Savannah’s Fundraiser

When our daughter was 5 years old, a fundraiser called All Fore Savannah was planned and implemented by close family members. Her fundraiser event was held at a local golf club.

Reasons to have a fundraiser for your child

There are many reasons to have a fundraiser for your special needs child. The main reason to have a fundraiser is to gain extra funds for your child for the present and future. Having children is expensive, but having a special needs child is significantly extortionate. The funds your son or daughter receive from the fundraiser could last for several years depending on how successful the event is.

Why having a Special Needs Child Is so expensive?

They have multiple needs & expenses.

There are countless amount of needs, which results in endless expenses for special needs parents. A fundraiser would definitely be beneficial and take off some of the financial challenges.

Equipment

Most items such as equipment is extremely expensive. A gait trainer costs between $1700.00 and $3,000. A stroller costs between $600 to $3,000. Even though you may have medical insurance, equipment is sometimes not covered. Additionally, your child needs a stander for weight baring and consistent growth. However, a stander costs around $5,000 depending on the brand you purchase.

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Feeding supplies

Although most insurance companies pay for feeding supplies (i.e. feeding bags, extensions, and syringes, the formula that your child consumes may not be covered.

Communication Devices

If your special one is nonverbal, have speech delays or have difficulty speaking, communication devices are also necessary such as a Little or Big Mac, which also are pricey.

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If your son or daughter is non-ambulatory, your house has to be adapted. For instance, a lift or an elevator may need to be constructed into your house. The alternative is to move to a home without stairs, perhaps a ranch style house. Accommodating your home may be your most substantial expense.

Sitter

Moreover, a sitter will be needed so both parents and caregivers can have a break and go out in the community for some enjoyment. Occasionally, your son or daughter needs to watched by someone while you attend to a medical appointment or their siblings has one.

Medical Expenses

Last but not least, medical expenses including doctors visits, surgeries, therapies, supplies can be a major part of your yearly budget as a special needs parent.

What a Fundraiser entails

Sport

The fundraiser for your child can also include a sport like golf for your guests to participate in. At Savannah’s fundraiser, All Fore Savannah, our guests teamed up to play 18 hole game of golf at a local golf club.

Time to eat

After participating in an entertaining activity such as golf, your guests will sit around large round tables with decorative center pieces for your event. Baskets with green streamers, golf balls and tees were our center pieces at All Fore Savannah. They will be served a meal and desert by banquet servers.

Auction

Prior to the fundraiser, items such as sports tickets, autographed footballs or basketballs, gift cards, toys, liquor, etc will be donated to be auctioned. At your event, the auction items will be placed on tables with a bid sheet for participants to preview the different goods and list their bids.

Whoever has the highest bid wins the item. Usually, the guests will have plenty of auction items to choose from and pick several items they want to bid on. A speaker at your fundraiser will review each item and claim the winners. Having an auction is a fantastic way to raise funds for your child and their future needs.

Entertaining your guests

To entertain everyone, you can have a DJ to play music for your guests to dance after sharing a meal together. An alternative or in addition, you can have a comedian, magician or a speaker.

Who to invite to Your Child’s Fundraiser

A month prior to your special one’s fundraiser, invitations will be mailed to family members, friends and co-workers. If someone cannot attend the event, the option to donate before the fundraiser should be given. Local businesses can also be asked for generous donations.

The End Results of a Fundraiser

All of the donations you receive for your child goes into a Trust in your child’s name and a relative or two will handle the trust for you. In the near future you need to use the funds in the Trust, that same relative will approve the item and use the funds to purchase the necessary item.

For additional beneficial information, check out 10 Challenges You May Face As a Special Needs Parent

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a family member, perhaps a sister or brother in law make preparations for a fundraiser for your child would be of value to him or her. By having a fundraiser and having the necessary funds to cover some of the equipment, medical supplies and expenses, and accommodations to your home will give you some financial relief. Additionally, you will not have to worry so much how you are planning on paying for the needed items.

If you enjoyed this article on How to Have a Fundraiser for Your Special Needs Child or have any questions, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!