This is a great fundraiser especially when your target audience is busy people. Send out fancy invitations with an adapted form of the text below:
First Lutheran Youth Ministry
Cordially invites you to a “No-Show Ball’
We were planning to invite you to the most elegant ball of the season. We had intended to serve you an exquisite assortment of food in the finest dining room in the country.
In addition, we were going to fly in the best dance band in North America just for this event.
It was going to be a tuxedo and gown formal in a luxurious dance hall. We would have spared no expense for you to come. That’s how highly we value you.
Then we thought that you probably have better things to do with your time and money than spend it all on a tuxedo or dress and come to a stuffy event.
So we’re having a “No-Show Ball”, and you’re invited not to attend.
Instead, we’re inviting you to send just a portion of the hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars you would have spent going to a ball to support our youth in (your purpose here) .
It” a win-win arrangement – our youth win by (event) and you win by saving both time and money by not having to show up at the ball. What could be better than that?!
Thanks for your support!
First Lutheran Youth
Include a self addressed, stamped envelope with your invitation, then sit back and watch the money roll in! For a creative spin on this idea, check out http://www.kellykingcreative.com/2011/12/12/id-rather-be-reading-campaign/