Game: Build-a-Sammy

Youth groups seem to invariably, at some point or points in their life, be in a position where they will need of monies for some activities or upcoming events. When they encounter this moment, they have many options, including:

A). Finding a cheaper option (do we really need to use paintballs that glow in the dark?)

B). Asking parents/guardians to front the needed cash

C). Dine and Dash (followed by a field trip to local police station)

D). Setting up a fund-raiser, asking church, community and family members to help defer the costs.

The game ideas this month will consist of interactive, game-like fund-raising ideas. I will include implications of how to set it up, as well as variations. As always, customize these to fit the needs and resources of your group.

If your group is all set in areas of funding, each of these ideas have community building, non-fund-raising, game-oriented implications.

Type/Purpose: Food/Messy, Fundraising Game

Consider this alternative to a fund-raising dinner. Instead of a formal meal or pot-luck, try a sandwich buffet. Brainstorm a list of breads, meats, cheeses, nut butters, jellies, veggies, fruits, spreads, etc.

Ask the congregation and local vendors for donations of these items—the more and the more abstract, the better. Organize a few sides to go alongside the sandwiches.

At time of event, set the items up buffet style. Consider charging either for the whole sandwich (i.e. $6.00 a sandwich), or charge per item ($1.00 per slice of bread, $1.00 a meat, etc.).

Before the event, ask the group to brainstorm different unique sandwiches to post near the buffet table for suggestions. Here are some starters:

The Turkey-nator – 1 slice whole grain bread, 1 slice rye, 2 slices buffalo turkey, 1 slice muenster, 1 slice provolone, 1 smear whole grain brown mustard, lettuce, avocado, heirloom tomato
The Sweet Tooth – 1 slice banana bread, 1 slice raisin bread, 1 smear honey peanut butter, 1 smear homemade apricot preserves, strawberries, coconut

Extra Ideas

You will need to adjust the amount of options based on congregation type and size. Too many oddball options may result in too many things not being selected.
Instead of having a large group gathering, make a menu, and offer it as a pack-a-picnic or pack-a-lunch event. People can place an order and pick it up at a designated time.
Combine this with a need for the church or local community. Half the proceeds can support the benefit and half the designated youth group function.
Have donation buckets out for additional donations.

Published April 19, 2012

Food/Messy Fundraising

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