Kiss A Pig Fundraising Contest a Big Success

Green, OR -“Kiss that pig! Kiss that pig!” the students at Sunnyslope Elementary School in Green screamed as second-grade teacher Steve Buckley leaned in and planted a kiss on the snout of Ima, a 7-week-old mini potbellied pig.  For weeks, students at the elementary school have been at war — a penny war fundraiser — to earn Popsicles, popcorn, extra recess and the chance to see school staff line up to kiss Ima the pig Friday afternoon.   The event was the culmination of a spring fundraiser organized by the school’s Booster Club, which set a goal to raise $500 in pennies. Pennies were worth one point, while other coins were worth negative points. Students would collect pennies for their own classes, but they would dump nickels, dimes and quarters into the buckets of rival classes. www.fundraising-ideas.org 

Centre Foundation Hosts 36-hour Online Fundraising Marathon

State College, PA - The Centre Foundation brought a 36-hour online fundraising event to the county four years ago.  In that time, $2 million has been put back into the community, all of it going to scores of non-profit groups.  This year's edition of Centre Gives starts Tuesday, May 5 at 6 a.m. and will run until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, raising money for over 100 non-profit organizations. A whopping $100,000 in donations will be matched by the Centre Foundation and participants will be competing for $25,000 in additional prizes.  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

Family-Friendly Fundraiser for 9-Year-Old with Leukemia

Bluffton,SC - A family friendly event in May will raise funds to assist the family of a 9-year-old Hilton Head Island boy who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.  Alex Arrierta, a student at Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts, was diagnosed with the disease in February. The fundraiser is at Casey's Sports Barr and Grille on Hilton Head Island. The event is open to the public and will feature a bouncy house, hair wraps, face painting and a raffle. Hot dogs, hamburgers, Sno Cones and beverages will be served. www.fundraising-ideas.org 

Kentucky Derby Themed Fundraising Event

Rutland, VT - It’s post time for Chaffee Art Center who hosted a Kentucky Derby Themed fundraiser.   The gallery held a fundraiser on Saturday at Southside Steakhouse. Admission was $50.They plan to make the event an annual fundraiser.  The event included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction of items donated by local businesses, a large-screen television on which to watch the race and betting — though Franzoni said  no odds offered on the horses, but rather there was a contest akin to a 50-50 raffle with the winning horse serving as the winning ticket.  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

Beer Under Glass Fundraising Event at Garfield Park Conservatory

Chicago, IL —More than 90 vendors will participating in the sixth annual Beer Under Glass fundraiser at the Garfield Park Conservatory. “It is a critical component of our annual fundraiser operation,” said Barbara Carney, director of development at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, which helps with programs and projects at the conservatory. Last year, the event raised about $90,000. This year, organizers hope to take in about $100,000. The alliance gets 60 percent of the proceeds, while the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild receives 40 percent.  www.fundraising-ideas.org 

PTO Wants Healthier Fundraising Ideas

Bangor, ME - Candy and cookie sales are staples for school fundraisers but some people are trying to implement new trends toward healthier ways to raise money.  The Bangor Elementary Parent Teacher Organization is hosting a 5K run and walk fundraiser and they hope to continue with ideas to promote health and activity among families in the district.  With statistics showing a dramatic rise in childhood diabetes and obesity, Bangor Elementary PTO President Kim Gambale said she would like to start leading a better example for children.  www.fundraising-ideas.org