A car wash fundraiser is an organized event that is used to generate revenue for groups. This type of fund raiser uses volunteers to clean vehicles and provide other simple car detailing services. Some organizations sell tickets for a set price, while others accept of variety of donations. A car wash fundraiser typically takes place in a parking lot, but can also be located at a dedicated car wash facility.
The goal of a car wash fundraiser is to raise money on a relatively short notice. This event can usually be planned and implemented in a matter of weeks or even days. Compared to many other sources of income, a car wash fundraiser is inexpensive and is relatively simple to run.
Almost any open outdoor location can serve as the venue for these types of events. Parking lots near major intersections are popular choices. A group can contact the manager of the property to receive usage permission in advance. Some cities require an event permit, and the location manager may insist on temporary event insurance. These requirements vary from place to place, and both can usually be obtained without significant trouble.
Volunteers form the core of a successful car wash fundraiser. On the day of the event, these workers provide the manual labor to rinse, wash, and clean the cars that arrive. In addition to volunteers, this fundraiser requires simple car cleaning supplies. Soap, brushes, buckets, and a water supply are typically the basic necessities. These supplies can be purchased in advance, or requested as donations in order to keep costs low.
Several different methods can be used to generate enthusiasm and bring in customers for the event, and volunteers are the key. Members of the group can spread the word by word of mouth, and also by placing paper fliers in well-trafficked locations. People can use signs to attract on-site traffic. Regardless of the marketing method, it is usually a good idea to clearly indicate the purpose of the group and the intended use for the funds.
Selling tickets in advance is one way for an organization to gauge the interest in a car wash fundraiser. Groups can set a price and sell the vouchers at different locations. This approach eliminates the need for customers to guess how much money to give on the day of the car wash. In contrast, accepting any donating amount in exchange for the volunteer service can attract more visitors but may result in uncertain and widely varying fund amounts.