Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Jelly Belly's Boost Profits

From the desk of Bonnie Girton, President of DMI:

We have added the national and well loved Jelly Belly brand to our line up and the first orders came in last week with remarkable performance.  The first group that ordered repeated their catalog selection from last year, with the addition of the one page flyer of 8 Jelly Belly items.  This group has increased their sale by 10% more units over last year, and Jelly Belly products were a whopping 10% of their items sold.  It’s indisputable that Jelly Belly alone increased their profits!


See the Jelly Belly brochure...

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Hershey's Gives Back with Games









Throughout it's long history, The Hershey Company has been known for dedication to programs that support youth development. This year, Hershey's is partnering with Olympic track star Carl Lewis to celebrate the 35th annual Hershey's Track & Field Games, the largest youth activity program of its kind in North America.

Children ages 9-14 are encouraged to live a balanced, active lifestyle by participating in track and field events across the country. 'We founded the program over 30 years ago out of a conviction that there's no treat more rewarding than fitness, self-esteem and hard-work,' Hershey's says. According to their website, the games have produced many Olympic medalists and competeing athletes.

Kids can compete in local, district and state competitions.  Those who do will have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to compete in the North American Final in Hershey, Pennsylvania this summer, according to the company.

Learn more at the website,  https://www.hersheystrackandfield.com/.  Families can even download a free 'Run, Jump, Throw Birthday Party Kit,' which gives instructions for activity-based games.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Impact Confections Adds Warheads Sour Twists, Discontinues Lollipops

Warheads Sour Twists Available Fall 2012

Impact Confections announced today two major changes to their line-up of fund raising products. Citing 'tremendous growth of the WARHEADS®  Fundraising program,' IC will expand the line by adding WARHEADS® Sour Twists product, a 'sour coated, three-color/three-flavor twisted chewy rope that can be eaten as one, or pulled apart one flavor at a time.'

Some fund raising sponsors may be disappointed to learn that the new addition coincides with the discontinuation of Colorblaster and Carousel Rounds lollipops in 2012-2013.  IC states that 'limited quantities are available for the remaining 2011-2012 season.'

DMI will offer the Colorblaster and Carousel Rounds until sell-out, and suggests Color Xploder and Yummy-Lix lollipops as an best alternative choice.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Looking for a great resource to inspire and guide you?  AFRDS, the Association of Fundraising Distributors and Supplier, now publishes an online monthly offering called 'The Fundraising Edge.'  Formerly a print publication, the newsletter is available to electronic subscribers.  Articles highlight best practices for as well as advice, from tips for boosting profits to suggestions for thanking volunteers.  Visit, fundraisingedge.org, fund raising chairpersons and parent volunteer boards will find valuable information there.  Read more ...

DMI Fundraising is a long time member in good standing with AFRDS.

Friday, March 9, 2012

How to motivate fundraiser participants

"What I've always found is that people will respond to meet a need ... if they know what to do.  You give people the opportunity to be part of something that will make a difference, and they will step up."

James Lee Witt, FEMA Director 1993-2000

How to motivate fundraiser participants


 

Wouldn't it be great if successful fundraisers were as simple as sending home a box of candy and collecting money?  It may have worked that way at one time, but times are not so simple now.  With the sheer volume of fundraising activities for many genuine needs, the competition is tough and time is short.  Every fundraising effort needs to stand out in the crowd and differentiate itself.

A first word of advice to organizations that use products to fund-raise, is 'less is more.'  Multiple fundraising activities and projects do not necessarily translate in to bigger dollars.  In fact, saturation in the community, participant burnout and volunteer fatigue are all very real concerns.  Our most successful customers create a tradition out of their sales and align themselves with particular products at specific times of year.  Asking once, and asking well, can be the best solution for motivating participants and reaching profit goals.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Green Fundraising Ideas for PTOs - PTOToday.com

Green Fundraising Ideas for PTOs - PTOToday.com

A nice article about green fundraising ideas, that quotes our president, Bonnie Girton.

DMI is offering a number of products that fall under the category of 'green.' Here a short list:

Recycled trash bags - Bags for Bucks
Gift Wrapping made of 95% recycled paper with water based inks
Eco-friendly & made from renewable resources - SNIFTY Scented Products
Recycled plastic shopping totes - EnviroVogue Bags
Organic & Gluten Free baking mixes