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Original poster

Calling all PTA members

38 replies

moneytree · 06/05/2011 17:06

Hello,

When organising an event how on earth do you manage to get to parents to support it? I am having trouble and could use some inspiration pls

OP posts:
IloveJudgeJudy · 06/05/2011 19:37

Involve the DC. If having a summer fair, get a couple of classes to do a few dances, or get the classes to play a football tournament.

If it's senior school then I don't know!

Original poster
moneytree · 07/05/2011 12:01

That is a good one although mine is an evening event so too late for the kiddies. Thanks for your feedback, feeling a little frustrated at the moment.

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inkyfingers · 07/05/2011 20:15

Try networking round parents. One PTA enthusiast to talk to parents in each class. Talk up the event, get parents to see how important the cash will be for their kids '£500 will buy us the new climbing frame'... If it's an evening dance/party tickets could be sold in tables of 10 so everyone comes with friends.

Are any teachers supporting it too? Actually evening events are difficult Grin as our most successful events involve the kids.... Good luck.

BrawToken · 07/05/2011 20:19

I hated the pta, it was the longest 2 years of my life. Sorry for being so unhelpful Grin

Agree with involving kids - our best fundraiser was the Family Fun night which took place in the playground in summer and the kids loved it and the parents got pissed did too.

ibbydibby · 07/05/2011 21:28

What is the event?

LynetteScavo · 07/05/2011 21:30

Go up to them on the playground, address them by first name if you know it, and ask them directly.

MollysChamber · 07/05/2011 21:35

Agree with being direct. It's the only way.

Littlefish · 07/05/2011 21:35

We have class reps which means that the parents are approached to support events by someone they know well. We've found it really effective in boosting support.

nometime · 07/05/2011 21:37

How well our PTA events are supported really seems to depend on what the event is - I know how it can feel when you just don't seem to be getting any support. What is your event? Is it a new PTA and do the parents understand what it is all about - not such a stupid question as it sounds believe me!

HappyMummyOfOne · 08/05/2011 09:37

Whats the event and times? Are you fundraising for a specific purchase?

Original poster
moneytree · 09/05/2011 17:36

Hi It is an Auction of Promises and Raffle. The evening will include a complimentary drink, really good buffet and dancing afterwards with a paid bar. Smart dress. Tickets cost £15 each. We have managed to get some amazing donations from businesses local and afar. I am amazed considering the economic climate. I got the year reps to the rounds and no takers...all saying it was too expensive - I think they are just fed up with PTA (we didnt get much support for other events we held this year). We are moving into a new school and we need to raise the money for a new playground (we are almost there - actually we will be if this event is a success) which is great as the children has never had one. I am asking local preschools to sell tickets for us (they get a commission), posters up, advert in local rag. It is hard as we are only a very small school & really need this support. Feeling a little deflated as a group of us as put some much time & effort into.

OP posts:
Original poster
moneytree · 09/05/2011 17:36

I forgot to say - thank you for your feedback!!!

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HappyMummyOfOne · 10/05/2011 07:32

£15 is very high, given that they will be expected to part with more money on the raffle and auction so I can see why the take up is low. Does that £15 just cover the costs of the free drink and buffet or are you making profit on it?

Ineedacleaneriamalazyslattern · 10/05/2011 07:44

I agree the £15 is high as well since they are being asked to spend more money once they are there.
This is something we talk endlessly about I often think that our commitee try and over price tickets for things as well.

Ealingkate · 10/05/2011 07:49

£5 sounds about right, to entice the punters in.

mummytime · 10/05/2011 08:02

Our auctions of promises have tended to cost £15, if its a problem then maybe something cheaper but a cash bar (maybe run by a local pub if you don't have the license). Encourage people to bring friends. We have also taken sealed bids before the event, you could also encourage those who don't come to do phone bidding with a friend.

However you problem seems to be basic negativity. I would say, ignore the class reps, and some of the committee go around and see why people are negative and not supporting the school. Chat, chat chat to people, and smile at everyone. You need to sell it as a night out.

Original poster
moneytree · 10/05/2011 16:47

Thanks again, the £15 covers the cost of the free drink, buffet, alcohol license and disco equipment. We set the price at £15 as a local charity also held one in Oct and they priced it at £15 and managed to sell 100 tickets at the local village hall. They also had a raffle which gave us the idea. We are also going to do sealed bids although havent heard about phone bidding.

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Ealingkate · 10/05/2011 17:11

Sorry I didn't read your post properly - I didn't realise you were doing a buffet as part of the ticket price. What mummytime said in that case.

Original poster
moneytree · 10/05/2011 17:19

OK, thanks. This is my first event (I am new to the PTA) so really want it to go well & naturally be a success.

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goingmadinthecountry · 10/05/2011 20:10

How far away do the parents live? We have a big problem getting parents back in the evening as lots live a good few miles away, and babysitting is a big issue (and extra cost) as well. We've put on a couple of great events that have been very badly supported but events straight after school for parents and children together are very well supported.

I think £15 sounds lots especially if you are paying for a babysitter too then spending money.

Good luck! And well done on getting all the donations.

MmeBlueberry · 10/05/2011 20:18

A really good thing to do is to run a parents' event at the same time as something for the children.

For example, of you have a children's disco, the parents have to bring them. So, do a cheese and wine for them to save them going home for the hour or two. Basically, use child nagging to increase your attendance.

As for an auction of promises, don't do it in one evening. You will raise insulting sums for very good promises. Do it online over a month or two. You can use a website such as Http:www.auctionofpromises.com to manage the bids, and get everyone to advertise it on their Facebook status.

MmeBlueberry · 10/05/2011 20:19

www.auctionofpromises.com

jimswifein1964 · 10/05/2011 20:27

£15 is a lot even inc buffet food - I'd want a sit down meal for that! Really, I couldnt afford to spend that just to eat a few nibbles; or if I did, that would leave little left for the auction. The licence is only £21; could you not just link up speakers to an ipod instead of shelling out for a dj? That would save about £180ish? Then you cancharge less to get in, and get more people to come and take part.

Original poster
moneytree · 10/05/2011 21:28

Just come back from meeting and agreed to reduce price to £10. We live in a village and the school is at the heart, some parents come from outside too. We are also going to encourage a girls night out to get round the issue of a babysitter. A lot of good advice and lessons learned for the next event, so thank you!

Unfortunately we cannot do over a few months as it the event is in a few weeks but that was a great idea!

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Ineedacleaneriamalazyslattern · 11/05/2011 07:44

Girls night out is a good idea, we do something every year that we charge for and advertise it as a ladies night and is usually well attended.
On that night we also sell tables to people like our virgin vie reps, body shop and such like who also donate a prize for the raffle and also do make up demos and small pamper sessions. Some for an extra fee some for free.