When it comes to fundraising, sometimes it takes a little creativity and a lot of teamwork to truly go above and beyond. That’s exactly what Western Boone Choir from Thorntown, Indiana, achieved during their 20th Butter Braid® Fundraiser with LaBraid Fundraising. After several years of declining participation and sales, the group turned things around in spectacular fashion by thinking outside the box, setting an exciting challenge, and tapping into the power of collaboration. The result? A record-breaking fundraiser that not only met their goals but exceeded them by hundreds of items!
This inspiring story is a testament to how innovation, community effort, and a strong partnership with a supportive fundraising company can reignite enthusiasm and set new benchmarks for success. Read on to learn how the Western Boone Choir achieved their incredible results and why their journey might just inspire your group’s next fundraiser.
Background: The Challenge
For many years, the Western Boone Choir was a shining example of determination and dedication in their fundraising efforts. However, as time went on, their sales began to steadily decline. In 2019, the choir sold a total of 627 items. But, by 2021, that number had dwindled to just 297 – a sharp drop that left both the students and their director, Samantha Gillingham, feeling the need for a change.
Facing these challenges in 2022, Samantha partnered with their LaBraid Fundraising representative, Scott Kleckner, to come up with a fresh strategy to reignite enthusiasm and reverse the trend. Both recognized that it would take more than the conventional approach to bring the choir back to its fundraising peak. Together, they brainstormed new ways to energize students, inspire participation, and ultimately set the choir up for a comeback. What they landed on was an out-of-the-box idea that combined goal setting, community spirit, and a fun incentive to rally the group like never before.
The Plan
When Samantha and Scott came together to tackle the Western Boone Choir’s declining fundraising sales, they knew they’d need to think creatively. Together, they devised a plan that would motivate the students and bring some excitement back into the fundraiser. At the heart of the strategy was a fun incentive: if the choir hit their ambitious goal of selling 750 Butter Braid® Pastries, Scott would take on a role in the choir’s fall play, Alice in Wonderland.
This incentive worked on multiple levels. For students, it created a challenge they could rally around as a team. Selling 750 items wasn’t just about hitting a number, it was about bringing their LaBraid Fundraising representative onto the stage and making him part of the production. It gave the students a direct and entertaining reason to push harder and sell more.
However, Scott’s and Samantha’s work didn’t stop there. They both actively participated in encouraging the students throughout the campaign, and the community became invested in seeing the results. This combination of a tangible goal, a humorous and personal reward, and active engagement made the fundraiser feel fresh and exciting, sparking the enthusiasm needed to exceed expectations.
The Incredible Results
The collaboration between the Western Boone Choir and LaBraid Fundraising didn’t just meet expectations – it shattered them. The students far surpassed their goal of selling 750 pastries, ultimately selling an impressive 1,023 items. This marked an extraordinary 726-item increase from their previous year’s sales and secured the choir’s largest fundraiser in over a decade.
This success was a testament to the power of creative thinking and motivation. The idea of seeing Scott perform as a Card Guard in their Alice in Wonderland production inspired students to take ownership of their fundraising efforts. The connection between their hard work and the payoff created a sense of excitement that drove their participation to new heights.
Scott’s appearance in the play, complete with heart-shaped makeup and costume, was more than just a humorous highlight of the night. It served as a reminder of the teamwork and determination that made the fundraiser such a triumph.
Continued Success for Western Boone Choir
The partnership between Western Boone Choir and LaBraid Fundraising has continued on since 2022. Each fall since their record-breaking year, the choir has successfully exceeded their sales goals thanks to their commitment to innovation and the ongoing support from Scott and LaBraid Fundraising.
In addition to helping the choir reach their goals, the tradition of having Scott participate in the choir’s fall performances has become a much-anticipated highlight of the season. From his debut as a Card Guard in Alice in Wonderland to subsequent appearances in the 2023 and 2024 productions, Scott’s involvement has added a sense of excitement and camaraderie that keeps both the students and the community engaged.
This past year, the tradition evolved even further with Scott and his family making a weekend out of the event and participating in multiple performances. This heartwarming collaboration exemplifies the strong relationship between LaBraid Fundraising and the Western Boone Choir, showcasing the impact of creative fundraising strategies that go beyond just selling products; they create memories, build community, and foster lasting partnerships.
Takeaways for Your Group
Western Boone Choir’s incredible success provides some valuable lessons for other fundraising groups looking to revitalize their efforts and exceed their goals. The key takeaway is that creativity and collaboration can make all the difference. When groups think outside the box and foster strong relationships with their fundraising partners, they can create excitement and engagement that drives participation.
For any group looking to improve their results, the Western Boone Choir’s story serves as a powerful reminder: creativity, collaboration, and a little bit of fun can turn a routine fundraiser into something truly remarkable.
