FIRST Team 578 developed a unique fund raiser called:
ChalkRaiders
PDF flyer:
http://fairportrobotics.org/prod/doc...2015_Flyer.pdf
Starting with the school district mascot (Raider/Pirate) the robotics team created a 48" stencil of the mascot (out of plastic so they flex to fit into vehicles) along with stencils for text messages. The mascot logo and message are sprayed onto driveways using water based "marker paint" (no, it isn't really chalk). We offer this fund raiser in the fall (for Homecoming) and in the spring (for Graduation) and can earn between $800 - $1600 each time.
A ChalkRaider can last from 6-12 months (depending on weather and location) and disappears when people seal their (asphalt) driveway.
The ChalkRaiders fund raiser requires a small capital investment (making the stencils) but it:
- Has a large profit margin ($5 expense for 3 orders)
- Involves students and parents (to spray in the evenings)
- Engages the entire community (homeowners, businesses)
- Enables recreational teams and student clubs to show their spirit
- Raises awareness of FIRST(everyone knows about the robotics team)
- School specific so coopetition for the market is inherent
Parents are very enthusiatic for ChalkRaiders (bragging rights for their child) and the school district even has them by the high school entry doors for graduation. Once people see these on someones driveway they want one for their student/team. We get walkup orders as well. Custom messages (e.g. "Congratulations Sharon") are more difficult so we quote extra.
Just two weeks ago the robotics team put an extra large 30' logo on the hillside next to the high school for the homecoming pep rally (we made the stencil using a blue tarp).
IMO this type of fundraiser should be associated with
FIRST teams as a way to "MAKE IT LOUD".