DATA DRIVEN MODEL
Our fundraising model may be new to your school, but it has been a successful model since 1973 when Penn State University organized the first Dance Marathon (now known as THON). "Dance Marathon" has become a common method of raising funds at major universities and high schools throughout the nation. This model focuses on a culminating event, or experience, that participants get pledges, or donations to attend. Certainly you do not need to have a "Dance Marathon" or even use that phrase in your marketing. In fact, we suggest you choose a branding that will resonate with your students. However, the concept of this model stays the same regardless of what you call your event.
As with many new events, the first year is not a good indicator of future success. The model tends to show exponential growth by the third year, often seeing growth well over 100%. We have collected data from a few universities and a high school in Pennsylvania that use the "Dance Marathon" model. (Please note that Emerald Owl Productions is not connected to these fundraisers, however, we do utilize the same model.)
As with many new events, the first year is not a good indicator of future success. The model tends to show exponential growth by the third year, often seeing growth well over 100%. We have collected data from a few universities and a high school in Pennsylvania that use the "Dance Marathon" model. (Please note that Emerald Owl Productions is not connected to these fundraisers, however, we do utilize the same model.)
Notice the percentage increase for all the schools over a three year period. This is only an example of four schools in the interest of your time, however, this trend is common. Participation and profit both increase tremendously over three years. And this makes sense. When an event is new, there can be skepticism. Students are not used to a professional experience at their school. Once students realize how much fun it is, it gets easier each year. The question goes from "What is this?" to "When will it be this year?" This is why we are looking for partners.....we plan to build an event with you that will become an annual tradition at your school, leaving memories with your students for years to come.
Lastly, take a look at data from Eastern Wayne Middle School in Goldsboro, North Carolina. EWMS has been one of our customers. The school makes in the mid $5,000 range selling products in a typical fundraiser. In their first year with us, EWMS made a profit of $10,812.36. This went up to just over $13,000 in the second year. This data shows what is possible when working with Emerald Owl Productions and the data driven model we utilize to help you maximize the experience for your students and the profits for your school.
