This is a perfect add-on fundraiser for a charity golf event. It can also be held at a football field, soccer field, or any other open field during another fundraising event. Your group has the potential to raise up to $40,000 with this fundraiser.

How it Works:

The rescue group sells 500 tickets at $100 each. The 500 golf balls will be numbered according to the tickets, randomly placed in a large duffle bag and then dropped from a helicopter onto a golf course green or other open field. If using the golf course green, then the ball that lands in the hole will win $10,000. If more than one ball lands in the hole, those ticket holders will split the $10,000 evenly. If no ball enters the hole, then the ball closest to the center of the hole will win $5,000.

If you are using a large field for the drop, spray paint a 2″ diameter circle on the ground as the bullseye. This method will make it harder for a ball to stay in the marked area as a ball on a golf course green would naturally fall into the hole and stay put. But, it also makes it possible that more than one ball could rest on the edge of the painted circle, allowing for more people to share the winning pot.

People will like the large winning pot and the maximum number of tickets being sold. This way, their chances are increased. And, the excitement of watching the balls drop and roll around is great entertainment and a wonderful way to draw the crowd together for some announcements, thank the volunteers and vendors, or make some donation requests for needy animals.

Equipment Needed:

* Helicopter! Ask your local sheriff’s department to help. Or, contact local airports asking for a few minutes of their time. Many pilots are thrilled to use their flying skills to benefit a charity! If you can’t find a helicopter to use, ask a construction company for a crane for an afternoon, or partner with a fire truck, or other tall piece of equipment.

* 500 golf balls. If you are working with a golf course for a charity event, then they will be more than willing to allow you to use balls from their driving range or putting greens. These buckets

* Tickets. Design numbered tickets to sell in advance. Be sure to include name of group, number, price of ticket, and location of event. If people need not be present to win, be sure to have two-part tickets which will provide you with a listing of names and contact info for each ticket sold.

* Location. Use a golf course green or another large open field.

TWIST:

If $100 per ball sounds too pricey for your community, drop it down to $50 per ball with the winning pot to be $5,000 and your group takes home $20,000. You can also adjust the number of balls sold.

NOTE:

Be sure to test the ball drop in advance so you’ll know how far the balls will bounce. Set a safe distance around the drop zone to make sure no crowd members will be hurt. Safety First!