Fundraising Tips: Face Painting and Balloon Animals

NCHS Key Club VP making balloons.

     For the past two days, I have done something I thought that I would never do: make balloon animals for little kids.  I was helping 3 other students at a North County High School Key Club Fundraiser, making balloon animals for kids while others painted their faces in a multitude of designs.  I was expecting this to be a modest fundraiser and make between 40-50 dollars for the 4 hours that we were at the mall.  We ended up making 140 dollars on both days, simply from painting simple designs and creating straightforward balloon animals.

NCHS Key Club Pres. modeling face paint

     What shocked me the most was the goodwill of people at the mall these past few days.  We did not charge for the balloons or face painting; it was on a donation only basis.  While there were some instances of some people taking the balloons and not paying for them, the majority of people gave very freely, many giving far more than a twisted balloon and five minutes of painting was worth.  Plus, the little kid's faces when we give them the balloons is priceless.  :D

     This is a great example of an easy fundraiser that all Key Clubs can do.  Painting supplies and balloons are fairly cheap, and you will be reimbursed very quickly.  Making balloon animals is very easy, and it will take only an hour of preparation to learn a variety of balloon shapes (Dogs, swords, and hats are easy to learn, and very popular with children).  Chances are someone in your club has done face painting before, and you can enlist their help in the fundraiser.  Designs can be as simple as you want; kids are just excited to get their faces painted.

Elephants: My specialty.

     Getting a good location at an appropriate time is key.  Malls are filled with families on weekend afternoons, and most teenagers will be available for help then.  Ask stores at your local mall if they will let you set up in front of their store.  They more than likely won't object, and will be happy about the increased traffic provided by your fundraiser.  Make sure you post a sign in the store as well, advertising your various designs and creations.

Advertising in the store.

    The most crucial part is to make sure that you do not set a fixed price for the face painting or the balloons.  Making it a "donations-only" fundraiser allows people to freely give, which often results in more income than a fixing prices would.  Since you are serving the community by giving joy to local children, this also counts as a service project, giving your members even a fun way to earn more hours.

     This is a can't-miss opportunity to make money for your club, gain some service hours, and learn some new skills that you didn't you had (Making balloon animals are way more fun than I expected).  These guidelines can help make any fundraising project successful, whether it be for your club or a charity.  Hopefully, this will inspire you to get out in your community and provide them with a service, all the while raising funds for your club.

     Until then, keep serving!