Learning a language is not always easy especially when you are not surrounded by people who are speaking it. Of course, learning a language like Spanish by attending classes is possible, but many might find that the process takes longer since exposure to the language is limited in the classroom. To help with becoming better at it, the student will need to take extra steps like listening to music or watching films in that language and even finding friends who are fluent so that they are forced to exchange words with them. This is why going to a country and learning the native language there is ideal because a student will not only be surrounded with Spanish speakers, but at the same time will be immersed in the culture, which helps in speeding up the learning process and making it a holistic experience.
One of the things you can do as part of a Spanish Club is raise funds to sponsor a student to learn Spanish abroad during summer. This means the club has the entire school year to do fundraising activities for this purpose. Depending on the amount of funds raised, the Club can even send more than one student for this immersion experience. How are you going to raise funds? Well the good news is, community members often are eager to help when they know that the funds raised are going to be for a good cause. So your club will need to spread the word and make sure that everyone knows the purpose of the fundraising activities that you will be hosting. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Direct Donations
Crowdfunding
This is quite common nowadays. You can easily set up a fundraising website and anyone interested can donate via the site. Simply spread the word through social media, email and by advertising around the school community.
Donations
Having something simple like a donation box at your school’s principal’s office can help your Club raise funds for this purpose. Any amount donated will go a long way. It’s important to let the community know that every bit of help counts.
Grants
Community members are often very willing to help out with such causes. Write a letter and reach out to companies/businesses in your area, particularly Spanish businesses that is related to the cause. Most businesses are open to giving grants in support of students.
Events
Auction
An auction is a great way to raise funds. You can decide to do an auction specific to particular items like an Art Auction or you can also choose to auction off a variety of items donated by the community. For Art Auctions it is a good idea to partner up with the Art Club for student pieces. For a more general auction, gather donations from the community like items they would normally sell at a garage sale. Once you have items for selling, set an auction date and advertise so that community members will attend and bid.
Ball
Throwing a ball is also a great way to raise funds. It may take a lot of work with putting together the foods, venue and decoration but surely all that will pay off. Students will definitely want to go to a party and get all dressed up. Determine the cost of having a ball and add a percentage that will go to raising funds in order for you to charge the right amount for tickets.
Battle of the Bands or Talent Show
Surely there are some amazing artists in your school. A great way to raise funds is by hosting a battle of the bands. Get the entire community involved. Teachers can help judge and parents can help donate prizes to the band winners. You can raise funds by charging entrance tickets to the main event night.
Games
Bingo
Bingo has always been a crowd favorite. Get the community together for Bingo night. Charge a fee to participate and have a prize for the winners. This might even be something your Club can host different times throughout the year.
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunts are a fun way to get students involved. Gather participants and have them organize teams and make sure you prepare a hunt that they will surely remember. Charge a fee for participation to help with raising funds.
Sports Tournament
Organize a sports tournament with the most played sports in your school community. This is a fun way to get everyone together to be fit and have some friendly competition, at the same time raise some funds.
Products/Services
Car Wash
This might be overdone but it is a sure way to raise funds. Who doesn’t need to have their car cleaned? Find a good location that lots of cars can easily access and park, make sure there’s water, hoses, soap, club members to help wash and you are good to go.
Bake Sale
Another classic and if your Club is full of bakers then this is a good option for you. Have a variety of baked goods from cupcakes, muffins, cookies and cakes. Everyone loves sweets and this certainly is a great way to raise funds.
Refreshment Stand
This is a good one to have during a Sports event in your school. Get permission from the school’s principal so that you can offer lemonade, juices and other thirst quenchers. You can even sell snacks on the side to add on to raising funds.
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