Hey there! Krysta Schroeder, President of PROTECTS, here to tell you why selling a gun & cash raffle calendar might just be the best fundraising move you can make. Trust me, I was a bit skeptical at first, but after seeing the results firsthand, I’m here to share why you should jump in with both feet.
Starting Strong with RVAA
When PROTECTS launched, we had big goals – raising a mountain of money in a short window of time. I found myself talking to Heather at River Valley Arms & Ammo (RVAA) about this, and she suggested a raffle calendar. I wasn’t sure at first. My gun knowledge is pretty basic, and I’d never managed a raffle before. But Heather and her team put my worries to rest, and I quickly learned a few things:
- They Know Their Stuff. This isn’t RVAA’s first rodeo. They’ve organized plenty of gun raffles in the past, so they know the ropes and can guide you through the entire process.
- They Know What Sells. As a full-service gun shop, RVAA knows exactly what people want. They can help curate a lineup of gun prizes that will grab attention and drive ticket sales.
- They Listen to Your Needs. When I explained our goals, how much I was comfortable spending, and how much we hoped to raise, Heather listened and made it happen. People couldn’t believe the quality and variety of prizes we included in our raffle!
- They’re Truly Full-Service. Heather’s design and marketing expertise took things to the next level. She not only helped us secure great deals on printing but also offered advice on where to promote our calendars – from social media to local events.
It Takes a Team Effort
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – selling raffle items takes work. You’ll need to apply for a gambling permit, and I recommend starting sales in the summer to give yourself plenty of time. Divide and conquer – distribute calendars to as many willing sellers as possible to maximize reach.
Real Impact, Real Results
For our first big fundraiser, we supported the Redwood Falls Police Department’s K9 program, which came with a $152,000 price tag. The city covered a large portion, but we committed to raising $45,500 for the dog, equipment, and training. Thanks to our raffle calendar, we made significant progress toward that goal, getting our name out there and building community support. In just five months, we reached our lofty target.
With the right preparation and a great partnership with RVAA, you can hit your fundraising goals, too. Don’t overthink it – just go for it!
Happy fundraising! 😊
About the Guest Author
As a lifelong resident of Redwood Falls, Krysta Schroeder is deeply committed to her community. Recognizing the challenges of funding public services in a small town, she has co-founded PROTECTS. She knows that this community has been very successful in the past by funding projects through generous community donations. Krysta is married to a law enforcement officer and they have two children. Krysta works full time as a mortician and cherishes the connections made while supporting families during their time of loss. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball, walking in Ramsey Park, and being an active member of First United Methodist Church. She is excited about the positive impact PROTECTS will have on the community!