Fund Raising at Horse Show Idea(s)

[drew99]

a number of years ago I attended a session at the Carosel show in Scottsdale. They had a class that you could purchase a card for and if you matched t he top 6 horses identical to the judge you received 50% of the money. Other than what I indicated , I was wondering if anyone knew other particulars. ie: I don't remember what kept someone from writing down the judges picks than turning in the card? thanks for any insight

Also, if anyone has any additional ideas, I would love to hear them. thanks

[magic]

The cards are collected before the results are announced.

[drew99]

thanks, I thought about that but was concerned it would slow the show down

[SaddlebredMom]

Also, if anyone has any additional ideas, I would love to hear them. thanks

A show I attend does a "Pig Toss" and it's a blast! It works like a 50/50 raffle. The pigs are made of squishy rubber/foam and are each numbered. They are sold for $5.00 each and a list is kept of the pig numbers and the name of the person who bought each pig.

The "Toss" starts with a hula-hoop being dropped some place in the ring by the Ringmaster with the crowd yelling directions at him as to where he should drop the hoop (more to the left, closer to the rail, etc.) with the obvious intent to get him to drop it close to you -- the louder you scream for him the more he will come in your direction. ;) Then, after the hoop has finally been dropped, on the count of 10 every one lets loose with their pigs and they go flying through the air with everyone trying to be the one that gets it closest to the center of the hoop. The person with the number of the pig that's the closest to center is the winner.

We have had late pigs, and ringer pigs, and pigs that hit another pig out of the center (like what happened to my daughter's pig :sad:), and quite frankly, just the visual of hundreds of those pink squishy pigs flying through the air alone is a real hoot! :D It's a totally random event and no one knows who the winner is until all pigs have been tossed and measurements have been taken (drama!!) and the final number is read. It's a lot of fun for participants and spectators alike with more pizazz than your usual raffle and it's fun for the kids to go around and help sell the pigs, and it usually raises a nice amount for both the winner and the charity.

[bluepony33]

silent auctions!
get creative with the items. While horsey stuff is a must (from things for the horse, house, rider) you can also auction items which folks use in day to day life..........hair care, spa treatments, hotel rooms, sporting tickets, golf outings, gas cards, etc.

The last show I attending had a elephant painting in the silent auction.
Be sure to ask local barns and the show vendors for donations. Lessons from different barns always recieve alot of bids.

good luck!

ps. pig toss is also know as "chuck a duck" or "flying frogs" at some shows. Same rules just different animals. Always fun.

[WhenPigsFly]

A show I attend does a "Pig Toss" and it's a blast! It works like a 50/50 raffle. The pigs are made of squishy rubber/foam and are each numbered. They are sold for $5.00 each and a list is kept of the pig numbers and the name of the person who bought each pig.


I too went to one of these shows ... What was neat for me is that they were calling the event "WHEN PIGS FLY" ... Well, there I was walking around with my little grey polo shirt on that has an embroidered When Pigs Fly logo and wording .... Everyone kept asking me where I got my shirt. They all thought the shirt was part of the fund raising... I thought the event was publicity for my mare :angel:

It actually was a really great event at that particular show - they sold out of pigs both nights that they did it!

[SaddlebredMom]

I too went to one of these shows ... What was neat for me is that they were calling the event "WHEN PIGS FLY" ... Well, there I was walking around with my little grey polo shirt on that has an embroidered When Pigs Fly logo and wording .... Everyone kept asking me where I got my shirt. They all thought the shirt was part of the fund raising... I thought the event was publicity for my mare :angel:

Now that's a win - win!! :D

[asbfamily5]

Yea, The pig toss is definitely a true hoot to watch as well as participate in. It does tend to go over very well with the crowd. I also have to agree on the auction. Getting items that people use in everyday life are true money makers because they get something they can really use while helping out a great cause.
The cards are turned in before the results are announced and usually a section is designated for the fundraiser and you would have moderators to collect the cards and record the winners. A dog show also goes well. Especially if you have a crazy class list. People love to show off their dogs too! Hope this helps.