Callers’ Corner:

 Can you believe that we are already into February 2010 and we have already had some very strong winter blasts across the whole state? Will Rogers once said if you don’t like Oklahoma weather just wait a minute. It seems he was right with our up and downs of warmth and cold.

We hope that our articles aren’t like Oklahoma weather. We want the ideas to be positive and that they can be used with a positive nature.

 Last month we discussed flexibility of the caller’s contract cost and clubs ability of what to pay. We were asked to do this article and also the one we are doing this month.

 This month’s article is based on ways to raise money for the clubs.

We have heard of many different was that the clubs can raise money.

It is understood that as clubs lose dancers that are paying dues then the treasure reduces dramatically.

 So to begin with the first money raiser is basically selling the tickets to the State Federation’s Annual Square Dance. The reason being that each club will receive approximately fifty-percent of each ticket sold by its membership. We understand that everyone is not a salesman when it comes to doing this, but let us give you an idea or two that might help with making sales.

 Each year when you get tickets to sell sit down and make a list of business that you deal with on a regular basis, such as mechanics, eating places, or any business that you come in contact with on a regular basis. Then don’t ask them to buy a ticket as them to buy a book of tickets. This money raiser works real well because it doesn’t take long to sell ten books of tickets.

 Some other club money raisers are to have an annual garage sale, or yard sale, depending upon what it’s called in your location. Get all the club members to clean out their house and put prices on their items. Select a date that is pay day for most individuals in the community. Put up signs around the neighborhood showing the location of the sale.

In addition you could even sell the State Tickets as well. Some groups have also had baking sales as part of this money raiser.

 Actually there are all kinds of club money raisers that have been done to help the clubs.

The best idea is to sit down with all the active club members and brain storm what kind of money raiser they all feel would work.

 Bottom line is not to give up if it doesn’t work the first time, keep trying.

We hope we haven’t rambled to long.

 Sincerely,

Cecil & Barbara Burton