Fundraising Idea: Bounce Houses and Childcare

Just last week we had an incredible fundraiser. When I say incredible, I’m not measuring it by the amount made but rather by the empowerment that came from it and the lack of preparation it took before hand.

Next week I will be accompanying my friend Caitlin to Carolina Point to serve as a child care worker

for YoungLives Camp. Caitlin is a graduated Capernaum friend with a calling to love on babies. In order to raise money for camp, we helped Caitlin put on a fundraiser. We wanted to do something that showcased her abilities and strengths as a babysitter and also provided those donating with a service, we landed on “Mommy’s Day Out”. The brilliant idea was pitched to have the day at “BounceU” (an inflatable play place) with 10 or so bounce houses and obstacle courses. BounceU offers an “open jump” in the summer from 9:30-11:30a that allows anyone to pay around $7 for unlimited jumping for the two hours, but they must have a supervisor stay. Caitlin (along with 3 volunteer leaders) got to be that supervisor!

In our "ask" for anyone interested in childcare, we sent out a BounceU sign up link. The mom’s paid the $7 free jump fee then wrote a check to YoungLife for $20 a child (we asked $30 for two). We opened it up to all ages because who doesn’t love bounce houses? When the mom’s dropped off their kids, Caitlin got to put name tags on every one, meeting them and their mom. Giving a face to who they were supporting and empowering. We had about 10 kids during this day but all the moms asked

if we do it again and they would share with all of their friends. We brought snacks for down time and plastic cups for the water fountain.

There were multiple wins in this choice: no one had to open up their home, no one had to come up with entertainment or toys, fun for all ages, and an enclosed setting inside (which is a major advantage in this TN heat!), and BounceU had people working the rooms already. Did I mention no cleanup? Caitlin got to use her strengths to not only raise money for camp but also serve the moms of the community she lives in and display her abilities that they may have never known.

Here’s what Caitlin had to say:
“I think it was fun and a good outing. The moms and kids both liked it. My favorite part was getting to play with the kids on all of the bouncy things. I would love to do it again.”