FUNdraising

Times have changed and big events are now becoming very popular.

We normally find out about Fundraising Events when our kids return home from schools or clubs clutching a book of raffle tickets or sponsorship form for a forthcoming activity.

We dutifully fill up the forms and buy all the tickets but there's a limit to how often we feel we can comply especially if you've more than one child involved.

In recent years we've been seeing fewer of these tried and tested formats in favour of the infrequent but spectacular Fundraising events.

Schools and Groups are finding that there is both social and financial benefits associated with hosting these more valuable opportunities. They provide entertainment, engage members, Parents and attract big business.

Game Shows, Fun Runs, Bingo, Table Quiz, Fancy Dress, Sports Endurance and even a Duck Race bring us together for an entertaining experience whilst raising funds for local groups and worthy causes.

If you're willing to take the risk, gather a great deal of help and take the plunge you'll discover you can raise funds and put the FUN into Fundraising and Awareness campaigns.

Here we take a look at a few events to see what's been happening:

'The Darkness into Light' event has just recently taken place and many of you took part. The 2017 Annual Charity fundraising event is unusual in that it starts before dawn with participants running into the sun rise.

It is in support or memory of those who have been in that dark place. Starting off a few years back with 100's attending one Dublin event last year it attracted 150,000 participants across Ireland.

Starting from Navan RFC the 5k walk/run in aid of Pieta House suicide prevention centre brought many of our residents out at 4am to participate.

Scoil Eanna sold 100's of audience tickets for an event at The Ardboyne Hotel's main room the screens and projectors advertised sponsoring business' and members of the audience were drawn to take to the stage. The setup is very professional and contestants experience some of the atmosphere that goes with appearing on the real show. The well know tv show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire' is played out and the main aim is fun and entertainment. It also helps to know some answers too!

Raising money for an all weather pitch they realised that it would take years worth of traditional techniques to gain the significant amount they needed. This took them much closer to achieving their goal.

For more details visit www.thousandaire.ie the clip is from their website.

Navan RFC made use of the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing which has been a hit success for many clubs and groups to raise funds.

We associate rugby players with quick hands and pace but nimble feet, rhythm and dance movement also came naturally to some. We saw teamwork, coordination, footwork and positions unlikely to ever be seen on the Rugby pitch.

The evening's format saw several dancers take to the stage with our unlikely Rugby partners at the Knighsbrook Hotel, Trim.

They've many more stunning pictures on their Facebook Page and it's a great social event and fundraiser that we'd highly recommend to other groups.

Contact fundraisingevents.ie if you're interested in hosting this event the clip is from their website.

With the River Boyne so close, and Meath River Rescue on hand, it's both a rare chance to spend time at the River side and ideal for sponsoring the outcome of 100 tiny plastic ducks.

Simple rules make for an easy fundraising experience and the enthusiasm and encouragement directed at plastic floats makes for a great social event for all ages. There are plans afoot for Johnstown Residents to participate in a Tidy Towns event this year to celebrate the fact we actually have a local river.

Featured in last month's article word about the weekly Wednesday event at Taylor's is spreading. Salina's Musical Bingo has all the ingredients for a great event: easy rules, good company add in a beer and a snack to bring out the giggles and laughter.

Walterstown GFC 'Mother's N Others' held their fundraiser at the end of April and we hear that St Stephens School will be hosting one at the Ardboyne Hotel in June.

Clois Na Mi school held an event at the Willows Pub only recently. A popular fundraiser it brings out the competitive side in players and many happy faces can be seen in the The Old Bridge Inn , Willows Facebook Page

Again a popular TV Game Show with puzzles to solve appeared at the Newgrange Hotel and attracted quite a few of our residents. It looks easy but when you're inside a glass box with the spot lights on the pressure can make or break your concentration.

Bohermeen Celtic Club held the event that had many contestants attempt the challenges, made more difficult as the night took hold and drinks were consumed!

Contact fundraisingevents.ie if you're interested in hosting this event the clip is from their website.

Fancy dress and themed events draw out the best in people especially when they go 'All Out' and participate in large numbers. Although slightly away from Johnstown we've still a few residents who're involved, or we know someone who's behind the dress in the Lovely Ladies Contest.

Plenty of photo's of the evening on their Facebook Page to give you ideas for your event.

Some of our younger residents and over fifty people participated in the Meath Taekwon-Do 24hr Marathon Taekwon-Do Training Session last August. A few of them going through the full 24 hrs to raise funds for new kit and half the money raised going to SOSAD.

Have we missed anything recently?

If you've been involved in fundraising or awareness groups then let us know for a potential article or simply a promotion in the Diary Dates.