Each winner received a gift certificate to the 4-H Mall.

You can win too! 

Check out our website each quarter to find out what contest is going on so you can register and

win great prizes for you and your club!

www.pettreats4youth.com 

The perfect fundraiser for any 4-H Club, small or large!

Becky Fay - Extension Agent - Green County, Missouri reports that ordering treats and setting up shop to sell outside of a grocery store is a great way to raise money during the holidays.

Becky also uses this as an opportunity to teach kids how to make change–a life skill many young people lack in the age of calculators, scanners, and computerized cash registers.

This year, she also intends to staple her business card and a brief description of 4-H programs available in her county to all of the packages sold to inform folks in her community about 4-H offerings.  

Joni Rocket is on his high horse at the Best in Show Pet Treats exhibit at NCRVF. JR works as a paw-pal volunteer for the health care organization VITAS. He regularly brightens the day of patients at a local care facility.

According to his owner, Joyce Bradley with Bradley’s Canine Academy, the two and half year old papillon is currently training in obedience and agility and doing quite well. He is a rescue dog who lives and plays with two shelties.   

Don’t let the talk of economic an economic downturn put your fundraising efforts on hold. In fact, as other sources of funding tighten their purse strings, many organizations ramp up their fundraising efforts. Individuals are still willing to buy fundraising products in a down economy—most understand the heightened need for non-profit and charitable organizations—however, the consumers’ mindset shifts slightly, so consider the following: 

·         Customers are looking for value: Items under $5 trump higher dollar items. Families that are packing their lunches instead of eating out, or renting movies instead of going to the theater are less likely to spend $20, $30 or $40 on cookie dough or candles.

 ·         Focus your efforts: Kids will invariably go back time-after-time to the same potential customers. Consider putting your efforts into one concentrated, focused, well-organized fundraiser with all hands on deck. And, SET GOALS!

·         Stress your brand: Consumers are more discerning about where their money is going and they are more likely to give to organizations they know and trust.

·         Tell your story: Let your customers know specifically why you are raising money. “I’m raising money for 4-H” is fine. “I’m raising money to go to summer camp” is better!

·         Use technology: Suggest that kids and their parents email or send text messages to friends and family to promote your fundraiser and even take orders. It’s the easiest and most cost effective way to get the word out. Set up a simple web page that promotes your fundraiser, charts progress toward your goal, and touts the accomplishments of your top sellers.

·         Say “thank you”: It’s never been more important. Make sure your kids show appreciation for customers’ contribution.