE! I've started selling on eBay about a month ago and I love it!!
4.) Fill up a jar:
Okay, I have yet to try this (I will be this month), but I have heard from many of my pageant sisters that it works! Basically, you purchase a bulk order of mason jars and create a nice little sign to stick to the front of it. On the sign, will be your name, your title (and/or the title you are competing for), the pageant system, your picture, and a short and sweet blurb about you and what you hope to accomplish! This will serve as a tip jar in which you would take to various "Mom & Pop" stores and ask if you could display in an attempt to raise funds for your pageant fees! What I mean by "Mom & Pop" stores, are small businesses that will most likely have no problem with it. Establishments like McDonalds or Walmart will have to talk to upper management to approve it all, and by time that happens, the pageant would have already been here! Go to Amazon or any other store you could think of that would sell mason jars and pick you up a few! Next step would be to hit up your downtown, dressed to the nines, and ready to fundraise! If it is a state-wide or national pageant, it would also be a good idea to spread out to other cities! Approximately 2-4 months would be a good amount of time to ask to keep the jar at their establishment. When you go to pick up your jars, make sure you have a thank you card or gift in hand to give the manager. Always a nice gesture!
5.) Have some fun and raise some funds:
Businesses such as bowling alley's, laser tag/paint ball fields, and skating rinks often have fundraising opportunities where for a small fee, you are able to hold an event where you will not only raise $$$, but have some fun while doing it! I recently did a bowling fundraiser where for $50, I held 6 lanes for my party. I charged each guest $20, where I kept half of the proceeds at the end. The $20 fee included 2 hours of bowling, shoes, 2 slices of pizza and pop! What a deal, right!? This was, by far, the EASIEST fundraiser I ever did. I literally showed up and management took care of every detail! They even allowed me to hold a raffle and bake sale where other customers would be able to take part in! Although I don't bowl very well, it was so much fun and receiving my check at the end of the event wasn't bad either! ;)
Of course they're probably other awesome fundraising ideas available, but these are just a few that have proved to be tried and true! So, as you can see, pageant fees don't always have to come from YOUR pocket, allow the community to help you!
Have an amazing day,
Victoria :)
No comments:
Post a Comment