Local Basket Party

Its time to work on our Community Service Project so that means in order to afford our CSP it is is also fund raising time for our 4-H club.  Each year so far the fund raiser for our club has been a Local Basket Party.  The proceeds raised then cover any cost we will need for our project.  Photos of last year's CSP are below.  The club made and installed fencing around the Honor Pavers at the American Legion.  As you can see in the photos the pavers were exposed on the ground and even though they were laid out in a decorative fashion and had names on them most people walked on them as though they were a sidewalk.  Proceeds from last years fund raiser also covered the cost of a sign to let onlookers know not to step on them.  These few items have made for great decorative items around the pavers but not only that I have had countless people tell me they did not realize they were not meant to be a sidewalk.
*NOTE members pictured below were not walking on pavers but rather around them.  We forgot to get a before image so this was the closest we had.

Any way on to the LOCAL BASKET PARTY.  These really are a great fund raiser for not only the club but the community and they are fun too.  I know  you are wondering what is the difference in a Local Basket Party and Raffle baskets?  Well its sort of like having baskets to raffle off but a whole lot more awesome for our community.  Since we are working on our "community" service project we do our best to support our community as much as possible through the whole process.  First we collect items from local businesses to fill our baskets with local items through donations and member purchases. 

Members selling tickets at the Downsville Diner~ who also donated items to the cause.

We go to local businesses once the baskets are completed to sell tickets (advertising for them in the process).  We try to only sell tickets to our local community which allows them to take advantage of the great items our area has to offer them.  And if all that is not great enough community support, the day of the Local Basket Party (ticket drawing day) we hold the basket party at the local American Legion's dinner/fundraiser where we help them set up, server and clean up.  Which in turn also brings in additional customers for them.

Some of the members who helped server and sell tickets at the Legions benefit dinner.

Oh and don't forget that all this great community support takes place before we even do our Community Service Project.  This year we will be purchasing and making picnic tables and benches for Downsville's Covered Bridge Park.  The seating there has seen better days and most of the tables are not even safe to set at.
Lets just say these kids should be quite proud of all they do for their community before they even do their community service for the year.  I know as their leader I could not be prouder of them.