ORGANIZING A BASKET BINGO

DATEDate must be secured well in advance. Baskets and other products must be orderedwhich usually takes 4-6 weeks to be delivered. Additional time should be allowedfor items that may be backordered

LOCATION

Church hall, VFW hall, fire hall, etc. It is easiest to reserve a facility that alreadyhas a Bingo machine. Otherwise, one can be rented for the evening.

BASKETS

20 baskets/pottery pieces must be ordered for game prizes, plus 2-3 additional if"Specials" are being offered.Raffle prizes must be ordered. Two or three raffles are normally held, using Hostessbaskets or feature products as the prize. THE ORGANIZATION MAY NEED ASPECIAL RAFFLE PERMIT IN ORDER TO DO THIS.The cost of the baskets and other products ranges between $1200 and $2000,depending upon the baskets selected.

DOOR PRIZES

Purchase door prizes for intermission door prize drawings, as well as for tiebreakers.Often, organizations will use a set of tickets to their next planned bingo event for atiebreaker, or free raffle tickets for the raffles at the end of the event.

FUNDING

Acquire funds for purchasing baskets. This money can be donated or you may havethe baskets "sponsored". Sponsors and any other donors should be recognized duringthe event, as well in the Event Program.Requests for donations should be sent on the organization's letterhead and state thepurpose of the fundraiser, the date of the event, and a contact person with phonenumber. Inform the donor that their organization's name will be announced the nightof the event, as well as included in the event program. A sample copy is availablefrom me once products are ordered.Maintain a list of items donated along with the donor so that a follow-up Thank Younote can be sent upon receipt of the funds or after the event.

TICKETS/PROGRAMS/FLYERSA program of events is necessary in order that players can follow along. A samplecopy is available from me once products are ordered.Tickets may be professionally printed or you can create them yourself. A donor maypay for them and include advertising on the reverse. The following statement MUSTbe included on the tickets:"THIS FUNDRAISER IS IN NO WAY CONNECTED WITH, NOR ISAPPROVED OR SPONSORED BY, THE LONGABERGER COMPANY."In addition, the word "Longaberger" cannot appear on any literature in print largerthan the smallest print on the documentDetermine the cost of each ticket (usually $12 to $15 in advance and $15-$18atthedoor)Maximum number of tickets sold is determined by the Fire Code for the facility youhave selected. This should be considered when selecting a hall.Do not oversell - no one likes to attend an event that is too crowded or dramaticallydecreases their chance of winning.To promote your event, print flyers to post in high-traffic areas with a captiveAudience. Make them attractive and eye-catching. I can also assist with samplesOr by creating the flyer for you.Advertising is strongly recommended. Again, the word, "Longaberger", cannotAppear on any literature in print larger than the smallest print on the document.

SUPPLIESPaper Bingo Cards

Packs of 20 sheets/3 cards per sheet for each player, plus additional packs to besold at the door.Single card sheets for "Specials", in a different color for each Special game beingoffered (there are normally 2-3 specials throughout the event). These cards aresold at the door, at intermission and before each Special for a $1.00.3 rolls of 2-part raffle tickets: one for door prizes and the other for the raffles.(Note: an additional color is recommended if the organization is holding a

50/50 raffle as well)Bingo daubers for purchase at the eventBingo machine rental, if one is not available at the facility.

FOODKeep it simple! Pizza, nachos & cheese, hot dogs, chips, baked goods, etc. Softdrinks, water, and coffee should be available for purchase and stated on the flyer that"refreshments are available".A food committee can prepare and sell the food, or it can be catered.If an outside caterer prepares the food, it is easier for the organization. Requestthat the caterer donate a portion of his/her profits from the food sales.Many veteran players bring their own refreshments and serve them inLongaberger baskets!

PERMITSA permit is required from the county/city/borough in which the event is being held.An additional permit is required if you are having raffles at the event.These permits must be with you at the event.

CALLERIdentify a caller well in advance. Review the products, the plan for the evening, etc.so that he/she will understand the product they are describing. Search for someonewho speaks loudly and clearly, and has a good personality. Provide him/her with a"detailed script" to follow. This should include details of each game, sponsor/donorendorsements, special "announcements", etc.an "MC" may be appointed to handle the caller's "script", if the caller is unable todo so.

VOLUNTEERSVolunteers will be needed during the event for the following:

To work the floor, assisting with "call-off, parading the current prize, andselling "Special" game cards and raffle tickets. He/she should be providedwith a 'bank' for making change for the players.to man the table at the front door, collecting tickets, distributing game cardsand programs, selling additional game cards and bingo supplies (daubers)and answer questions. It is recommended that the sale of additional suppliesand bingo cards be handled at a table near, but separate from, the entrancetable, so as not to cause a bottleneck at the front door. Cleanup, of course!

ADDITIONAL TIPSPlace trash receptacles at the end of each table to collect used bingo cards,bottles, cans, paper plates, etc. Some organizations tape a large trash bag at theend of each table.Advertise your next event at the current event, and have tickets available for sale.The enthusiasm for Basket Bingo is fresh and will assist in the success of yournext Bingo!Include as many add-on accessories (protectors, liners, tie-ons) as your budgetpermits. Basket bingo players tend to "judge" the event based upon the addedvalue to a prize and this will determine the success of you next bingo ( repeatplayers, word of mouth ticket sales, etc.)Purchase relevant "fillers" for baskets (candy, potpourri, inexpensive food items,gift certificates from local merchants, etc) to make them as attractive as possible.Again, this will ensure the success of your next event with repeat attendanceand new players.

If you have any questions, need help in obtaining additional products or identifying companies tohelp supply your event, please call!! I will be available to assist in any way possible. Mostimportantly, have a FUN & SUCCESSFUL event!!

Debbi McClellanIndependent Longaberger Consultant

314 Old Line AveLaurel, MD 20724

301-498-5404

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