It’s the middle of summer, and you have a bit of breathing room before the crazy round of activities cranks up again. Why not have a little fun and raise some money for people with autism and their loved ones at the same time?
We’ve got some ideas to get you started:
People love to eat!
Neighborhood cook-off: You know that neighbor who always says he makes the best ribs? What about the one who brags about his secret sauce? Let them show off their skills! Pull those grills into the middle of the cul-de-sac and fire up everyone’s competitive spirit. Put out cans and have people taste and vote for their favorite by donating to the corresponding can. Winner of the cook-off is the one with the most donations. You’re the real champion for helping people with autism!
Progressive dinner: We love having people over for dinner, but it’s daunting to think of making all the food yourself. With a progressive dinner, you and several neighbors can each make and serve one course. Easy as pie! At the end of the night, each family can donate to ASNC the amount they would have spent on such a lovely evening at a restaurant.
Pie-eating contest: Speaking of pie, there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who would love an excuse to eat a ton of pie, and those who would love to watch and laugh. Bring them all together with a pie-eating contest. You could charge admission or just ask for donations. You could sell extra pies to be eaten in the privacy of spectators’ own homes. Everyone loves pie!
Sell, sell, sell
Lemonade stand, bake sale, Krispy Kreme sale: Did we mention people love to eat? Find a high traffic spot to set up your stand on a Saturday morning, and get some cute kids to make the pitch with you. Tell passers-by you’re improving the lives of people with autism here in NC, and they’ll be thrilled at the excuse to indulge their sweet tooth.
Community yard sale: You have too much stuff. Your kids have too much stuff. Your neighbors have too much stuff. Why not schedule a neighborhood yard sale – or one at your school or place of worship – and donate the proceeds to ASNC? You’ll get rid of stuff and help a good cause at the same time. Win-win!
We know it’s hot, but get outside
Pool party: It’s been a month since graduations, and a few weeks since the Fourth of July. People are ready for another party! Check whether you can schedule one in your neighborhood pool or another local pool. You may not be able to charge admission, but popsicles and other cool treats are sure to sell quickly. You can also offer other fun activities for the kids, like face-painting, in exchange for donations.
Scavenger hunt: People of all ages can get into a scavenger hunt. Make it a family event and look for safe locations, such as open parks away from traffic. Type up a list of clues, pick up a few small prizes and some bottled water, and you will have created a unique day of fun for teams of families. They’ll be so grateful at getting their kids outside for some activity, that they just might donate a portion of what they would have spent at a local venue!
Kiddie carnival: Bring in the clowns! Bring in the water balloons to toss, beanbags to throw, and cans to knock over! Add some refreshments, a magician, and some face-painting, and you’ve got a full-blown carnival for the wee ones. Charge one price for admission or sell tickets to activities – either way, it’s way cheaper than Disney.
Team up with local businesses
Awareness night: Local businesses love to give back to their communities. Do you have a restaurant you go to every Friday night? Or an ice cream store nearby that the kids all love? Talk to them about holding an autism awareness night. You spread the word to bring in people, and they donate a portion of proceeds to improve lives and support families. We’d be happy to help you get the word out!
Donation cans: Never underestimate the impact of the can on the counter. Get your kids to decorate a bunch of them – be sure to include a message about helping people with autism – and ask businesses to set them out. Keep in mind, this does require follow-up to go back and collect the proceeds.
In it to win it
Volleyball, kickball, or cornhole: Team tournaments are great for weekend warriors – not too much skill required, and little risk of injury. You could charge admission for teams, sell refreshments, even put out cans so spectators can vote for the team they think will win by donating. Get local businesses to serve as sponsors and provide refreshments to sell, and you’ll be able to donate even more!
Golf tournament: This would be a little more involved and require some coordinating with a local facility, but if you are already part of a tournament, why not see whether it can benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina? Or you can come to our annual tournament for Camp Royall, held each year at The Preserve at Jordan Lake in Chapel Hill. Ask us if you’d like more info.
Working for the giving
Parents’ night out: Here’s a perfect idea for your teenager’s sports team or youth group! They find a kid-friendly location such as a local church, pick a date, and advertise that they are offering three hours of drop-off fun for kids of a certain age. Parents will be happy to have the time alone, the cared-for children will have a ball, and the teenagers will, too, because they’ll be with friends.
Car wash: We don’t think we need to explain this one. Or are you one of those people who washes their car every Saturday morning?
Any of these ideas catch your fancy? Contact Kristy White at kwhite@autismsociety-nc.org or 919-865-5086 to talk it over. ASNC would love your support!
Tags: ASNC, Asperger Syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome, autism, autism advocacy, autism awareness, autism fundraiser, autism nc, autism north carolina, autism society north carolina, autism society of NC, Autism Society of North Carolina, Autism spectrum, Autism Spectrum Disorder, autism support, Developmental disability, Fundraising