One way to attract attention from all age groups is to host bingo nights. The Sullivan Celtic Band Boosters of Fairfield, Calif. raise some 60 percent of the band programs' annual funding by organizing the Saturday Night Bingo games. Band boosters put on a Bingo night every Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. at the Vaca Valley Bingo Hall. Bingo revenue helps pay for band trips. And band boosters build lasting friendships by organizing and conducting the weekly event.
Band boosters can harness band members' musical talent to raise funds. For example, band boosters in Dayton, Ohio organized a marathon concert that raised $5,000 for Belmont High School band uniforms. Band booster Ken Taylor said band members sold pledges for each hour they played. Boosters set up a large tent in a shopping mall parking lot and provided food and beverages. The band played from Saturday at 10 a.m. until Sunday at 10:15 a.m., as reported by The Music Education Madness.
Band boosters can raise funds by capitalizing on the popularity of recycling and environmentally friendly green products. For example, music teacher Jennifer Pieschl told Music Education Madness about organizing a holiday plant sale. She bought an array of plants from a grower at a low price then sent order forms home with 375 music students. The form listed the size, color and price of available plants, including Christmas cacti, poinsettias, ivy and amaryllis. Pieschl sold $900 worth of plants within a few days. She used the $300 profit to buy a high-quality musical instrument. Parents took their orders home following the holiday concert, during which the plants were used as stage decoration.