| During the holidays, many schools, churches and | | | | member. |
| groups plan a holiday Breakfast with Santa | | | | Step 4. Determine Entertainment & Activities |
| fundraiser. In fact, this is one of the simplest and | | | | Of course the main attraction will be Santa and |
| most fun fundraisers you can host. | | | | the pancakes. However, if you have a large |
| Step 1. Select a Charity | | | | turnout (and, hopefully you will) you'll want to |
| The first thing you'll need is a charity to receive | | | | have other activities planned to entertain the |
| the funds. To me, the best charities to benefit | | | | children while they are waiting for their turn with |
| would be related to children - at least during the | | | | Santa. |
| holidays. Is there a children's hospital in your town? | | | | Set up a coloring or craft table for the kids. |
| Or a mission that helps families? | | | | Games are also fun. Alter games you know and |
| Of course, Toys for Tots is another charity to | | | | put a Christmas twist on them - like pin the nose |
| consider. Rather than requiring an entry fee, have | | | | on Santa. |
| each participant bring a new toy to donate. | | | | Set up a storytelling area. All you'll need is a quiet |
| Step 2. Location & Time | | | | area, some good Christmas books, and comfy |
| Now you can begin to plan a date and time. | | | | cushions. |
| Contact local churches and your city offices to | | | | Plan photos with Santa. Find a local photographer. |
| see if you can use their facilities for the event. If | | | | Allow the photographer to display a sign for |
| one place says "no" keep asking. You will probably | | | | publicity and ask her to donate a percentage of |
| need to sign a contract that states you will follow | | | | sales to your organization. Oftentimes |
| the rules of the building and will clean up after the | | | | photographers are happy for the opportunity. |
| event. Secure the facility as soon as you can in | | | | And, of course, Face Painting is a must have. |
| advance on the event. | | | | Step 5. Get the Word out About Your Breakfast |
| Step 3. Find Volunteers | | | | with Santa Fundraiser |
| Now that you've reserved a place and you have | | | | Now, get the word out so your event is a huge |
| your date, it's time to call in the troops. You'll need | | | | success! |
| lots of resources (people and supplies). Hopefully, | | | | Provide flyers at all the following locations: |
| by asking around, you'll be able to find ways to | | | | Bookstores, Elementary Schools, Grocery Stores, |
| get plenty of both for free. | | | | Libraries, Preschools and Daycares. |
| Some places to contact are: | | | | Also, contact local newspaper, radio stations, and |
| Local Military (If you have a base nearby.), High | | | | free family publications. Give the news something |
| School Sports Clubs, Colleges and Universities, | | | | positive to report about. |
| Local Businesses, Stores, Restaurants, Girl and | | | | That's all there is to it. From there, just enjoy |
| Boy Scouts, Churches, Schools, and Moms Clubs. | | | | your event, knowing you're doing something |
| Of course you need a Santa. Ask around and | | | | wonderful and helping others. Merry Christmas! |
| you'll find someone willing to recruit a family | | | | |