The Bonsai Society of Upstate NY has several different ways we try to
keep our club treasury funded. Like the other clubs that we've heard about,
we raffle off the demo tree after each program. In December, we hold an
annual Holiday Party where we do a brief presentation (usually a slide
show), followed by a Mystery Auction. For the Mystery Auction, we ask
members to donate items that are gift wrapped. We ask the members to
designate whether the mystery item is Bonsai-related or not and then we sit
back and enjoy the surprises. Its sounds a little awkward but its a lot of
fun and we usually raise over $500. And everyone is generally happy with
their purchases.

Each year our club holds an annual exhibition. This year was our 30th.
This has traditionally been more for Bonsai promotion than income
generation, but we usually make a little money on the show.

Each June we hold a normal auction and sale. During this meeting,
members can bring their own bonsai-related materials in to sell outright or
put into our auction. The club keeps 10% of all the proceeds and we usually
have members donate items so we get the full amount.

During regular meetings any member can set up a sales table for
"pre-bonsai" and related materials and again, the club collects 10%.

Over the years we have come pretty close to using up our treasury and so
we have to be careful to balance our programs. We have been very fortunate
and have had speakers from all over the US and around the World many years
now.

We constantly point this out to our members and shamelessly hit them up
for contributions. If they want to have great programs, they have to be
willing to help out with the costs. By keeping our dues down and having
people help out with additional donations and contributions along the way,
we are really having the people that attend the meetings (and benefit the
most) actually help with more of the expenses.

Over the past 2 years we have started distributing our monthly newsletter
via email to save on postage. Every little bit helps...and I hope this
helps too.

Regards,

Jim Dolce



-----Original Message-----
From: Internet Bonsai Club ]On Behalf
Of Peter K.
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 6:13 PM
To:
Subject: [IBC] club funds


I belong to a local bonsai club. Just wondering if anyone has any good
ideas to boost the clubs funds. We never have any new speakers, only club
members. I would like to find some ways to make money for the club (aside
from raising dues) so we could do more and get some new speakers in. Any
suggestions welcome.


--
Peter Kulibert zone 4a/5b

************************************************** ****************
**************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Dale Cochoy++++
************************************************** ****************
**************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Dale Cochoy++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++