Brainstorming has always been more like brain-flooding for me. James and Maria and I got together and listed every idea we could think of to raise money for the iPOP convention expenses. My first thought—crazy as it sounds, was gumball snakes; past experience showed me they could be popular. (Another story…)
We bought a prepackaged row of big colorful gumballs, put a cotton ball on for a head, encased it all in plastic wrap, tied on a ribbon and it became “Sammy the Snake of Success”. We each took permanent markers and drew cartoony faces on them. So, the idea is to offer them in trade for small donations. When I figure out how to add photos to this blog I’ll let you see them.
Soon after we had made a bunch of them, my college son, Aaron came home for a visit. He saw the happy little snake collection and really, really wanted one….Yes, I ended up giving him one. This is my downfall with the fundraising thing; I just want to give people things. It is so hard for me to hold a garage sale, if I see the longing in a tired mommy’s face and her big-eyed children I just want to lower my prices, or give the item away. This money-raising will be a challenge.
I also made very cool bracelets of chocolate brown hemp with three small brass beads entwined. They represent the three of us committed to our trip to LA. These are for people who donate more than just minimal “snake” money. And then we have a wonderful 11 track CD of recordings from most of our kids, some original songs, some covers of songs. We are a family of musicians—jazz, Broadway, Inspirational, Pop, Standards, and “Veggie Tales” songs are among the genre we all enjoy. Beethoven is just as welcome in our home as Bing Crosby.
Here is “The List” of expenses for our trip. Happily, we get the “pay for two and one goes free” arrangement. Each performer’s package cost includes travel (airline, hotel and ground transportation)--$1,000; registration for the convention itself (classes, rehearsal techs, banquet ticket)--$1,500; the weeks of training with our acting coach at the JRP school prior to the convention and school admin fees--$1,100; Hair and makeup consult and services prior to and daily at the event--$250 (wait till you hear what our consult with a “real” LA stylist was like….); Guest speakers and weekend workshops in Seattle prior to the event--$250; Gala Awards Dinner and Showcase performance--$300; Convention dance party and dinner--$300, Miscellaneous--$300 includes trip staffing, merchant fees, taxes, staff hotel and travel.
The total price for each performer is $5,000. Perspective is everything, I suppose. My initial reaction of that amount was “GASP!!”; however, when I described it to both our Chamber of Commerce Director and another friend in the financial planning field, they each said, “Oh, that’s do-able”. They have more experience in fundraising than I. However, I do understand that this is a business for everyone involved, the school isn’t just acting out of charity, neither is the airline that will fly us there nor the hotel that is giving us shelter. I have seen that the JRP school does have a commitment to excellence and professionalism, and offers many opportunities for the performers to get all the extra assistance they need to give them an “edge” at the competition.
So, yeah, that’s a lot of “Sammy, the gumball snake” donation trades. Though, I would easily trade one for a $1,000 donation if you wanted to speed up the process for us. That fortunate snake would have a lovely hand-drawn face with long eyelashes, ruby lips and a golden, curly ribbon. Hmmm, I could probably even give it a cute little faux pearl necklace. Any takers??
Donations can be sent to PayPal, send to MyPromDesign@gmail.com , you can use a credit card. Let us know if you’d like a snake, bracelet or CD. With a $100 donation you will also get your name, or your company’s name, in the convention booklet.
More info to follow…..thanks for reading!!
