How do you get people to attend your crops that are fundraisers? How do you advertise?

[Roslyn McClain]

Hi there. I am organizing a crop on November 1 that will raise money for the fight against breast cancer (Susan G. Komen). This is the first crop I have organized and I would like it to be as successful as possible to that we can donate lots of money to the cause. So far I only have 15 people registered to attend. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can advertise the event to get more attendees? Any suggestions on how to run the crop? How many raffle prizes do you normally have? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Roslyn

[Gloria Comstock]

I'd be interested in knowing more about your crops.

Advertise in local scrapbook stores (who might also donate raffle prizes)

Contact local consultants for scrapbooking products (CM, Close to My Heart, Stampin Up, etc) and ask them to give their customers fliers. They might also contribute prizes. (When I organized crops for my former employer - college/medical center - the consultants would do a mini class and give a prize - even a free workshop pass)

[Roslyn McClain]

Thanks for the input. I did send out the information to all of the scrapbook stores in the area. Unfortunely, none of the scrapbook stores were willing to donate anything. In fact, two of the stores we contacted, planned competing events once they received our information. Once is having something the weekend before in honor of breast cancer (not previously scheduled) and the other store is having an all day craft garage sale on the same day as our crop (not previously scheduled). It was really disappointing to see the stores do this.

[Leslie Fulton]

I am a CTMH consultant tell me more about your crop.

[Roslyn McClain]

The crop is a fundraiser for breast cancer. We will have cropping space and several vendors on hand to do make and takes as well as sell products. We are also selling food. Proceeds are going to the Susan G. Koman Foundation.

[Melanie Hyllested]

As the owner of a scrapbook store, I would just like to mention that we often have events booked up to a year in advance, but the customer doesn't usually see the upcoming month's calendar until a few weeks before the start of the month. Still, we would probably donate to a competing event if asked, but not advertise another crop in the store if it was the same day as ours.

It sounds like it will be a fun event. Are your vendors promoting it? Have you tried flyers? The local papers usually have a community calendar of events that may be a free listing. Be sure to get email addresses of all those attending for future events and you should be able to add to that list throughout othe year. Best of luck with the crop!

[Lisa Levin]

Hi Roslyn-

My advice might be kind of late for the crop this weekend but maybe you can use this for future crops. Craigslist is free and you can list crops, also Meetup.com is a great place to start groups and list crops (meet-ups). There is a 6 month sign up fee but if you go to coupon websites there is a coupon for 6 months at a reduced fee. I know people post things at work and we also send chain emails. Churches also are good places to post. Oh, I forgot, most Starbucks have a corkboard that you can post items. Sorry, my brain kept going and not in a proper sentence. Good luck, I hope your crop is a great success!! Lisa

[Roslyn McClain]

Thanks so much for the advice. I did use Craigslist and you are right, I got a lot of interest from that. I also have a meetup site which helped to advertise. We are going to have good weather (77 degrees), so we are also having bbq outside. We are hoping the smell from that helps to draw people in as well. THanks again!