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Mountain Brook Schools opened the empty seats at its teacher-conference keynote to the community at $25 a ticket, sold out in under 24 hours, and raised more than $8,000 on an event that never used to make a dollar. Kari Austin breaks down how a two-person team ran it and what she would change next time.
Kari Austin is the chief school finance officer at Mountain Brook Schools in Alabama, and this year her district tried something it had never done. Its two-day teacher conference always closes with a keynote, and this year's speaker was author Allen Levi, whose novel Theo of Golden had spread through the community by word of mouth. Instead of leaving the extra auditorium seats empty, the district opened them to the public at $25 a ticket. It sold out in under 24 hours and raised more than $8,000, on an event that had never made a dollar.
Kari walks through how a two-person team ran it with almost no extra work, why the seats moved so fast (book clubs bought eight at a time), and exactly what she'd change next time: release all your seats at once, state your refund policy up front, and keep a paper list at the door. A clear-eyed, low-risk playbook any school or district can copy.
Read the full playbook: https://www.successfund.com/resources/playbooks/author-event-fundraiser
Free school fundraising: successfund.com
Fundraising Ideas for Schools is the go-to podcast for teachers, parents, and coaches who are looking to raise money for their school programs. Hosted by Mark Walker, this podcast brings together a community of fundraisers who understand the power of collaboration and sharing best practices.
While schools may compete fiercely on the field, in the gym, or on stage, when it comes to fundraising, we believe in working together to achieve common goals. In this podcast, you'll discover a wealth of innovative ideas, practical tips, and inspiring stories as Mark interviews individuals who have not only met but exceeded their fundraising goals.
Each episode delves into the strategies, challenges, and successes of fundraisers who have orchestrated highly successful campaigns. From unique approaches to traditional methods, this podcast covers a wide range of fundraising techniques that can be adapted to any school program.
Whether you're seeking advice on organizing a bake sale, launching an online campaign, or hosting a community event, Fundraising Ideas for Schools offers valuable insights from experienced individuals who have been in your shoes. Learn from their triumphs and failures, and gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to make your own fundraising efforts a resounding success.
Join Mark and his guests as they share practical strategies, discuss the latest trends in fundraising, and explore the ways in which schools can collaborate to maximize their fundraising potential. By coming together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another, we can make a significant impact on our schools and the programs that shape the lives of students.
Whether you're a seasoned fundraising professional or new to the world of school fundraising, Fundraising Ideas for Schools is your comprehensive resource for inspiration, knowledge, and practical tips. Tune in to this podcast and join the community of passionate fundraisers who are dedicated to making a difference, one successful fundraiser at a time. Let's work together and take our school fundraising efforts to new heights!