Fundraisers: Are They Doing The Job?

I recently read an article about fundraising and what they actually raise for fire departments and it really makes you wonder: are we getting our money's worth?
Getting together for a fundraiser is certainly a great way to gauge public support, but let's face it; a pancake breakfast won't buy a thermal imaging camera. If you look at prices, cameras can cost $10,000. If you charge five bucks a meal, that's 2000 meals! Most likely, it will take a couple of years or more than one fundraiser a year just to get a camera.
Sure; you're putting your face in front of the public, but it's a lot of work to come up short on your much needed purchases.
So, my question is still: what do you expect from your fundraisers?
I'll be right over there.
TCSS.
Art

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Permalink Reply by Moose on September 3, 2008 at 11:54am

LOL!! Thanks. I enjoy this discussion too, I have learned something new about the County wide campaign.

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Permalink Reply by Tiger Schmittendorf on September 3, 2008 at 1:54pm

How can you say that?

They got you....

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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on September 3, 2008 at 2:21pm

I am not bashing the cops either. What I am saying is that they have presented a more unified front over the years.
We are still arguing over whether or not IAFF members can volunteer in their communities.
We are still arguing the whole career vs. volunteer thing.
We can't reach a consensus on residential sprinklers.
We still argue over rehab policies.
Until we stop the in-fighting, fire departments will be doing fundraisers.
Period.
Art

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Permalink Reply by LT Lake on September 3, 2008 at 4:02pm

We do a pancake breakfast every spring and I have to agree with a lot of what is being said here. on one hand there is a great deal of time put in before the event getting supplies and advertising and then an entire day at the event so time wise I agree its can be looked at as a waste. Getting your face in front of the public and building that relationship well that’s priceless. The money raised well most of our needs are provided so it goes toward smaller needs and some wants. So I guess I would have to say as far as our goal yes our fundraiser is doing what we expect it to.
Thanks for the great topic Art
Stay Safe
LT

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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on September 5, 2008 at 10:52am

In anyone is in the neighborhood on October 11th, we are having our annual fish and chicken dinner at our fire station.
This year, several folks running for public office have indicated that they would like to attend it.
Hey; it's a public place. Even scofflaws need a place to go.
Anyway; we usually clear 3 grand on it, but man, the mess is nasty. It takes two days to clean it up and get the deep fry smell out of the fire station.
Great turnout, though.
TCSS.
Art