Finding GOOD prizes for a raffle

katielou78

Hi,

This has probably been mentioned before but I couldn't find the thread, but we are looking for some GOOD prizes for a raffle to raise funds for MND.
We've tried a lot of larger shops/businesses M&S etc, but to no avail and are trying to think of local places but just wondered if anyone has got any tips and ideas on how / who to contact and get some good prizes.

Many thanks!:T

jackyann

Good quality, small local businesses, in return for good publicity, spas & beauty parlours will sometimes donate a manicure / pedicure. Some local craftspeople will also donate, but their budget is often small as they don't make much money. Photographers will sometimes donate a sitting.
Local restaurants & pubs often come up trumps, especially Indian restaurants.

But remember that asking for bigger prizes means you have to raise your game, in terms of cost of tickets, money raised, and publicity among the kind of people who are likely to generate business for the donors.

You don't say why you have chosen a raffle.
Sometimes an auction is better - prolongs the publicity.

An auction of promises can be a very good way of harnessing local / amateur talent in a way that raffles don't.

I am an amateur calligrapher & joined in an auction - as people had seen my work, someone donated £25 for me to write out a family recipe to be framed; and people can simply offer gardening or cleaning.

devildog

What do you class as 'good' prizes? My motto is anything and everything is gratefully received(and used accordingly) Quite often larger shops and businesses aren't the best ones to approach.
I would write (on charity headed paper if possible) asking if they would consider supporting you in your fundraising efforts(tell them exactly what you are doing and how they could help) If you can also add why you have become involved in the fundraising for MND(someone close affceted?) very very briefly how this impacts on them and how MND have helped you.
Don't just consider large shops/businesses, as jackyann has said beauty parlours/pubs that do meals/hairdressers etc are pretty good too. Also think about cinemas, swimming pools, bowling and any other local 'day out' venues such as castles, farm parks, Legoland or whatever.
With smaller local shops that you use, I would go in and ask (take some literature in with you regarding MND) and ask for their support.
Finally don't forget to thank contributors for any donations(by way of a letter)

Good Luck

hcb42

try local hotels, but it is a lot easier if you know someone who works there, they are normally happy to give away one night accommodation, however they do get bombarded with requests so it's usually about relationships..

katielou78

Thank you so much everyone for your good ideas! By 'good prizes' we meant not bottles of shampoo, boxes of chocolates (unless it was really big!) etc.
My Aunt has contacted a lot of people so we're building up a big list of more local businesses.
Once again, many thanks.

Savvy_Sue

If you have a number of helpers you can tap into, it may be worth pulling together a hamper or two. The choir I go to, we used to drop in a tin or two in the run up to Christmas, and someone would make up some really nice hampers.

XxXfashionqueenXxX

Also go to the shop that way they could give you something on the spot. Local supermarkets are good speak to your local events co-ordinator in them.