Host a fall carnival where students and families can buy favors, treats and play fall related games. The carnival can include face painters, pumpkin decoration stations, caricature drawings, simple games and clowns. Keep the prices simple, such as 25 cents per game, or sell tickets in a ticket booth. Clearly label each game with the price to play, and assign adults to monitor each game station.
Host a fall Jog-A-Thon with students asking for sponsors for each mile they jog. Choose a safe area to host the event, such as a large park or a designated, blocked parking lot. Sponsors will support students based on laps or miles walked. The track will be separated or designed to accommodate all age levels of participants. Water will be provided during the event, and if the fall day is chilly, hot chocolate may be provided with snacks as joggers finish.
This challenge is interesting and will get students excited to be back in school. Host an educational challenge where students ask adults to sponsor good grades. Set up a system with the teachers where the student receives a certain amount of money from the sponsors for a certain grade on selected tests. The higher the grade, the more money the sponsor donates to the PTO.
Host a fall craft vendor sale. Reserve an area, such as the gym or cafeteria, and invite craftsmen to buy tables at the fair. Advertise open tables in the local papers, through the school or over the radio. Charge moderate prices, such as $10 per table, and allow the vendors to sell their wares. Profits may be split with the PTO or kept by the vendor, according to the vendor/PTO agreement.