The Best Ways to Fundraise

Cassidy Nash
​PrideTime Reporter

While Darien and New Canaan have their team bonding activities spending money, many sports at McMahon are bonding while making money.  The girl’s volleyball team loves to have car washes which are tons of fun and draws in lots of cash. From Snap-Raise to advertisements McMahon has found the perfect way fundraise. After digging into the logistics of different types of fundraising and uncovering the real truth, now you will know how to draw in the most funds for your team.

Our number one way of fundraising at McMahon is through an online organization called Snap-Raise. Snap-Raise, while it may seem like the best option, it takes a huge part of the funds, 33%, and puts it in their pocket.

“At Snap! our goal is to allow you to spend more time with your team and give your players more time to compete – not selling candy bars.”

They incentivize raising money with new gear, but they usually never give it to the recipients and claim that it was given to the coach, when it usually never was.
    
“I was supposed to receive Beats headphones from Snap-Raise after I raised the most money for my team, adding up to over $1000...they never came. This wasn’t the only time Snap-Raise didn’t send me one of their ‘guaranteed’ prizes.” (Charlotte Hussey ‘19)

This past month, volleyball raised over $2,200 from their car wash/bake sale. Pete Georgiou, McMahon volleyball coach for six seasons, shared some of his tips for successful fundraisers. He feels that the best way to fundraise is to do something that can bond the team and draw in the community.

“It’s a better social, emotional atmosphere,” Georgiou says.

His interpretation on Snap-Raise and email fundraising is impersonal and won’t benefit the girls.

“The girls are working towards something versus just sitting behind a desk and sending out emails.”
    
Compared to the other coaches, his aspect of fundraising stands out in McMahon and shows lots of character. After speaking with a Snap-Raise representative the truth behind their motives shone through.

“We use technology, social media and email to connect with your teams most likely donors that are outside of your typical supporters.”

Coach Angelo Tsingerliotis has been coaching girls soccer for some time now and he has decided to indeed stick with Snap-Raise as their main way to fundraise. Occasionally, a concession stand will be open during games, but it has been, unfortunately, very inactive this year.

“A lot of it [the money] goes to the banquet as well as buying gear for the teams. We use it for pasta parties at the school and any equipment needed as well.”

The team likes the simplicity of Snap-Raise and the consistency of the great outcome each year of the funds. This year the girls raised over $8,000 compared to last year’s whopping $10,400.