The Bear Factory Events presents Buddy-A-Thon, an elementary school fundraiser, where students pick and help build their own huggable, lovable Buddy in our 20′ Bear Factory mobile trailer while raising funds for school initiatives. Our Buddy-A-Thon is like a walk-a-thon except instead of walking, participating students get to pick a huggable, lovable Buddy.
Buddies come with a Birth Certificate, a special heart insert, measure 16″ tall, and are “department store” quality. Many of the buddies are made of eco-friendly materials and all are filled with recycled fiber material making this fundraiser a teachable, sustainable moment.
How Does It Work?
- Kickoff with a Buddy-A-Thon assembly introducing the buddies and how students can help their school.
- Students register online.
- Send 10+ emails via our system to family and friends asking for their support. The Buddy-A-Thon program will send out friendly reminders and track all donations.
- On Buddy-A-Thon Day, qualifying students will help create their own Buddy in our Bear Factory trailer.
Testimonials
“This is the most profitable fundraiser we’ve ever done. And you’ve made it so easy. I am going to email all the secretaries in the district about this AWESOME program.”
–Sara T, Principal’s Secretary, Country Place Elementary
“I appreciate you sharing the info about the fundraiser with me as it was a HUGE success for Rose Union. I will definitely do this again next spring.
–Tina Nunn, Principal, Rose Union Elementary
“This is really exciting for us to keep seeing the numbers going up! Chris (Principal) told me yesterday that he really liked this fundraiser and doesn’t care if we ever do any other type of fundraiser again…SOLD!!! It sure has been easier for me…”
–Renate Jeffcoat, Secretary/Registrar, Coppell Classical Academy
“The experience with the Bear Factory fundraiser exceeded our expectations. The Bear Factory team were extremely available and thorough about the process involved in making this a huge success. They were detailed in identifying what has worked well in other schools and absolutely willing to take recommendations of how to even make this more successful in the future. What initially gained my interest in this fundraiser was the percentage of proceeds that would be given to the school. In addition, there’s just something that warms a kids’ hearts about stuffed animals. Doug puts on an amazing kickoff for this program. The students were a captive audience and extremely excited by the prizes. By just simply sending out 10 emails, the students were able to receive the much desired “Dexter Hair” prize. Almost half of our students were able to meet the goal to receive a stuffed animal.
I wanted a fundraiser that was going to take little teaching time away from our teachers and they wouldn’t have to be in charge of the management of the funds and prizes. As the principal, I coordinated the process and provided the PTO a break from their continuous efforts. Other than sending out email reminders to families and teachers, it did not take much away from my duties…
…Overall, this was the most successful fundraiser I have been a part of. I am already excited about making simple adaptations to even make it more profitable next year. I welcome anyone to call me to further explain how to make this a huge success at your school.
–Kevin Klein, Principal, Wards Creek Elementary
About Doug Bishop
The Bear Factory Events Oklahoma/Texas is locally owned and operated by fundraising professional, Doug Bishop. Doug has over 25 years of experience helping schools and organizations raise over $20 million dollars! Contact me to learn more about how to bring this profitable and fun program to your school.
