Thanks to Danielle for posting the list of restaurant fundraisers last Friday. There are so many places that will help schools and other groups with fundraisers.

Each restaurant chain has its own rules about how the fundraiser works. Sometimes you have to recruit a minimum number of people to the restaurant. At the Sonic most of the time the volunteers just work for tips from drive-in customers. Of course there might be some differences at each location because of franchises.

Sometimes groups don’t make much at these kind of fundraisers though. Less than $100… is that really worth it? So I’m not always real excited when I hear that a group is doing one of these. I take the trouble to go and they just get pennies. Can’t I just send a check?

Well I started to get more positive about restaurant nights when I saw this news article. A high school band in Michigan holds their restaurant fundraiser at Big Boy. They get a healthy 10% of sales… but the great part is that they raise more by doing other fundraisers like a raffle:

The South Lyon East Band Boosters are holding a fundraiser at Big Boy’s on Aug. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. Ten percent of all sales will go to the boosters and they will be holding a 50/50 raffle, as well. Students will be hostessing, waiting tables, making ice cream sundaes and cleaning up, Hogan said.

In addition, unused cell phones can be dropped off at Yakkity Yak and all profits will be donated to South Lyon East Band Boosters.

Now that is a good idea! Extend the fundraiser with…um, more fundraisers! I really like the raffle and recycle collection too.

Of course each restaurant will have their own rules, some might not want groups to do raffles, etc… but it never hurts to ask.