Description:
An evening of dancing and fun for the parents, faculty, and their friends in support of the school. It can be simply for a social gathering or it can be combined with fundraising.

Duties:
This committee works best when there are subcommittees reporting to a chairperson. Subcommittees may include those responsible for ticket sales, decorating, catering, music/entertainment, clean up, and any fundraising that might occur during the evening.
Decide on and plan all the details of the dinner dance: date, time, location, dress (black tie, suit & tie, business/casual, in accordance with a possible theme), door prizes, menu, fundraisers present at the event, seating type (reserved or open).
Solicit advertisements from businesses for a ôpatron bookö as a fundraiser. Coordinate the printing of the book, including a program page of the socialÆs events and a dinner menu.
Solicit products and services from local and other businesses to be offered through a ôsilent auctionö as a fundraiser.
Prepare bid sheets for the silent auction and arrange tables to optimize the display of the items to be auctioned off.
Set ticket prices. Sell tickets and collect money.

Time needed:
5-8 hours/week on the part of many.

Characteristics/skills needed:
Computer skills--Can use a computer to organize a project.
Creativity--Ability to develop new and interesting ideas.
Mechanical Skills--Good with tools and using one's hands.
Money skills--Uses money judiciously and can stay within a budget.
Organization--Can make a logical order out of many competing interests.

Helpful tools:
Email
Computer with printer
Car or van

Lifespan of committee:
2 to 4 months (preparation time before social).

Involving the kids:
As part of an activity in art at school, children could make artwork for the specific purpose of auctioning off their piece at the adult social.

Other comments or suggestions:
Concerns: The advantage of holding a dinner dance with a fundraiser (patron book, silent auction, etc.) is that it encourages just that many more people to attend. When many people are involved in preparing for such an event, use caution when approaching the business community because it is frequently asked to provide help. Do not request a product donation or financial support more than once from a business. It will make you look like you lack control. Be sure to have one person in charge of community solicitation. If your solicitation is done in a professional manner one year, then the businesses will continue their generosity in years to come.