Prom Spot - 8 Fantastic Fundraising Ideas

So you've come up with a million ideas for throwing the prom of the century -- but now somebody's got to pay for it all. Not to worry -- fundraising will keep your prom plans on track. Steal these guaranteed moneymaking ideas.

Pets on Parade
Why have a regular fashion show when you can give it a twist? Create a fun event for local kids by hosting a pet pageant. Find an animal-friendly locale (try a city park), and recruit students to show off their pets on the "runway" on a weekend afternoon. You can concentrate your publicity on local grade schools or the PTA. Have judges award prizes (you can make sashes, or stick to treats like catnip and bones) in lots of different categories: Silliest Pet, Slimiest Pet, Sleepiest Pet (you get the picture).

Tailgate Tag Sale
The weekend of a big game, get permission to cordon off a section of your school parking lot for a tailgate tag sale. To get ready, simply gather donations from friends, family, and of course, your fellow prom committee members. You might think you have nothing to sell, but once you get going, you'll be surprised. The skirt that was so perfect for you that you only wore once? Sold! And how about those CDs you never listen to anymore? Cha-ching! You'll be surprised by how much stuff you can move.

Battle of the Bands
If your school's brimming with musical talent, why not tap into it by holding a battle of the bands one evening in your gym or auditorium? Aspiring rappers and rock stars can sign up prior to the event to face off before their cheering fans -- with the top two or three giving an encore performance for a chance at the top prize. Sell tickets to the concert event of the year with all proceeds going toward the prom.

Ssssh! Silent Auction
Hold a silent auction during school with items donated by local businesses. To get started, brainstorm shops in your area that you can hit up for donations. For example, see if a local salon will chip in with a haircut or a pedicure, or if a video store will donate a gift card for free rentals. Once you've got the goods, decorate a school bulletin board with posters explaining the rules and listing the various items up for bids (and don't forget to include the names of the generous businesses who helped you out). Set up a free email account where students can email their bids. Make sure you let them know what info you need: name, phone number, item, and bid amount.

The Best Seat in the House
Get permission from one of your school's sports teams to hold a raffle in conjunction with a big game. Borrow a comfy armchair or loveseat from someone's rec room and set it up in the prime spot for watching the game. As fans come in, they can buy raffle tickets to win The Best Seat in the House. You can announce the winning ticket number right before the game begins -- don't forget to provide the lucky fan(s) with popcorn, soda, and snacks!

Game On!
Everyone knows someone whose Xbox or PlayStation 3 controller is practically surgically attached to his or her body. Let them show off their skills (and make some money for prom) by hosting a video game tournament in your school auditorium or gym. Since this is a spectator sport, be sure to pick a popular game with lots of action. Have your school AV pro help you hook up a TV to a projector so the players can duke it out on the big screen. Charge contestants a small entry fee and sell tickets to students to watch the action. Don't forget to have popcorn, candy, or other snacks on hand to sell to your audience -- this could take a while!

Good Morning Bake Sale
Holding a bake sale is a fundraising no-brainer -- seems like someone can always be counted on to buy up those cupcakes and brownies. Why not take this tried-and-true recipe and add a little twist? First thing in the morning, hold a breakfast sale! Stock your table with a mix of homemade muffins, store-bought bagels and spreads, fruit salad cups, and tea, coffee, juice, and hot cocoa. Everybody loves breakfast, but when you're running to catch the bus, who has the time? You're sure to boast plenty of profit (and have plenty of thank-yous from meal-skipping students).

Split the Difference
Talk to a local restaurant -- pizza places usually work best -- about setting up a date for a special sale to benefit prom. You can give coupons away at school (and send them home to parents) that encourage people to order pizza on a specific date or weekend to help support your prom. When customers bearing coupons show up to purchase their pies, you net half of the proceeds. The restaurant will benefit from the deluge of business you'll send its way, and you'll raise some serious dough.

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-- Kate Wood