So you've been put in charge of a fundraiser. Good for you. Fundraising can be a fun and rewarding experience, helping others achieve goals that they may not have been able to before. But keep in mind that you can't just jump into the project without planning because that could prove quite disastrous for all involved. Some may make it look easy, but it's not that simple.
To get started, you will need a committee, as one person couldn't possibly handle everything at once and on their own. Choose a location or locations to hold your event, making sure it's easy to find and where a lot of traffic can pass by. Knowing how much profit is needed is also something to be aware of before things get too complicated. But no matter how meticulously it's gathered together, there are still a few things stacked against you.
The reality is, people are not that willing to donate their money these days. With tighter wallets and worried minds, money is usually only invested in places closest to the individual or family. The world is also turning to the internet more and more, making it less likely that they will notice any classifieds in a physical newspaper. Churches, sports teams, schools, and so on, need to find some way to garner enthusiasm and interest in their cause.
The causes could be anything, from new books for the school library, to musical instruments, to special trips, to simply needing more money to run their non-profit organization. What activity would you need to plan in order to be the most successful? You need to think about what would appeal to those you are trying to attract. What is popular in the area, or what is attractive on a universal scale?
You could try a car wash, auction or perhaps even a raffle to win prizes, but think about trying to reach to as many ages as possible. For instance, would a middle school student care much about a car wash?
Hey, how about selling food? Food can be a great motivator to young and old alike. A cookie dough fundraiser would be an excellent idea, especially in conjunction with a school. People just love cookies, because of their sweet taste and variety of flavors. The pre-mixed dough is inexpensive to buy, and simple enough for anyone to use. Just think how much money you could raise with a network of sellers going out into the community armed with colorful sales sheets showing a nice range of cookie favorites.
No matter whether it's for a charity, a school, a church, or a sports organization, coming up with a successful plan is the most difficult part of the project. Why not eliminate that hurdle and go with a tried and true cookie dough fundraiser? The results are pretty much guaranteed. With flavors like chocolate chip and cranberry oatmeal, cookie dough practically sells itself.
Author Bio:
For a great cookie dough fundraising service call Otis Spunkmeyer Fundraising. We'll provide a school fundraiser turnkey solution to help your school or organization make a bunch of money and have fun too. Call us at 1-888-ASK-OTIS
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?When-it-Comes-to-Fundraising---Cookie-Dough-Takes-the-Cake&id=4394343&opt=print
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Books Help Students Learn to Love Reading, Raise Funds
Parents and teachers love the idea of a fundraiser that encourages students to love reading. That's what makes a school Read-a-Thon an ideal fundraiser.
Creating a school Read-a-Thon is fairly simple, you begin by creating forms that students can bring to family, friends and neighbors to ask for sponsors. Students can ask to be sponsored per book, or for a flat donation (children may be a bit more encouraged to read even more if donations are for "per book"). Distribute the forms to each classroom and explain how the Read-a-Thon will work.
A great addition to your Read-a-Thon is to have small prizes that the students can win for their participation depending on how many books they read. At one school Read-a-Thon, for every ten dollars the student raised, they earned a dollar to spend at the upcoming Scholastic book fair. Adding in a Scholastic book fair, or other well-known book fair to your Read-a-Thon can be an excellent idea.
Take the opportunity during the Read-a-Thon to have the librarian suggest great books to each grade and class. Some students may be strong readers, and may already have an idea of what they like to read. Other students may be eager to compete, but may not be as confident about book selection. These students will appreciate having the librarian visit each classroom to talk a bit about good books for them to read, handing out a suggested reading list and answering their questions about ways to find great books. The Read-a-Thon will hopefully inspire some students to be stronger readers, and leave them with a love of reading at the end of the program.
Run the Read-a-Thon for a determined amount of time, such as two weeks or even a month. An idea is to run this during I Read Banned Books Week, which is held the last week of September every year.
Encourage students to obtain sponsorship from their family and friends. Parents may also bring the sponsorship sheet into their workplace, which could add up to additional sponsors. Creating a flyer with ideas for where they can raise funds could be very helpful to many, especially those that are a bit shy about asking people. Giving parents and students tips on where they can find sponsors could help them raise even more money. The more people the students and parents ask mean more potential funds for your school.
Make your School Read-a-Thon fun. Every week add up the student totals to see which grade and class has read the most and which student from each grade and class has read the most. This will most likely spur students on to read even more, as many students like a little friendly competition. Having the Principal read the students' names, grade and classes that are in the lead over the intercom would be a great prize every week for the students to look forward to.
A school Read-a-Thon will no doubt; encourage lots of students to read more books than they might have otherwise considered. This is an excellent opportunity to open children's minds to the wonderful world of books!
Author Bio:
About the Author: Jennifer Lawton researches fun and creative fundraisers for schools, sports teams, and other groups. There's more info about elementary school fundraisers in the school fundraising directory at: http://www.schoolfundraisingdirectory.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Books-Help-Students-Learn-to-Love-Reading,-Raise-Funds&id=742380
Creating a school Read-a-Thon is fairly simple, you begin by creating forms that students can bring to family, friends and neighbors to ask for sponsors. Students can ask to be sponsored per book, or for a flat donation (children may be a bit more encouraged to read even more if donations are for "per book"). Distribute the forms to each classroom and explain how the Read-a-Thon will work.
A great addition to your Read-a-Thon is to have small prizes that the students can win for their participation depending on how many books they read. At one school Read-a-Thon, for every ten dollars the student raised, they earned a dollar to spend at the upcoming Scholastic book fair. Adding in a Scholastic book fair, or other well-known book fair to your Read-a-Thon can be an excellent idea.
Take the opportunity during the Read-a-Thon to have the librarian suggest great books to each grade and class. Some students may be strong readers, and may already have an idea of what they like to read. Other students may be eager to compete, but may not be as confident about book selection. These students will appreciate having the librarian visit each classroom to talk a bit about good books for them to read, handing out a suggested reading list and answering their questions about ways to find great books. The Read-a-Thon will hopefully inspire some students to be stronger readers, and leave them with a love of reading at the end of the program.
Run the Read-a-Thon for a determined amount of time, such as two weeks or even a month. An idea is to run this during I Read Banned Books Week, which is held the last week of September every year.
Encourage students to obtain sponsorship from their family and friends. Parents may also bring the sponsorship sheet into their workplace, which could add up to additional sponsors. Creating a flyer with ideas for where they can raise funds could be very helpful to many, especially those that are a bit shy about asking people. Giving parents and students tips on where they can find sponsors could help them raise even more money. The more people the students and parents ask mean more potential funds for your school.
Make your School Read-a-Thon fun. Every week add up the student totals to see which grade and class has read the most and which student from each grade and class has read the most. This will most likely spur students on to read even more, as many students like a little friendly competition. Having the Principal read the students' names, grade and classes that are in the lead over the intercom would be a great prize every week for the students to look forward to.
A school Read-a-Thon will no doubt; encourage lots of students to read more books than they might have otherwise considered. This is an excellent opportunity to open children's minds to the wonderful world of books!
Author Bio:
About the Author: Jennifer Lawton researches fun and creative fundraisers for schools, sports teams, and other groups. There's more info about elementary school fundraisers in the school fundraising directory at: http://www.schoolfundraisingdirectory.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Books-Help-Students-Learn-to-Love-Reading,-Raise-Funds&id=742380
Thursday, February 24, 2011
How to Approach Grant Making Foundations That Only Give to Pre-Selected Organizations
Most of the foundations accept applications from any nonprofit organization or ministry seeking funding. There are, of course, restrictions and funding priorities but the church, Christian ministry, or other nonprofit is left to evaluate these areas and submit an appropriate funding inquiry. However, many smaller foundations do not accept applications and will include a statement that they only give to "pre-selected organizations" or that "applications are not accepted."
The most common reasons that foundations do not accept applications include:
1. The foundation has found that too many organizations are submitting proposals outside of the funding priorities.
2. The foundation has an internal process for identifying and selecting its grantees each year, usually organizations are recommended by a board member or trustee.
3. The foundation has been legally established for the benefit of specific organizations.
4. The foundation has been legally established by the donor/founder with specific restrictions on their giving procedures.
5. The foundation does not have the capacity to receive and review a large volume of proposals.
However, you may still want to approach foundations that do not accept applications if their giving interests closely match your organization's mission and vision. Being added as a new recipient for grant funding by a foundation "not accepting applications" happens more frequently than one would think.
We suggest a three steps procedure for approaching pre-selected foundations:
Decide if the foundation really is a good match
Carefully analyze the foundation's Form 990s from the past several years to see the grants that have been awarded. Subscribers to our Christian Funding Directory can use the free 990 Finder to find Form 990s from specific foundations.
If the foundation makes grants to the same small set of organizations every year, you might want to consider other funding sources. However, if there are organizations that are only funded periodically or if new organizations appear each year this may be a prospective funding source.
Next, analyze the new organizations that appear on the Form 990 to see if they are similar to your organization in mission, vision, and geographic area.
If all of these factors indicate a potential match, proceed by Using Your Networks.
Use your networks
Give a list of the foundation's board members and staff (along with their affiliations) to your board members, key donors, and influential supporters. Ask them if they know anyone on the list and if they are willing to introduce your organization to them. This is the most effective way of getting the foundation's attention.
If you do not have connections, proceed by drafting a compelling letter of introduction outlying why you are such an ideal prospect for funding.
Send a letter of introduction
If you don't have connections, you could still send a letter that introduces your organization and explains how it connects with the foundation's giving interests. However, this letter should NOT include a request for funding. Instead, the letter should provide a brief description of your organization, ask how the foundation selects its supported organizations, and request to meet with them or provide more information about your organization. This letter should be one page maximum!
Building a relationship can be a long process, but worth the effort. Remember these organizations are known to be very loyal to the organizations they fund, and if invited to apply you will most likely develop a long term funding partner.
Finally, if you are not an ideal and perfect match do not waste the time of the foundation and your own energies in developing and submitting a letter. Honestly, organizations that send frivolous letters are the reason the foundation has such restricted access in the first place. If you do not meet the funding priorities move onto the next foundation and continue your research.
Author Bio:
Jeffrey J. Rodman is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Grants Specialist (CGS). He is an experienced grantwriter, fundraiser, nonprofit executive, and public speaker who operates Here-4-You Christian Grant Consulting providing consultation for grant writing and funding development to Christian ministries and Churches worldwide.
Jeffrey has supervised a team of writers, researchers, editors, and administrative staff in providing consultation for grant proposal writing, nonprofit development, and fundraising in almost every state and a dozen foreign countries and has worked on proposals to Federal, State, and Local government as well as to Foundations, Civic groups, and many others. He received his BS and his M.Ed. from George Mason University. He has written 100's proposals, secured millions of dollars in funding, and maintains a funding rate of nearly 80%.
Jeffrey loves to play games with his kids and enjoy time with his family. He has lived in Virginia for almost since 1996 where he and his wife, Terri home school their four children, Alexandra (12), Mackenzie (8), Christian (6) Kaitlyn (3), and Abigail (born02/10/2010).
Here-4-You Christian Grant Consulting
Jeffrey J. Rodman, CFRE, CGS, M.Ed.
President & CEO
Website: http://www.npfunds.com
Blog: http://npfunds.com/blog
Phone: 1-866-HERE-4-U-1
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Approach-Grant-Making-Foundations-That-Only-Give-to-Pre-Selected-Organizations&id=3814640
The most common reasons that foundations do not accept applications include:
1. The foundation has found that too many organizations are submitting proposals outside of the funding priorities.
2. The foundation has an internal process for identifying and selecting its grantees each year, usually organizations are recommended by a board member or trustee.
3. The foundation has been legally established for the benefit of specific organizations.
4. The foundation has been legally established by the donor/founder with specific restrictions on their giving procedures.
5. The foundation does not have the capacity to receive and review a large volume of proposals.
However, you may still want to approach foundations that do not accept applications if their giving interests closely match your organization's mission and vision. Being added as a new recipient for grant funding by a foundation "not accepting applications" happens more frequently than one would think.
We suggest a three steps procedure for approaching pre-selected foundations:
Decide if the foundation really is a good match
Carefully analyze the foundation's Form 990s from the past several years to see the grants that have been awarded. Subscribers to our Christian Funding Directory can use the free 990 Finder to find Form 990s from specific foundations.
If the foundation makes grants to the same small set of organizations every year, you might want to consider other funding sources. However, if there are organizations that are only funded periodically or if new organizations appear each year this may be a prospective funding source.
Next, analyze the new organizations that appear on the Form 990 to see if they are similar to your organization in mission, vision, and geographic area.
If all of these factors indicate a potential match, proceed by Using Your Networks.
Use your networks
Give a list of the foundation's board members and staff (along with their affiliations) to your board members, key donors, and influential supporters. Ask them if they know anyone on the list and if they are willing to introduce your organization to them. This is the most effective way of getting the foundation's attention.
If you do not have connections, proceed by drafting a compelling letter of introduction outlying why you are such an ideal prospect for funding.
Send a letter of introduction
If you don't have connections, you could still send a letter that introduces your organization and explains how it connects with the foundation's giving interests. However, this letter should NOT include a request for funding. Instead, the letter should provide a brief description of your organization, ask how the foundation selects its supported organizations, and request to meet with them or provide more information about your organization. This letter should be one page maximum!
Building a relationship can be a long process, but worth the effort. Remember these organizations are known to be very loyal to the organizations they fund, and if invited to apply you will most likely develop a long term funding partner.
Finally, if you are not an ideal and perfect match do not waste the time of the foundation and your own energies in developing and submitting a letter. Honestly, organizations that send frivolous letters are the reason the foundation has such restricted access in the first place. If you do not meet the funding priorities move onto the next foundation and continue your research.
Author Bio:
Jeffrey J. Rodman is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Grants Specialist (CGS). He is an experienced grantwriter, fundraiser, nonprofit executive, and public speaker who operates Here-4-You Christian Grant Consulting providing consultation for grant writing and funding development to Christian ministries and Churches worldwide.
Jeffrey has supervised a team of writers, researchers, editors, and administrative staff in providing consultation for grant proposal writing, nonprofit development, and fundraising in almost every state and a dozen foreign countries and has worked on proposals to Federal, State, and Local government as well as to Foundations, Civic groups, and many others. He received his BS and his M.Ed. from George Mason University. He has written 100's proposals, secured millions of dollars in funding, and maintains a funding rate of nearly 80%.
Jeffrey loves to play games with his kids and enjoy time with his family. He has lived in Virginia for almost since 1996 where he and his wife, Terri home school their four children, Alexandra (12), Mackenzie (8), Christian (6) Kaitlyn (3), and Abigail (born02/10/2010).
Here-4-You Christian Grant Consulting
Jeffrey J. Rodman, CFRE, CGS, M.Ed.
President & CEO
Website: http://www.npfunds.com
Blog: http://npfunds.com/blog
Phone: 1-866-HERE-4-U-1
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Approach-Grant-Making-Foundations-That-Only-Give-to-Pre-Selected-Organizations&id=3814640
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Five Ways to Reduce Fundraising Auction Costs
School choir always contains a mix of students at the high school level. Some students choose to be there because they have had positive experiences in elementary and middle school choirs. But across the country, financial cutbacks have removed music programs from schools. So it is becoming more and more common for students to join choir in high school having had no previous choral experiences. If you are new to choir, here are a few tips for getting the most out of the program.
Learn Teacher Expectations
High school choir teachers are usually amazing well educated, and wonderful motivators. They have mandated teaching standards that they must follow, and their personal educational histories often include an interesting mixture of academics. You can help your child the most by making it a point to attend back to school night. You should expect a list of teacher expectations for the year. These will include scheduled performances, competitions, festivals and field trips, and also financial information about each event. The days of schools providing financial support for these things may be over in your school. You can better plan for the year by knowing up front how to budget for it. You will also want to ask how the teacher grades. There may be academic work in addition to performance grades. Each teacher's policy is different.
Support Fundraising Efforts
For some parents, this might mean donating time to help the teacher organize a fundraiser. For other parents, this might mean sponsoring your child and a friend who is less fortunate. For many, this will mean buying fundraiser items, or finding help from friends, family, and co-workers to sell items. Teachers can organize the fundraisers so that the entire profit earned goes to each particular child's account. There will also be fundraisers where the entire profit earned by everyone goes to benefit the costs for everyone. Attend in school fundraising concerts, and sell tickets to friends. This type of fundraiser provides the most profits for the choir. And, when your budget permits, offer to donate funds directly towards your child's events. Fundraising efforts are difficult to manage for teachers, and fatty checks are always appreciated.
Welcome Buying Choir Uniforms
It can be difficult to find school choir robes in schools these days. Many schools opt for stylish coordinated dresses for girls and slacks and shirts for boys. If your child happens to participate in show choir, every item worn must be uniform right down to the shoes and stockings. Judges will visually inspect choirs for appearance and award points for matching attire, well-groomed hair and appealing smiles. But, the most important part of wearing a choir uniform is the feeling of belonging to a winning team, and knowing that you are putting your best foot forward during performance. This feeling of pride is worth every penny invested in your child. So, by all means, do what it takes to accomplish the best that you can in this regard.
Your child will reap the benefits of your support, and everyone enrolled in the choir program will be better because of the value it provides. Choir is the place for gaining confidence and life skills. This is how to help your child succeed in high school choir.
Author Bio:
Judy Greenlees, is an expert in fine arts enrichment activities for children and their families. She has 29 years of professional experience working with families to raise musical and artistic children. To receive a free Raising Musical Children guide visit http://www.raisingmusicalchildren.com.
Business URL: http://www.raisingmusicalchildren.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Musical-Parenting---Help-Your-Child-Succeed-in-High-School-Choir&id=3739750
Learn Teacher Expectations
High school choir teachers are usually amazing well educated, and wonderful motivators. They have mandated teaching standards that they must follow, and their personal educational histories often include an interesting mixture of academics. You can help your child the most by making it a point to attend back to school night. You should expect a list of teacher expectations for the year. These will include scheduled performances, competitions, festivals and field trips, and also financial information about each event. The days of schools providing financial support for these things may be over in your school. You can better plan for the year by knowing up front how to budget for it. You will also want to ask how the teacher grades. There may be academic work in addition to performance grades. Each teacher's policy is different.
Support Fundraising Efforts
For some parents, this might mean donating time to help the teacher organize a fundraiser. For other parents, this might mean sponsoring your child and a friend who is less fortunate. For many, this will mean buying fundraiser items, or finding help from friends, family, and co-workers to sell items. Teachers can organize the fundraisers so that the entire profit earned goes to each particular child's account. There will also be fundraisers where the entire profit earned by everyone goes to benefit the costs for everyone. Attend in school fundraising concerts, and sell tickets to friends. This type of fundraiser provides the most profits for the choir. And, when your budget permits, offer to donate funds directly towards your child's events. Fundraising efforts are difficult to manage for teachers, and fatty checks are always appreciated.
Welcome Buying Choir Uniforms
It can be difficult to find school choir robes in schools these days. Many schools opt for stylish coordinated dresses for girls and slacks and shirts for boys. If your child happens to participate in show choir, every item worn must be uniform right down to the shoes and stockings. Judges will visually inspect choirs for appearance and award points for matching attire, well-groomed hair and appealing smiles. But, the most important part of wearing a choir uniform is the feeling of belonging to a winning team, and knowing that you are putting your best foot forward during performance. This feeling of pride is worth every penny invested in your child. So, by all means, do what it takes to accomplish the best that you can in this regard.
Your child will reap the benefits of your support, and everyone enrolled in the choir program will be better because of the value it provides. Choir is the place for gaining confidence and life skills. This is how to help your child succeed in high school choir.
Author Bio:
Judy Greenlees, is an expert in fine arts enrichment activities for children and their families. She has 29 years of professional experience working with families to raise musical and artistic children. To receive a free Raising Musical Children guide visit http://www.raisingmusicalchildren.com.
Business URL: http://www.raisingmusicalchildren.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Musical-Parenting---Help-Your-Child-Succeed-in-High-School-Choir&id=3739750
Monday, February 21, 2011
Should Babies Have Coffee?
Recent research has shown that infants that were given caffeine had issues with their sleep patterns, developing potential sleep abnormalities. However, many babies can begin to see effects from caffeine even before they are born.
There are many different schools of thought surrounding whether or not you should drink coffee during pregnancy. Excessive coffee drinking was once rumored to have caused miscarriages, but most recently, scientific studies have confirmed that having up to 3 cups of coffee a day during the second portion of the pregnancy should not harm the baby. However, it does depend upon the individual because it could cause insomnia or even nausea during pregnancy. One more thing for mothers to keep in mind is that whatever they ingest will go directly into their breast milk to affect their baby. Coffee does work as a stimulant, so it may cancel out the benefits of breast milk that cause the baby to sleep. Again, there is nothing wrong with enjoying coffee in moderation while breast-feeding, but excess caffeine consumption should be avoided.
The bottom line is that it is not ideal to give coffee to a babies since it can generally cause sleeplessness. When this theory was tested on rats, the rats that had coffee as babies had abnormal sleep patterns and a faster breathing rate. There is also an age-old myth that if a young child drinks coffee, their growth will be stunted. This is not necessarily true, but coffee is a beverage best enjoyed by those that are more mature and are not growing as infants.
The best course of action is to enjoy coffee in moderation and not give it to your babies. Coffee has not been proven to affect growth rates in children at all, but when given to babies, it can affect their sleep patterns for the worse. Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers do not have to worry about their moderate coffee intake because it is recommended to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee on a daily basis. The main reason behind this is that coffee has recently been proven to be full of disease fighting benefits, so when you enjoy it in moderation, you can count on reducing your risk for diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and even Alzheimer's.
However, these same benefits may not hold true for infants because the main effect of excessive coffee drinking on babies is sleeplessness. As you are caring for your infant, there is nothing wrong with moderate coffee drinking as an adult, but it is not something that should be given to small children. The main reason behind this is that it will disrupt sleep patterns, which can be a huge issue for small and impressionable children.
Other than that, you can continue to enjoy your cup of Joe regularly and in moderation because it is full of antioxidants that will fight disease and prevent premature aging! The great news to know is that coffee has been proven to be a healthy beverage when consumed in moderation on a regular basis.
Author Bio: Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-Babies-Have-Coffee?&id=3720105
There are many different schools of thought surrounding whether or not you should drink coffee during pregnancy. Excessive coffee drinking was once rumored to have caused miscarriages, but most recently, scientific studies have confirmed that having up to 3 cups of coffee a day during the second portion of the pregnancy should not harm the baby. However, it does depend upon the individual because it could cause insomnia or even nausea during pregnancy. One more thing for mothers to keep in mind is that whatever they ingest will go directly into their breast milk to affect their baby. Coffee does work as a stimulant, so it may cancel out the benefits of breast milk that cause the baby to sleep. Again, there is nothing wrong with enjoying coffee in moderation while breast-feeding, but excess caffeine consumption should be avoided.
The bottom line is that it is not ideal to give coffee to a babies since it can generally cause sleeplessness. When this theory was tested on rats, the rats that had coffee as babies had abnormal sleep patterns and a faster breathing rate. There is also an age-old myth that if a young child drinks coffee, their growth will be stunted. This is not necessarily true, but coffee is a beverage best enjoyed by those that are more mature and are not growing as infants.
The best course of action is to enjoy coffee in moderation and not give it to your babies. Coffee has not been proven to affect growth rates in children at all, but when given to babies, it can affect their sleep patterns for the worse. Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers do not have to worry about their moderate coffee intake because it is recommended to drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee on a daily basis. The main reason behind this is that coffee has recently been proven to be full of disease fighting benefits, so when you enjoy it in moderation, you can count on reducing your risk for diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and even Alzheimer's.
However, these same benefits may not hold true for infants because the main effect of excessive coffee drinking on babies is sleeplessness. As you are caring for your infant, there is nothing wrong with moderate coffee drinking as an adult, but it is not something that should be given to small children. The main reason behind this is that it will disrupt sleep patterns, which can be a huge issue for small and impressionable children.
Other than that, you can continue to enjoy your cup of Joe regularly and in moderation because it is full of antioxidants that will fight disease and prevent premature aging! The great news to know is that coffee has been proven to be a healthy beverage when consumed in moderation on a regular basis.
Author Bio: Another popular accessory for coffee is the commercial coffee maker! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-Babies-Have-Coffee?&id=3720105
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Five Ways to Reduce Fundraising Auction Costs
Some of the fundraising auctions I conduct are large events with impressive auction catalogs to match. These auction catalogs can be expensive to print. In fact, printing costs are one of the highest expenses when producing a fundraising auction. Anything we can do to reduce unnecessary printing is good for your fundraiser's bottom line.
One of my clients was brilliant. She dropped her charity auction catalog production costs from $14,000 to $7900. Impressive! But how did she do it?
1. Eliminated tabs in the benefit auction catalog Tabs are expensive. Although I think the tabs make it easier to find a particular section, I do not think they are worth the added expense. Have the printer show you some other options (heavier-weight paper) as an alternative.
2. Take a look at layout and get more text on each page. You can reduce the font size to get more text per page and you can completely change up the layout. One bit of caution, fundraising auction catalog text must remain large enough for someone over 40 to read it. It doesn't need to be as large as the font you might have on your website, but it needs to be a comfortable reading size. To test the font size, have your committee read it. They are representative of your guest population and can judge whether the font will work for most people.
Cutting costs by reshaping the charity auction catalog is an effective way to help your bottom line, but it's not the only place to reduce expenses. If a budget reduction is in order, reduce expenses in areas that have hard-to-prove ROI. In their auction planning, my clients have cut expenses in the following areas over the last two years:
- Create your own floral arrangements versus using a florist
- Eliminate the auction catalog. An option is to prepare an online catalog.)
- Redesign the benefit auction catalog to get more for less.
- Use a DJ instead of a band.
- One group eliminated the entertainment entirely, mentioning (after this organization and I worked together for a year) that the benefit auctioneer was entertaining enough without the added cost of entertainment.
You and your benefit auction committee should take time to figure out budget priorities. Here are a few hints about what WON'T make you money.
- A killer local band will not help you make more money.
- Elaborate centerpieces will not help you make more money.
- Beautiful decor will not help you make more money.
- An expensive venue will not help make you more money.
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in teaching non-profits the techniques proven to grow auction profitability. She offers a number of FREE auction ideas on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of best-selling auction items. Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Five-Ways-to-Reduce-Fundraising-Auction-Costs&id=3956064
One of my clients was brilliant. She dropped her charity auction catalog production costs from $14,000 to $7900. Impressive! But how did she do it?
1. Eliminated tabs in the benefit auction catalog Tabs are expensive. Although I think the tabs make it easier to find a particular section, I do not think they are worth the added expense. Have the printer show you some other options (heavier-weight paper) as an alternative.
2. Take a look at layout and get more text on each page. You can reduce the font size to get more text per page and you can completely change up the layout. One bit of caution, fundraising auction catalog text must remain large enough for someone over 40 to read it. It doesn't need to be as large as the font you might have on your website, but it needs to be a comfortable reading size. To test the font size, have your committee read it. They are representative of your guest population and can judge whether the font will work for most people.
Cutting costs by reshaping the charity auction catalog is an effective way to help your bottom line, but it's not the only place to reduce expenses. If a budget reduction is in order, reduce expenses in areas that have hard-to-prove ROI. In their auction planning, my clients have cut expenses in the following areas over the last two years:
- Create your own floral arrangements versus using a florist
- Eliminate the auction catalog. An option is to prepare an online catalog.)
- Redesign the benefit auction catalog to get more for less.
- Use a DJ instead of a band.
- One group eliminated the entertainment entirely, mentioning (after this organization and I worked together for a year) that the benefit auctioneer was entertaining enough without the added cost of entertainment.
You and your benefit auction committee should take time to figure out budget priorities. Here are a few hints about what WON'T make you money.
- A killer local band will not help you make more money.
- Elaborate centerpieces will not help you make more money.
- Beautiful decor will not help you make more money.
- An expensive venue will not help make you more money.
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in teaching non-profits the techniques proven to grow auction profitability. She offers a number of FREE auction ideas on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of best-selling auction items. Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Five-Ways-to-Reduce-Fundraising-Auction-Costs&id=3956064
Friday, February 18, 2011
Want to Use Coffee to Lose Weight?
Just imagine if you could have a wonderful drink to sip on every morning that would make a dramatic difference in your weight loss and cause you to lose inches. Oh, wait, that's coffee! This may cause you some surprise, but coffee is a proven weight-loss drink that will make a dramatic difference in your diet and cause you to lose pounds on a consistent basis. There are a few key tricks to integrating Java into your diet, and I would love to share them with you to make sure that you get the best results possible, while keeping your health intact.
The first thing to keep in mind is that there have been many studies surrounding Java citing it to be a harmful drink that should be avoided for your health. One of the main reasons that these studies were so negative was because the coffee drinkers being tested were also smokers. Hmm... Makes sense, doesn't it? Coffee was getting a bad rap for years simply because of the bad health effects of smoking that were not detected within the study. This means that it is completely safe for you to use Java sporadically throughout your day to boost your metabolism in a natural way to burn extra calories.
One thing to keep in mind when planning to drink Java as a part of your diet is that you must avoid all of those overly commercialized frappuccino drinks that will only add extra pounds because of the high fat and sugar content. Truthfully, it is so much better to drink your Java black, but if you don't have the taste for it, then you can sweeten it with Splenda and many of the other low calorie creamers available on the market. The main thing that Java in your weight loss plan will have to offer you is that it works to boost your metabolism as well as suppress your appetite. This is fantastic if you are looking for portion control in your diet to lose weight because you will have the ability to eat less, simply because of your Java intake. The trick behind this is to distribute your coffee intake throughout the day so that you don't have any crashes from the caffeine, while still keeping your metabolism high.
This is a much safer method than any other weight-loss drugs or products because it is a natural drink that is full of antioxidants. So in addition to getting all of these weight loss benefits, you will also be getting health benefits that work for your wellness overall by preventing disease and strengthening your immune system. Coffee is chock full of antioxidants, and it is beginning to rival green tea as the most popular drink of choice for Americans to get their daily antioxidant intake. Antioxidants work to prevent damage to cells, which will keep you healthy during your weight loss program and prevent disease and illness.
Now that you know this, you have the perfect tool at hand to jump start your weight loss and begin boosting your calorie burn - your cup of Joe!
Author Bio:
The best way to enjoy your coffee is with Commercial Coffee Makers! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: The best way to enjoy your coffee is with Commercial Coffee Makers! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Want-to-Use-Coffee-to-Lose-Weight?&id=2675139
The first thing to keep in mind is that there have been many studies surrounding Java citing it to be a harmful drink that should be avoided for your health. One of the main reasons that these studies were so negative was because the coffee drinkers being tested were also smokers. Hmm... Makes sense, doesn't it? Coffee was getting a bad rap for years simply because of the bad health effects of smoking that were not detected within the study. This means that it is completely safe for you to use Java sporadically throughout your day to boost your metabolism in a natural way to burn extra calories.
One thing to keep in mind when planning to drink Java as a part of your diet is that you must avoid all of those overly commercialized frappuccino drinks that will only add extra pounds because of the high fat and sugar content. Truthfully, it is so much better to drink your Java black, but if you don't have the taste for it, then you can sweeten it with Splenda and many of the other low calorie creamers available on the market. The main thing that Java in your weight loss plan will have to offer you is that it works to boost your metabolism as well as suppress your appetite. This is fantastic if you are looking for portion control in your diet to lose weight because you will have the ability to eat less, simply because of your Java intake. The trick behind this is to distribute your coffee intake throughout the day so that you don't have any crashes from the caffeine, while still keeping your metabolism high.
This is a much safer method than any other weight-loss drugs or products because it is a natural drink that is full of antioxidants. So in addition to getting all of these weight loss benefits, you will also be getting health benefits that work for your wellness overall by preventing disease and strengthening your immune system. Coffee is chock full of antioxidants, and it is beginning to rival green tea as the most popular drink of choice for Americans to get their daily antioxidant intake. Antioxidants work to prevent damage to cells, which will keep you healthy during your weight loss program and prevent disease and illness.
Now that you know this, you have the perfect tool at hand to jump start your weight loss and begin boosting your calorie burn - your cup of Joe!
Author Bio:
The best way to enjoy your coffee is with Commercial Coffee Makers! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: The best way to enjoy your coffee is with Commercial Coffee Makers! For a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Want-to-Use-Coffee-to-Lose-Weight?&id=2675139
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Using Candy For Your Fund Raiser
Raising dollars with candy is a great fundraiser idea. There are many fundraising opportunities online that offer assistance raising money with the use of sweets and other various products. Some of the more common sweets fundraising corporations offer popular candies such as M&Ms, Snickers, and hard sweets. Other businesses choose to market their own brands of candy and offer comparable benefits Another option is to use wholesale stores such as Costco and Sams, to get bulk quantities for of candies at a much reduced rate in order to make a considerable profit.
When raising money with candy keep in mind the type of candy and the weather. If you are using very young children, you may want to go with a more solid candy such as suckers during the summer in case they are forgotten on a hot school bus, in a car, or outside. To find fundraising corporations, do an online search of sweets fundraiser companies. There you will find many businesses that are available to help your organization raise funds with candy. You must also determine their earnings potential, bulk requirement, and how and when you would be paid. Before making a final decision on a money raising company, be sure to research each company to consider the options given. Most candy fundraising businesses would be happy to send out an informational packet or have a representative speak with you to determine your fund raising needs.
They must help you plan the entire process including the time frame, the methods of money raising, and to determine if raising money with sweets is the best option for your organization.
Author Bio:
Randy had tons of fun participating in the lollipop fundraisers for his youngest child last year.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Candy-For-Your-Fund-Raiser&id=4624126
When raising money with candy keep in mind the type of candy and the weather. If you are using very young children, you may want to go with a more solid candy such as suckers during the summer in case they are forgotten on a hot school bus, in a car, or outside. To find fundraising corporations, do an online search of sweets fundraiser companies. There you will find many businesses that are available to help your organization raise funds with candy. You must also determine their earnings potential, bulk requirement, and how and when you would be paid. Before making a final decision on a money raising company, be sure to research each company to consider the options given. Most candy fundraising businesses would be happy to send out an informational packet or have a representative speak with you to determine your fund raising needs.
They must help you plan the entire process including the time frame, the methods of money raising, and to determine if raising money with sweets is the best option for your organization.
Author Bio:
Randy had tons of fun participating in the lollipop fundraisers for his youngest child last year.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Candy-For-Your-Fund-Raiser&id=4624126
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
How to Remove Coffee Stains From Wood?
Coffee stains on wood are typically coffee cup rings, food or water stains left on wood tables, for example, as a result of not using coasters when drinking coffee. Depending upon the quality of the wood or the type of furniture stained, the stains can become unsightly and a concern for the long term condition of the wood.
Anytime surfaces are stained, it is always a good idea to clean as quickly as possible so the stains do not become set.
The following steps illustrate a way to remove coffee stains from wood:
• Wipe the surface gently with a clean white cloth so you can see easily the dirt removed.
• Dip this cloth in the suds of a mild detergent and cool water.
• Wipe the surface gently, rinse the cloth well and apply the dampened cloth onto the wood surface.
• It is important not to use a soaking cloth as this could leave water stains on the wood.
• Dry the surface with a different dry clean cloth.
• Polish or wax the wood as soon as possible with the correct professional product for the type of wood cleaned.
• This is not the only way to remove coffee stains but it is a method that has worked for friends and others we know.
Another alternative quick cleaning technique is the "non-gel toothpaste" method:
• How does this work? Rub a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto a clean cloth.
• Next, wipe the stain with the cloth.
• Then remove the toothpaste with a damp clean cloth.
• Rub the wood surface gently with a clean dry cloth.
• Polish the wood using the correct professional product for the type of wood cleaned.
The best recommendation when drinking and eating around wood surfaces is to use placemats, coasters and other surface protectors to prevent leaving coffee rings and other stains on the wood.
• One practical way to pass family housecleaning and maintenance tips from one generation to another is by sharing cleaning duties and discussing how to care for furniture and personal property.
• Without any doubt, when young members of the family leave to be on their own or attend college, they will one day benefit from one of these tips. Who knows? The family conversation could help protect wood surfaces of a furniture piece that could very well be an heirloom years later!
Obviously, in case of doubt about using quick cleaning tips that do not intend to offer any guarantee for removal of stains of any kind, by all means contact a professional cleaning service. Or, if applicable, contact the manufacturer. However, for many people, quick tips work well and provide helpful solutions to normal problems such as coffee stains.
So, how about drinking a cup of Macadamia nut flavored gourmet coffee now?
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Remove-Coffee-Stains-From-Wood?&id=4190255
Anytime surfaces are stained, it is always a good idea to clean as quickly as possible so the stains do not become set.
The following steps illustrate a way to remove coffee stains from wood:
• Wipe the surface gently with a clean white cloth so you can see easily the dirt removed.
• Dip this cloth in the suds of a mild detergent and cool water.
• Wipe the surface gently, rinse the cloth well and apply the dampened cloth onto the wood surface.
• It is important not to use a soaking cloth as this could leave water stains on the wood.
• Dry the surface with a different dry clean cloth.
• Polish or wax the wood as soon as possible with the correct professional product for the type of wood cleaned.
• This is not the only way to remove coffee stains but it is a method that has worked for friends and others we know.
Another alternative quick cleaning technique is the "non-gel toothpaste" method:
• How does this work? Rub a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto a clean cloth.
• Next, wipe the stain with the cloth.
• Then remove the toothpaste with a damp clean cloth.
• Rub the wood surface gently with a clean dry cloth.
• Polish the wood using the correct professional product for the type of wood cleaned.
The best recommendation when drinking and eating around wood surfaces is to use placemats, coasters and other surface protectors to prevent leaving coffee rings and other stains on the wood.
• One practical way to pass family housecleaning and maintenance tips from one generation to another is by sharing cleaning duties and discussing how to care for furniture and personal property.
• Without any doubt, when young members of the family leave to be on their own or attend college, they will one day benefit from one of these tips. Who knows? The family conversation could help protect wood surfaces of a furniture piece that could very well be an heirloom years later!
Obviously, in case of doubt about using quick cleaning tips that do not intend to offer any guarantee for removal of stains of any kind, by all means contact a professional cleaning service. Or, if applicable, contact the manufacturer. However, for many people, quick tips work well and provide helpful solutions to normal problems such as coffee stains.
So, how about drinking a cup of Macadamia nut flavored gourmet coffee now?
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Remove-Coffee-Stains-From-Wood?&id=4190255
Monday, February 14, 2011
Discount Card Fundraising - A Great Fundraising Idea!
Amongst the most broadly employed fundraising ideas we have run into, is absolutely discount card fundraising. Discount Card Fundraising can often be a fantastic approach for your group to supply an incredibly beneficial as well as simple method for your close friends, family and supporters to spend less money. Instead of buying arbitrary items in which in turn many people will not require, your close friends and supporters will help your group raise funds by buying this particular exclusive card which saves them money at shops in close proximity to you. The majority of people today tend to be in search of any way that they can pinch pennies without letting go of things that these people appreciate and this aids them do that!
Discount card fundraisers are amazing techniques for neighborhood businesses within your community like salons, markets, dining places, dry cleaners, pest care firms, chiropractic specialists and a lot more to assist your group. The benefit for them would certainly be that the nearby community members go out and support those firms which help your group. It really is a super advertising vehicle for the businesses and they are generally content with the help of the actual increase in business that comes through your group's followers.
Here's how it works:
Each and every person in the team markets the discount cards to their neighbors, loved ones and close friends for a low cost. To make more revenue, you can promote your card sale with local radio stations promotion or even in the neighborhood newspapers. Marketing and advertising them at localized activities, in supermarkets or even farmer's markets. Your group can make money and the actual customers of the authentic discount card save money each time these people use the card. The more fundraising cards your participants sell, the more earnings your team earns.
Discount cards are such a straight forward sell - who does not want to save money on dental office visits, dry cleaning, java, pizza, pool care, the health club, hair salons and more? The choices using discount card fundraisers go on and on. In addition, anytime you have run the sale once - it's not hard to be able to duplicate the next year considering the actual vendors will almost certainly get involved once again. The cards will be ready in a short time for the subsequent year and many years to come. Additionally, they are valid for a year therefore people can easily save a large amount throughout the year together with repeat use.
A fantastic solution to get your group motivated for your fundraiser would certainly be to include team members in brainstorming probable community companies to make use of the cards. By simply becoming active in the choice of the particular merchants, you are able to make sure that ones group members will be more jazzed in regards to the promotions which can be found on your discount card. When they are fired up, the followers will be thrilled and your product sales can increase so your group raises a lot more income!
A discount card fundraiser has become easy for your group. One distinct easy way to take the difficulty out of it for your group would certainly be to buy from a company that will secure the vendors for you. Instead of you contacting the area companies and going to a lot of stores and dining locations try and acquire sponsors for the discount card, let the fundraising organization acquire the vendors for you. This will cause it to be completely turn-key - no cold phoning to community vendors, which means a lower amount of energy to begin raising money.
Plan on a lead time of 4-6 weeks for your team to get customized cards. This can certainly enable you some time to produce enthusiasm regarding your forthcoming sale and to get your group members on board and ready to sell. The key to your fundraising achievement is really encouraging your members as well as getting out there to market your brilliant product.
Author Bio:
Jenny Ann is an expert fundraiser and writes exclusively for ABC Fundraising. She's always on the lookout for the best and easiest fundraising tips and ideas.
For more great fundraising ideas visit Abc Fundraising. To get started with your super easy discount card fundraiser, click the link --> Discount Card Fundraiser
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Discount-Card-Fundraising---A-Great-Fundraising-Idea!&id=4481016&opt=print
Discount card fundraisers are amazing techniques for neighborhood businesses within your community like salons, markets, dining places, dry cleaners, pest care firms, chiropractic specialists and a lot more to assist your group. The benefit for them would certainly be that the nearby community members go out and support those firms which help your group. It really is a super advertising vehicle for the businesses and they are generally content with the help of the actual increase in business that comes through your group's followers.
Here's how it works:
Each and every person in the team markets the discount cards to their neighbors, loved ones and close friends for a low cost. To make more revenue, you can promote your card sale with local radio stations promotion or even in the neighborhood newspapers. Marketing and advertising them at localized activities, in supermarkets or even farmer's markets. Your group can make money and the actual customers of the authentic discount card save money each time these people use the card. The more fundraising cards your participants sell, the more earnings your team earns.
Discount cards are such a straight forward sell - who does not want to save money on dental office visits, dry cleaning, java, pizza, pool care, the health club, hair salons and more? The choices using discount card fundraisers go on and on. In addition, anytime you have run the sale once - it's not hard to be able to duplicate the next year considering the actual vendors will almost certainly get involved once again. The cards will be ready in a short time for the subsequent year and many years to come. Additionally, they are valid for a year therefore people can easily save a large amount throughout the year together with repeat use.
A fantastic solution to get your group motivated for your fundraiser would certainly be to include team members in brainstorming probable community companies to make use of the cards. By simply becoming active in the choice of the particular merchants, you are able to make sure that ones group members will be more jazzed in regards to the promotions which can be found on your discount card. When they are fired up, the followers will be thrilled and your product sales can increase so your group raises a lot more income!
A discount card fundraiser has become easy for your group. One distinct easy way to take the difficulty out of it for your group would certainly be to buy from a company that will secure the vendors for you. Instead of you contacting the area companies and going to a lot of stores and dining locations try and acquire sponsors for the discount card, let the fundraising organization acquire the vendors for you. This will cause it to be completely turn-key - no cold phoning to community vendors, which means a lower amount of energy to begin raising money.
Plan on a lead time of 4-6 weeks for your team to get customized cards. This can certainly enable you some time to produce enthusiasm regarding your forthcoming sale and to get your group members on board and ready to sell. The key to your fundraising achievement is really encouraging your members as well as getting out there to market your brilliant product.
Author Bio:
Jenny Ann is an expert fundraiser and writes exclusively for ABC Fundraising. She's always on the lookout for the best and easiest fundraising tips and ideas.
For more great fundraising ideas visit Abc Fundraising. To get started with your super easy discount card fundraiser, click the link --> Discount Card Fundraiser
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Discount-Card-Fundraising---A-Great-Fundraising-Idea!&id=4481016&opt=print
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Coffee Pods, T-Disks and K-Cups
Before brewing coffee with coffee pods, before even purchasing or pricing the coffee pods you're planning to brew with, you'll want to pick up a coffee pod brewer. Not all of them are exactly the same, so you will need to do some research to match everything up. Various difference sizes of pods are available, and some pods will not fit some brewers. The safest way to find the right pod for the right brewer, or right brewer for the pods, would be to check the grams per pod against the brewer's capacity.
Though there are many coffee pod brewers that can hold up to twelve gram pods, there are some that can only hold between four and nine grams. Some coffee pod brewers require the larger coffee pods to be pre-infused, which is actually nothing more than wetting the pod before placing it in the brewer, which creates a better seal on the outer filter material.
You're not going to be able to tell if a pod will fit a machine just by looking, either. All of the pods currently on the market are between 55mm and 61mm, making it virtually impossible to tell the difference with only the human eye.
Very different than coffee pods, T-Discs and K-Cups are also floating around on the market. These are not an "open format" like the coffee pods; not just anyone can make them. Producers need permission and a license, which means selection of T-Discs and K-Cups is very limited in comparison to coffee pods. Strangely, T-Discs are also not Kosher.
The only device that you can use a T-Disc in is the Tassimo Hot Beverage Machine. The Tassimo Hot Beverage Machine can only use T-Discs. Although this limits your options, there are some advantages to T-Discs over other types of coffee brewing methods.
A T-Disc for cappuccino, for example, will actually be a package with separate groups of discs; some will contain milk, and some will contain coffee grounds. Although not quite as quick or convenient as coffee pods, this method does avail the Tassimo system the flexibility to offer latte, cappuccino, and even hot chocolate, complete with frothy toppings, in addition to your standard cup of coffee.
Since you'll be investing in the future of your coffee buying, you'll want to put quite a bit of research into your choice of a single cup coffee brewer. It's not like you can change your mind later, after all...at least not without buying a new coffee brewer.
Author Bio:
Anthony Davis - Owner of the best resource for finding great coffee pods.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Pods,-T-Disks-and-K-Cups&id=2710232
Though there are many coffee pod brewers that can hold up to twelve gram pods, there are some that can only hold between four and nine grams. Some coffee pod brewers require the larger coffee pods to be pre-infused, which is actually nothing more than wetting the pod before placing it in the brewer, which creates a better seal on the outer filter material.
You're not going to be able to tell if a pod will fit a machine just by looking, either. All of the pods currently on the market are between 55mm and 61mm, making it virtually impossible to tell the difference with only the human eye.
Very different than coffee pods, T-Discs and K-Cups are also floating around on the market. These are not an "open format" like the coffee pods; not just anyone can make them. Producers need permission and a license, which means selection of T-Discs and K-Cups is very limited in comparison to coffee pods. Strangely, T-Discs are also not Kosher.
The only device that you can use a T-Disc in is the Tassimo Hot Beverage Machine. The Tassimo Hot Beverage Machine can only use T-Discs. Although this limits your options, there are some advantages to T-Discs over other types of coffee brewing methods.
A T-Disc for cappuccino, for example, will actually be a package with separate groups of discs; some will contain milk, and some will contain coffee grounds. Although not quite as quick or convenient as coffee pods, this method does avail the Tassimo system the flexibility to offer latte, cappuccino, and even hot chocolate, complete with frothy toppings, in addition to your standard cup of coffee.
Since you'll be investing in the future of your coffee buying, you'll want to put quite a bit of research into your choice of a single cup coffee brewer. It's not like you can change your mind later, after all...at least not without buying a new coffee brewer.
Author Bio:
Anthony Davis - Owner of the best resource for finding great coffee pods.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Pods,-T-Disks-and-K-Cups&id=2710232
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Some Ideas For A Fundraising Event That May Be A Little Different
For many people organizing a fundraising event can be quite tricky. But below we provide a number of different ideas that you may want to try for your next fundraising event. However in order to maximize your fundraising event idea to achieve maximum success it is important that you create public awareness of it within the community where you live. It is vital that you tell these people they reason as to why the fundraising event is taking place and where it will be held.
Now let us look at some different fundraising event ideas which you may want to consider.
1. Rubber Duck Derby
This is not only easy to organize but it can be a great fun fundraising event as well. Plus you can scale it down to fit the size of your group's supporter base. However, what you will need is a local waterway in order for this event to take place. As what you will be doing is racing rubber ducks (the same that you had in a bath as a child) and then race them down the local river etc.
What people then do in order to help you raise funds is they sponsor or adopt a particular duck (whether they are named or numbered) and pay you with a chance to winning a price if their duck wins the race. In fact you will find that such a fundraising event has become one of the most profitable types to be used by many charities today.
2. Dog Wash
Well everyone has a car wash but why not do something a little more out of the ordinary. What you need to do in order to set this event up is find a place where lots of people regularly walk their dogs. You will then need to supply your team of volunteers with dog brushes, dog shampoo and water (preferably somewhere close at hand where you can regularly get fresh water from would be ideal). Also along with the dog wash you could sell dog toys and treats, plus other pet related products that you will earn a profit from.
Above we have provided you with two fundraising event ideas that you may want to consider. But if you want to learn more about ideas relating to fundraising events then why not surf the net there are plenty of sites which offer advice and information on fundraising event ideas all you need to do is key in "fundraising event idea" and see what results you get.
Author Bio:
For more information on fundraising events and projects for your organization try visiting http://good-fundraising-ideas.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and fundraising resources to include fundraising event idea and more.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Ideas-For-A-Fundraising-Event-That-May-Be-A-Little-Different&id=482844
Now let us look at some different fundraising event ideas which you may want to consider.
1. Rubber Duck Derby
This is not only easy to organize but it can be a great fun fundraising event as well. Plus you can scale it down to fit the size of your group's supporter base. However, what you will need is a local waterway in order for this event to take place. As what you will be doing is racing rubber ducks (the same that you had in a bath as a child) and then race them down the local river etc.
What people then do in order to help you raise funds is they sponsor or adopt a particular duck (whether they are named or numbered) and pay you with a chance to winning a price if their duck wins the race. In fact you will find that such a fundraising event has become one of the most profitable types to be used by many charities today.
2. Dog Wash
Well everyone has a car wash but why not do something a little more out of the ordinary. What you need to do in order to set this event up is find a place where lots of people regularly walk their dogs. You will then need to supply your team of volunteers with dog brushes, dog shampoo and water (preferably somewhere close at hand where you can regularly get fresh water from would be ideal). Also along with the dog wash you could sell dog toys and treats, plus other pet related products that you will earn a profit from.
Above we have provided you with two fundraising event ideas that you may want to consider. But if you want to learn more about ideas relating to fundraising events then why not surf the net there are plenty of sites which offer advice and information on fundraising event ideas all you need to do is key in "fundraising event idea" and see what results you get.
Author Bio:
For more information on fundraising events and projects for your organization try visiting http://good-fundraising-ideas.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and fundraising resources to include fundraising event idea and more.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Ideas-For-A-Fundraising-Event-That-May-Be-A-Little-Different&id=482844
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Before Starbucks, People Just Drank Coffee
Coffee has been a popular drink for centuries, but in recent years its popularity has skyrocketed. Approximately 52% of all Americans over the age of 18 drink at least one cup of coffee every day. That means around 107 million people are drinking coffee and most of them drink about three and a half cups a day.
And they aren't drinking it like their parents did-scooped from a vacuum-sealed can and poured straight from a pot on the stove or percolator. Now they're buying specialty and gourmet coffee and often brewing them in expensive coffee makers. They buy green coffee beans and roast them to their particular taste in coffee bean roasters bought especially for coffee roasting.
Even more likely, though, they're stopping by their local Starbucks and purchasing a latte or espresso or any number of other special coffees the coffee giant offers. Starbucks has to be the biggest thing to happen to coffee since people began drinking it. This is certainly true in the United States, at any rate.
Before Starbucks, people just drank coffee (and breakfast is the most popular time, with 64% of people drinking a cup to help get them up and moving). It was no big deal. Then came Starbucks, and all of sudden drinking coffee became an experience. The Starbucks cup has even become sort of a status symbol. Celebrities of all kinds were photographed holding those cups, so of course, everyone wants Starbucks.
This had a huge effect on young people who normally wouldn't have become coffee drinkers until their mid to late twenties. They began meeting their friends at their local Starbucks for a cup of coffee, or more likely, a latte of some sort.
Coffee is more popular than ever, too, because recent studies have proved that coffee isn't bad for you as many previously thought, but it's actually good for you. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and is believed to be helpful in preventing diseases such as cancer and diabetes. So people who once limited their coffee consumption now feel free to have as much as they want.
All of this means that coffee's tremendous popularity is here to stay and will become even more popular. Coffee just may be the new black that stays the new black.
Author Bio:
Want the perfect cup of coffee? Visit my online coffee store for Fresh Online Coffee [http://www.online-coffee-stores.com/]
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Before-Starbucks,-People-Just-Drank-Coffee&id=785446
And they aren't drinking it like their parents did-scooped from a vacuum-sealed can and poured straight from a pot on the stove or percolator. Now they're buying specialty and gourmet coffee and often brewing them in expensive coffee makers. They buy green coffee beans and roast them to their particular taste in coffee bean roasters bought especially for coffee roasting.
Even more likely, though, they're stopping by their local Starbucks and purchasing a latte or espresso or any number of other special coffees the coffee giant offers. Starbucks has to be the biggest thing to happen to coffee since people began drinking it. This is certainly true in the United States, at any rate.
Before Starbucks, people just drank coffee (and breakfast is the most popular time, with 64% of people drinking a cup to help get them up and moving). It was no big deal. Then came Starbucks, and all of sudden drinking coffee became an experience. The Starbucks cup has even become sort of a status symbol. Celebrities of all kinds were photographed holding those cups, so of course, everyone wants Starbucks.
This had a huge effect on young people who normally wouldn't have become coffee drinkers until their mid to late twenties. They began meeting their friends at their local Starbucks for a cup of coffee, or more likely, a latte of some sort.
Coffee is more popular than ever, too, because recent studies have proved that coffee isn't bad for you as many previously thought, but it's actually good for you. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and is believed to be helpful in preventing diseases such as cancer and diabetes. So people who once limited their coffee consumption now feel free to have as much as they want.
All of this means that coffee's tremendous popularity is here to stay and will become even more popular. Coffee just may be the new black that stays the new black.
Author Bio:
Want the perfect cup of coffee? Visit my online coffee store for Fresh Online Coffee [http://www.online-coffee-stores.com/]
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Before-Starbucks,-People-Just-Drank-Coffee&id=785446
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Photo Fundraisers - How to Write a Photo Fund Raising Letter to Your Organization
No matter how big your group, a photo fundraiser will bring you more funds from your dollars spent when you use a professional photographer. Professional Photographer Fundraisers will help you write the letters, tell you exactly how much money you can expect to raise, and will be there to walk you through every step of the fund raising process.
Photo fundraisers offer a delightful array of opportunities to make a profit from your group's photo opportunities, and still provide you with great photos of all members and their families. Use these tips and ideas to get your letter out and start making money, today.
1 - Obtain your fundraising packet from the photographer. It's easy as pie, most photographers even have a 1-800 number where you can call and ask for the packet. The fundraiser packet arrives in about three to five days and you've got all the materials you need for your letter - often including letter head and a flier.
2 - Write a simple letter to your group telling them that you've hired this particular photographer to help raise funds for your charitable purpose and encourage all of them to participate in family photos at the reduced rate, by signing up for a reasonably priced set up fee. Include a setting schedule and some suggested clothing choices for the family.
3 - Include a return stamped envelope for their schedule time and fee. It always helps if you have a card inside where they can write down their time and date for their own use, but always ask for a phone number to confirm their time and date when you get the message.
Author Bio:
The best part of any photo fundraiser is in the photo results you get to keep from the photographer. Contact Masterpiece Photography through our website at http://mpfundraisers.com for more helpful information about running a photo fundraiser for your organization.
© 2009 - http://janverhoeff.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Photo-Fundraisers---How-to-Write-a-Photo-Fund-Raising-Letter-to-Your-Organization&id=2736440
Photo fundraisers offer a delightful array of opportunities to make a profit from your group's photo opportunities, and still provide you with great photos of all members and their families. Use these tips and ideas to get your letter out and start making money, today.
1 - Obtain your fundraising packet from the photographer. It's easy as pie, most photographers even have a 1-800 number where you can call and ask for the packet. The fundraiser packet arrives in about three to five days and you've got all the materials you need for your letter - often including letter head and a flier.
2 - Write a simple letter to your group telling them that you've hired this particular photographer to help raise funds for your charitable purpose and encourage all of them to participate in family photos at the reduced rate, by signing up for a reasonably priced set up fee. Include a setting schedule and some suggested clothing choices for the family.
3 - Include a return stamped envelope for their schedule time and fee. It always helps if you have a card inside where they can write down their time and date for their own use, but always ask for a phone number to confirm their time and date when you get the message.
Author Bio:
The best part of any photo fundraiser is in the photo results you get to keep from the photographer. Contact Masterpiece Photography through our website at http://mpfundraisers.com for more helpful information about running a photo fundraiser for your organization.
© 2009 - http://janverhoeff.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Photo-Fundraisers---How-to-Write-a-Photo-Fund-Raising-Letter-to-Your-Organization&id=2736440
Smart Alternative Fundraising Ideas
There are all kinds of reasons to look for new fundraising ideas. Perhaps the fundraiser is no longer available. Maybe sales have been declining every year. Sometimes a fundraiser becomes popular and every group in town seems to be doing the same thing and you want something different. Maybe you are just bored selling the same things year after year. Whatever the reason, if you want a new fund raiser to do it is very smart to look into some alternative fundraising ideas.
The term 'alternative fundraising ideas' might sound a little off putting at first but when you do a little digging into their meaning you will see that many of them are incredibly successful fund raisers.
When I say alternative fundraising ideas I mean those programs that are not cookie dough, candy, wrapping paper or car washes. While those four fundraisers make up a large chunk of the programs that groups use, there are many, many ideas other than those. In fact, because so many groups are doing the traditional fundraisers, groups that choose alternatives are finding that there sales are higher simply because they are offering something different.
For example, a lot of groups have found that they are successful with food fundraisers. But as health has become a bigger concern many of these same groups have looked for different fundraising ideas they can use while still remaining in the food category. One very popular option that they often turn to is coffee fundraising. You are still selling a food product and you can still earn a fantastic profit but what you are selling is much healthier than a cinnamon bun.
Author Bio:
One excellent source of alternative and new fundraising ideas is a company called Go Green Fundraising. They have merged the eco-friendly movement with the need to raise money and have created a number of green fundraising programs. One of the most popular is their delicious coffee fundraiser. Be sure and give them a visit when you look for your next fundraiser.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Smart-Alternative-Fundraising-Ideas&id=3202755
The term 'alternative fundraising ideas' might sound a little off putting at first but when you do a little digging into their meaning you will see that many of them are incredibly successful fund raisers.
When I say alternative fundraising ideas I mean those programs that are not cookie dough, candy, wrapping paper or car washes. While those four fundraisers make up a large chunk of the programs that groups use, there are many, many ideas other than those. In fact, because so many groups are doing the traditional fundraisers, groups that choose alternatives are finding that there sales are higher simply because they are offering something different.
For example, a lot of groups have found that they are successful with food fundraisers. But as health has become a bigger concern many of these same groups have looked for different fundraising ideas they can use while still remaining in the food category. One very popular option that they often turn to is coffee fundraising. You are still selling a food product and you can still earn a fantastic profit but what you are selling is much healthier than a cinnamon bun.
Author Bio:
One excellent source of alternative and new fundraising ideas is a company called Go Green Fundraising. They have merged the eco-friendly movement with the need to raise money and have created a number of green fundraising programs. One of the most popular is their delicious coffee fundraiser. Be sure and give them a visit when you look for your next fundraiser.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Smart-Alternative-Fundraising-Ideas&id=3202755
Sunday, February 6, 2011
How Do You Remove Coffee Stains From Leather and Suede?
Coffee stains on suede and leather can be difficult to remove because traditional stain removal methods can damage these materials.
As with any stains from beverages such as coffee, tea or chocolate, the best practice is to clean the stained surfaces as quickly as possible before the stains "get set." When in doubt or if the value of the suede and leather is great, by all means request the assistance of a professional.
However, there are some basic steps to follow if you choose remove the coffee stains from leather and suede yourself:
• First, carefully blot up excess liquid from the stain using a clean soft cloth.
• Then mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
• Go ahead and create a large volume of suds by swishing the water.
• Apply only the foam with a sponge: do not apply any water to suede or leather as this will stain.
• Take your time and patiently apply the foam only.
• Wipe dry with a clean dry cloth.
• Look at the results and decide whether to continue cleaning or not.
If you decide to remove an additional stain such as an "oily residue,"
• Apply a small amount of cornmeal, a good absorbent, as a powder on the stain
• Give this absorbent sufficient time to work. Be patient.
• Gently brush off the powder and repeat if necessary.
On leather only, it is a good idea to condition the leather with a special soap or conditioner.
• It is very important to apply the right conditioning for your leather furniture.
• Some saddle soaps can work well and many consumers love them while others find them messy.
• In general, however, anyone with leather furniture, for example, agrees that conditioning is an excellent and necessary part of general maintenance.
• Consulting your manufacturer is highly recommended.
• Home remedies and old fashioned cleaning tips do not offer guarantees for removal of stains.
• However, they are time tested and effective for many people who choose to use them.
• It is always a good idea to test any cleaning techniques for suede and leather, for example, in an inconspicuous place, such as the back of a sofa that remains out of sight.
• This is what is called a test for colorfastness and basic personal common sense.
Stains happen and they should not spoil your day. Remember to enjoy your coffee: what about a cup of Tiramisu flavored gourmet coffee?
Author Bio: Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Remove-Coffee-Stains-From-Leather-and-Suede?&id=4190284
As with any stains from beverages such as coffee, tea or chocolate, the best practice is to clean the stained surfaces as quickly as possible before the stains "get set." When in doubt or if the value of the suede and leather is great, by all means request the assistance of a professional.
However, there are some basic steps to follow if you choose remove the coffee stains from leather and suede yourself:
• First, carefully blot up excess liquid from the stain using a clean soft cloth.
• Then mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
• Go ahead and create a large volume of suds by swishing the water.
• Apply only the foam with a sponge: do not apply any water to suede or leather as this will stain.
• Take your time and patiently apply the foam only.
• Wipe dry with a clean dry cloth.
• Look at the results and decide whether to continue cleaning or not.
If you decide to remove an additional stain such as an "oily residue,"
• Apply a small amount of cornmeal, a good absorbent, as a powder on the stain
• Give this absorbent sufficient time to work. Be patient.
• Gently brush off the powder and repeat if necessary.
On leather only, it is a good idea to condition the leather with a special soap or conditioner.
• It is very important to apply the right conditioning for your leather furniture.
• Some saddle soaps can work well and many consumers love them while others find them messy.
• In general, however, anyone with leather furniture, for example, agrees that conditioning is an excellent and necessary part of general maintenance.
• Consulting your manufacturer is highly recommended.
• Home remedies and old fashioned cleaning tips do not offer guarantees for removal of stains.
• However, they are time tested and effective for many people who choose to use them.
• It is always a good idea to test any cleaning techniques for suede and leather, for example, in an inconspicuous place, such as the back of a sofa that remains out of sight.
• This is what is called a test for colorfastness and basic personal common sense.
Stains happen and they should not spoil your day. Remember to enjoy your coffee: what about a cup of Tiramisu flavored gourmet coffee?
Author Bio: Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy." He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Remove-Coffee-Stains-From-Leather-and-Suede?&id=4190284
Friday, February 4, 2011
Smart Alternative Fundraising Ideas
Valentines Day is a great time for fundraising, particularly for school groups and small nonprofits. Here are four quick ways to raise funds with easy Valentines Day fundraisers.
Sell Roses
One of the easiest ways to raise funds on Valentines Day is to sell roses. You can offer single roses, a full dozen, various flower bouquets, or delicious chocolate roses.
Each one can usually be sold at 100% markup for a 50% profit margin. You can source roses from supermarkets with flower departments, wholesale florists, or websites that specialize in bulk shipments from the major rose-growing areas on the West Coast.
Obviously, men will make up the bulk of your target market for flower buyers, so you should gear your marketing to them. You'll need to pre-sell your roses or stake out some high-traffic areas to reach a lot of last-minute guys.
Chocolate roses are a great seller in schools and workplaces. They are a great gift that fits a good niche on Valentines Day. They are unique and generate a lot of interest. They are also a safe gift to give for non-romantic purposes, and they never go to waste.
Take advance orders whenever possible and have a central pickup point. You can also increase your results by providing extra services on Valentines Day such as gift delivery, singing telegrams, offering last-minute roses in high-traffic locations, etc.
Create Gift Baskets
It's easy to create gift baskets for your group to pre-sell for Valentines Day. Simply go to a craft store such as Michaels and purchase the quantity of baskets you'll need. Then do several shopping runs to major wholesale clubs like BJ's, Sam's Club, and Costco for your gift basket contents.
Create some baskets with a selection of wine, cheese, chocolates, coffee, candy, gourmet biscuits, etc. Give them each a theme and establish a variety of price ranges.
Once you have your samples ready, you can start pre-selling. Use a simple order taker form and collect payment upfront. Then, create the rest of the baskets needed to fulfill your advance orders.
Use a central pickup point or offer local delivery or UPS shipping for an extra charge.
Auction Valentines Day Gifts
Another great Valentines Day fundraiser is to conduct auctions of gifts appropriate for the holiday. Your choices include running an event-based auction, conducting a silent auction, hosting an online auction on your website, or listing your gifts on eBay. You can even do combinations of these four auction styles.
Some simple items to auction are the gift baskets mentioned above. You can also offer restaurant gift certificates, specialty items, business services, or donated items.
High-ticket items that you can offer might include spa visits, limo rides, romantic weekend getaways, and a night on the town at a gourmet restaurant.
Don't forget to offer gifts for men such as sports memorabilia, event tickets, bottles of wine, etc.
Raffle Themed Prizes
Another way to raise funds is to sell raffle tickets. You can offer a selection of prizes such as those Valentines Day gifts previously mentioned. Or, you can even include some with a different theme or timing such as ski vacations or a condo stay with a week at the beach.
Raffles offer an easier way to reach a larger potential audience than you might draw for an event or for various types of auctions.
A raffle allows you to put a larger sales force to work than you can with other methods, but be sure to check your local regulations regarding selling raffle tickets.
Good luck with your Valentines Day fundraisers!
Author Bio:
Kimberly Reynolds writes for national publications about school fundraisers, ideas for Valentines Day fundraisers and nonprofit fundraiser events. Find more elementary school fundraiser ideas on her website, FundraiserHelp.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Valentines-Day-Fundraisers&id=699076
Sell Roses
One of the easiest ways to raise funds on Valentines Day is to sell roses. You can offer single roses, a full dozen, various flower bouquets, or delicious chocolate roses.
Each one can usually be sold at 100% markup for a 50% profit margin. You can source roses from supermarkets with flower departments, wholesale florists, or websites that specialize in bulk shipments from the major rose-growing areas on the West Coast.
Obviously, men will make up the bulk of your target market for flower buyers, so you should gear your marketing to them. You'll need to pre-sell your roses or stake out some high-traffic areas to reach a lot of last-minute guys.
Chocolate roses are a great seller in schools and workplaces. They are a great gift that fits a good niche on Valentines Day. They are unique and generate a lot of interest. They are also a safe gift to give for non-romantic purposes, and they never go to waste.
Take advance orders whenever possible and have a central pickup point. You can also increase your results by providing extra services on Valentines Day such as gift delivery, singing telegrams, offering last-minute roses in high-traffic locations, etc.
Create Gift Baskets
It's easy to create gift baskets for your group to pre-sell for Valentines Day. Simply go to a craft store such as Michaels and purchase the quantity of baskets you'll need. Then do several shopping runs to major wholesale clubs like BJ's, Sam's Club, and Costco for your gift basket contents.
Create some baskets with a selection of wine, cheese, chocolates, coffee, candy, gourmet biscuits, etc. Give them each a theme and establish a variety of price ranges.
Once you have your samples ready, you can start pre-selling. Use a simple order taker form and collect payment upfront. Then, create the rest of the baskets needed to fulfill your advance orders.
Use a central pickup point or offer local delivery or UPS shipping for an extra charge.
Auction Valentines Day Gifts
Another great Valentines Day fundraiser is to conduct auctions of gifts appropriate for the holiday. Your choices include running an event-based auction, conducting a silent auction, hosting an online auction on your website, or listing your gifts on eBay. You can even do combinations of these four auction styles.
Some simple items to auction are the gift baskets mentioned above. You can also offer restaurant gift certificates, specialty items, business services, or donated items.
High-ticket items that you can offer might include spa visits, limo rides, romantic weekend getaways, and a night on the town at a gourmet restaurant.
Don't forget to offer gifts for men such as sports memorabilia, event tickets, bottles of wine, etc.
Raffle Themed Prizes
Another way to raise funds is to sell raffle tickets. You can offer a selection of prizes such as those Valentines Day gifts previously mentioned. Or, you can even include some with a different theme or timing such as ski vacations or a condo stay with a week at the beach.
Raffles offer an easier way to reach a larger potential audience than you might draw for an event or for various types of auctions.
A raffle allows you to put a larger sales force to work than you can with other methods, but be sure to check your local regulations regarding selling raffle tickets.
Good luck with your Valentines Day fundraisers!
Author Bio:
Kimberly Reynolds writes for national publications about school fundraisers, ideas for Valentines Day fundraisers and nonprofit fundraiser events. Find more elementary school fundraiser ideas on her website, FundraiserHelp.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Valentines-Day-Fundraisers&id=699076
Some Ideas For A Sport Fundraising Activity
A great way for raising money for any organized recreational or competitive sports program is arrange a creative sports fundraising event. Such events are very crucial to the success of any sports team and although these sports fundraising events take place year after year, now organizations are trying to find more inventive ways of raising the money. They are not only look for ways to get the all important cash into their coffers, but they are also looking for ways which will excite the public's imagination and so get them to hand over their hard earned cash.
But probably the biggest contributing factor that will help to make any sport fundraising idea a success is the organization. By ensuring that the fundraising event is well organized and well publicized you are more likely to more people interested in taking part. Below we provide a couple of ideas for different fundraising events that a recreational or competitive sports program may want to try.
1. Fundraising Health Week
This is a great way for promoting healthy choices and also teaching people about the benefits of healthy living especially if it is particularly relating to youth fundraising. This is especially good for a school as they can arrange for the teachers to create activities and fun quizzes relating to all aspects of healthy eating and healthy activity. Also the school during the scheduled breaks that the kids have for lunch time etc., can be used to sell them healthy alternative foods rather than the usual junk they like to eat. Such a sports fundraising event is especially good as it will teach children that the healthy alternatives can be just as delicious as well as nutritious in place of what they would normally eat. Certainly doing this type of sports fundraising event can earn a school or sports organization good profits.
2. Sport Lollipops
Why not look at this type of sports fundraising activity where you sell lollipops which are shaped either like baseballs, softballs, footballs, basketballs or soccer balls. You can if you want even get them in the color of the team that you are raising funds for. Not only are they easy to sell but you will find that you can raise thousands of dollars this way. You don't even have to sell them on a particular day you can sell them whenever you and a great one would be when the team are playing at home and you can sell them to the crowd that are watching.
These are just a couple of different ways that you can raise funds by carrying out a sports fundraising event for your local sports team. But there are plenty more ideas around and a great way to find some others is by surfing the net, there are plenty of sites which offer other ideas for helping organizing a fundraising event.
Author Bio:
For more information on fundraising events and projects for your organization try visiting http://good-fundraising-ideas.com , a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and fundraising resources to include sport fundraising and more.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Ideas-For-A-Sport-Fundraising-Activity&id=491102
But probably the biggest contributing factor that will help to make any sport fundraising idea a success is the organization. By ensuring that the fundraising event is well organized and well publicized you are more likely to more people interested in taking part. Below we provide a couple of ideas for different fundraising events that a recreational or competitive sports program may want to try.
1. Fundraising Health Week
This is a great way for promoting healthy choices and also teaching people about the benefits of healthy living especially if it is particularly relating to youth fundraising. This is especially good for a school as they can arrange for the teachers to create activities and fun quizzes relating to all aspects of healthy eating and healthy activity. Also the school during the scheduled breaks that the kids have for lunch time etc., can be used to sell them healthy alternative foods rather than the usual junk they like to eat. Such a sports fundraising event is especially good as it will teach children that the healthy alternatives can be just as delicious as well as nutritious in place of what they would normally eat. Certainly doing this type of sports fundraising event can earn a school or sports organization good profits.
2. Sport Lollipops
Why not look at this type of sports fundraising activity where you sell lollipops which are shaped either like baseballs, softballs, footballs, basketballs or soccer balls. You can if you want even get them in the color of the team that you are raising funds for. Not only are they easy to sell but you will find that you can raise thousands of dollars this way. You don't even have to sell them on a particular day you can sell them whenever you and a great one would be when the team are playing at home and you can sell them to the crowd that are watching.
These are just a couple of different ways that you can raise funds by carrying out a sports fundraising event for your local sports team. But there are plenty more ideas around and a great way to find some others is by surfing the net, there are plenty of sites which offer other ideas for helping organizing a fundraising event.
Author Bio:
For more information on fundraising events and projects for your organization try visiting http://good-fundraising-ideas.com , a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and fundraising resources to include sport fundraising and more.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Ideas-For-A-Sport-Fundraising-Activity&id=491102
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Coffee Grinders by Starbucks Recalled!
If you too are a user of a coffee grinder to give you a fresh brew every morning, then I am sure that you are wondering why these grinders have been recalled, and what sort of issues they were causing to their owners? Starbucks actually had to recall 530,000 of their grinders because they were turning on by themselves as if possessed. Every home grinder is designed to be completely safe so that you can easily use it for your personal brewing pleasure to give a fresh taste by grinding your own beans.
The unfortunate incidents that happened with the Starbucks grinders are the fact that three people had lacerations on their hands while they were cleaning their grinders as they turned on unexpectedly! To me, this sounds like my worst fear realized because I would hate to have my hand injured by my very own home grinder.
In addition to those three injuries, Starbucks also had 173 other reports filed with the issues of the grinder not turning off or turning on by itself. Users of this type of grinder can turn it in to Starbucks and get a free replacement, though I am sure that they may have been a little scarred, so to speak.
These same grinders were sold in Seattle's Best Coffee shops for over seven years, and they retail at about $30. You could actually get the "Barista Blade Grinder" in a huge rainbow of colors, like pink, teal, orange, green, red, black, brown, and olive. The finish itself is stainless steel, and it has the logo of either Seattle's Best or Starbucks. This is not the normal activity of a home coffee grinder, so make sure that you are practicing the utmost safety with any of your devices by unplugging them completely before cleaning them or reaching your hand into the area with the blades. Obviously, we never want to encounter any kind of issues where you may be injured by your home appliances, so these reports were completely shocking.
Coffee grinders are normally used by expert fans of Java to grind all of their beans freshly at home to give them a more premium flavor profile. If you happen to be purchasing your beans pre-ground in the store, then know that they have already gone stale because the freshness of a ground bean is only good for about two hours.
That is why it is completely important to purchase a quality home grinder so that you can grind your beans directly before brewing. Don't let these type of reports scare you off when you are looking for a home grinder for your beans because there are so many safe options available to you to add freshness to your cup of Joe. Some of the available types to look for are the conical burr grinder, the wheel burr grinder, and the blade grinder. Regardless of your choice in coffee grinder, be sure to practice safety so that you can always enjoy a fresh brew that will not let you down!
Author Bio:
The best way to enjoy your freshly ground coffee is with the Bodum Chambord 3-Cup Coffee Press! For a great selection of all things coffee, check out Chuggin McCoffee's website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Grinders-by-Starbucks-Recalled!&id=2488836
The unfortunate incidents that happened with the Starbucks grinders are the fact that three people had lacerations on their hands while they were cleaning their grinders as they turned on unexpectedly! To me, this sounds like my worst fear realized because I would hate to have my hand injured by my very own home grinder.
In addition to those three injuries, Starbucks also had 173 other reports filed with the issues of the grinder not turning off or turning on by itself. Users of this type of grinder can turn it in to Starbucks and get a free replacement, though I am sure that they may have been a little scarred, so to speak.
These same grinders were sold in Seattle's Best Coffee shops for over seven years, and they retail at about $30. You could actually get the "Barista Blade Grinder" in a huge rainbow of colors, like pink, teal, orange, green, red, black, brown, and olive. The finish itself is stainless steel, and it has the logo of either Seattle's Best or Starbucks. This is not the normal activity of a home coffee grinder, so make sure that you are practicing the utmost safety with any of your devices by unplugging them completely before cleaning them or reaching your hand into the area with the blades. Obviously, we never want to encounter any kind of issues where you may be injured by your home appliances, so these reports were completely shocking.
Coffee grinders are normally used by expert fans of Java to grind all of their beans freshly at home to give them a more premium flavor profile. If you happen to be purchasing your beans pre-ground in the store, then know that they have already gone stale because the freshness of a ground bean is only good for about two hours.
That is why it is completely important to purchase a quality home grinder so that you can grind your beans directly before brewing. Don't let these type of reports scare you off when you are looking for a home grinder for your beans because there are so many safe options available to you to add freshness to your cup of Joe. Some of the available types to look for are the conical burr grinder, the wheel burr grinder, and the blade grinder. Regardless of your choice in coffee grinder, be sure to practice safety so that you can always enjoy a fresh brew that will not let you down!
Author Bio:
The best way to enjoy your freshly ground coffee is with the Bodum Chambord 3-Cup Coffee Press! For a great selection of all things coffee, check out Chuggin McCoffee's website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Grinders-by-Starbucks-Recalled!&id=2488836
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Unusual Fundraising Auction Venue - Airplane Hangars
When you're thinking about a venue for an auction event, I'm sure that you didn't envision standing inside a hangar, looking out towards... the runway. Yes, I did say "runway".
An unusual venue - like a plane hangar - can be a fun place to have a benefit auction. During one benefit auction I attended, one of the favorite spots for the guests to gather was actually near the open hanger doors where they stood enjoying the view.
One of the stories in the August 2009 issue of Small Market Meetings was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation Museums are on a Roll. The article discussed the many types of events held in transportation museums.
I haven't conducted fundraising auctions in a transportation museum yet, but I have a lot of experience conducting fundraising auctions in transportation facilities. This article covers a charity auction held in an executive airplane hangar.
An unusual venue can make a guest do a double-take when considering whether to attend your auction fundraiser.
"Oh neat," they'll think, "The party will be held in ____."
If it comes down to attending your function versus another event, they might very well opt for yours based on the unique auction venue. They might be more interested in a place they don't get to see everyday.
Airplane hangars are definitely worth considering if you're hosting a very large event. For example, in Kissimmee, FL there is a 10,000 sq. ft. hangar that can accommodate 1,500 people seated or 2,000 for receptions.
That said, auction committees should take some precautions when booking a nontraditional space. Every venue will have its challenges. You'll want to tour the site and think about flow, and food stations, and silent auction tables, and all those things good Auction Chairs consider when they are sorting through an auction gala's festivities in their mind's eye.
* At this locale, the wide open space allowed the auction procurement and decor committees to have great flexibility in adjusting the facility to meet their needs. One big hangar = lots of space for 200 guests.
* On the flip side, a super-slick, bright white concrete floor can be slippery to high heels, and - vice versa - heels or other shoe soles made of the wrong material can be unkind to a super-clean, high-tech floor.
P.P.S. The article featured places like the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA, and the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, AZ.
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in teaching non-profits the techniques proven to grow auction profitability. She offers a number of FREE auction ideas on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of best-selling auction items. Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Unusual-Fundraising-Auction-Venue---Airplane-Hangars&id=3900062
An unusual venue - like a plane hangar - can be a fun place to have a benefit auction. During one benefit auction I attended, one of the favorite spots for the guests to gather was actually near the open hanger doors where they stood enjoying the view.
One of the stories in the August 2009 issue of Small Market Meetings was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation Museums are on a Roll. The article discussed the many types of events held in transportation museums.
I haven't conducted fundraising auctions in a transportation museum yet, but I have a lot of experience conducting fundraising auctions in transportation facilities. This article covers a charity auction held in an executive airplane hangar.
An unusual venue can make a guest do a double-take when considering whether to attend your auction fundraiser.
"Oh neat," they'll think, "The party will be held in ____."
If it comes down to attending your function versus another event, they might very well opt for yours based on the unique auction venue. They might be more interested in a place they don't get to see everyday.
Airplane hangars are definitely worth considering if you're hosting a very large event. For example, in Kissimmee, FL there is a 10,000 sq. ft. hangar that can accommodate 1,500 people seated or 2,000 for receptions.
That said, auction committees should take some precautions when booking a nontraditional space. Every venue will have its challenges. You'll want to tour the site and think about flow, and food stations, and silent auction tables, and all those things good Auction Chairs consider when they are sorting through an auction gala's festivities in their mind's eye.
* At this locale, the wide open space allowed the auction procurement and decor committees to have great flexibility in adjusting the facility to meet their needs. One big hangar = lots of space for 200 guests.
* On the flip side, a super-slick, bright white concrete floor can be slippery to high heels, and - vice versa - heels or other shoe soles made of the wrong material can be unkind to a super-clean, high-tech floor.
P.P.S. The article featured places like the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA, and the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, AZ.
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS runs Red Apple Auctions, a firm specializing in teaching non-profits the techniques proven to grow auction profitability. She offers a number of FREE auction ideas on her website, including the popular Auction Item Guide, a meaty compilation of best-selling auction items. Sign-up for the Guide at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Unusual-Fundraising-Auction-Venue---Airplane-Hangars&id=3900062
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