Treasured fabrics inked with memories

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Updated 9 years ago

Think about this for a moment: Doughnuts are good, chocolate is sweet, flowers are gorgeous (and smell pretty too ;-), but how long do these items last?

One important part of of fundraising is setting up the channels that allow the repeat customers to be reminded of your needs. e-Mails go to SPAM folders, and direct mail rarely gets read in earnest. When Cadbury's, Pizza Hut, and Krispy Kream are what was offered at last year's fundraiser, don't be surprised if your pool of supporters remembers you at all.

Of course, there are the car washes, and those lovely bouquets, yet in our current global economy those items are as common as the rag used to wash the car. Speaking of common rags: Are those Art Club High School kids washing my car with those rags?!?!?

There has to be another alternative. One that requires care, but has care built into it. A fundraising item that can be used for this, or for that. One that speaks about you, that tells your story. An alternative that demonstrates evidence of the contributor's effort and displays it proudly.

Now imagine setting up a fundraiser that can generate a $10 profit on each contribution.

Of course with operations and mechanics of social media, my numbers might be VERY conservative. In any case, here is an idea:

Recently, after being fed up with the edible fundraising items (pun is purely coincidental), I looked at my beloved Rocker tee shirt with an imprint of my favorite band. I marveled at how it had lasted 15 years to the date, and that regardless, every time I saw or wore it, I was reminded of the band's music, culture, and fond memories of good times past.

With a little thought, planning, and effort, it is possible to produce a very economical item that can be exchanged for a donation that increases the item's perceived value quite substantially: Customized Apparel.

Since one shouldn't talk the talk without walking the walk, I have decided to follow this process to get a realistic idea of what can be achieved. This task begun now about two to three weeks out. Today I placed the order for the first prototype. I decided to "convince" an artist in creating a brand for apparel that promotes the artist's different works. Estimations were made and our goals were set: $230 in one month. As of right now we are smack on target. Because we did our research and we realized that we were in this to meet the goal.

With some clever word of mouth and social media connections, it was estimated that an initial run of 30 items would allow us to get to our desired destination. Since we wanted to run an additional experiment (brand building) along side this fundraising alternative idea, we decided to add a printed inside brand label that includes garment care.

As of right now, the elected producer is a local supplier, and the total investment is probably above the average needed to meet goal. My intention is mainly to determine if everything we came to research is true, and get a true prototype produced that will provide an accurate preview of what is to come ($$$). So naturally many will scoff, gasp, or laugh at my figures. For us it is all part of the learning curve for a very very young mind. Also, please let me indicate here that I am neither a marketing expert nor a textiles or fundraiser extraordinaire.

Print method:
(D)irect (T)o (G)arment.
Ink on fabric (allows for full color printing, best on white fabric).

Quantity:
1 Unit, Gilden, White cotton Tee, Size Medium.

Print:
Front image 13" x 9"

$17.00

Inside Label: 2" x 2"

$5.00

Turn Around time: 24 hours.

Total 22 Bucks plus tax for a one off, unique, customized item that naturally would not be intended to sell at that rate, but think about this: every 10 units there is about a 15% break, so the thirty units we need to sell to make goal is once again, right on target.

Tomorrow, I'll pick up the prototype and then depending on the outcome, we will more than likely make some adjustments and take it from there.

I am excited.