On Tuesday, October 21 at the Martin County School Board meeting, Splash B. Sailfish, the Waterpark's mascot, presented checks totaling more than $2,200 to the PTA and two schools that participated in Waterpark's pilot "Fundraising Affiliate" program. The successful pilot opens the program for all schools, PTAs, youth sports, and other not-for-profit organizations to earn a share of online Waterpark ticket sales.
"This is the easiest fundraising I have ever done," said Sarah Gast a teacher at Crystal Lake Elementary School. "Teachers have a million things to do, so a fundraising program like this makes life as a teacher easier. I simply post to social media, send an occasional email, and hand out cards."
The "Fundraising Affiliate" program works as follows. Each school, PTA, or organization applies through the webpage shown at the end of this article. Parks & Recreation staff reviews applications and, presuming approval, collaboratively sets discount and commission rates. Staff then creates an online ticket ordering webpage unique to the organization. Finally, with the help of Sailfish Splash Waterpark marketing, the organization encourages its community of families and supporters to buy tickets to the water park through the organization's unique ordering page. At the end of each fiscal quarter, the county pays each organization based on that quarter's ticket sales flowing through the organization's unique ordering page.
Sailfish Splash Waterpark sets up and manages the webpage, delivers tickets to customers via email, handles refunds and customer interactions, tracks and reports on sales, and issues checks.
Organizations may apply online to participate. Go to www.SailfishSplash.com. Click "Store" then "Fundraisers" then "Apply for Store", or click this link www.sailfishsplash.com/public/pricing/online_tickets/fundraising/apply.cfm.
"This is the easiest fundraising I have ever done," said Sarah Gast a teacher at Crystal Lake Elementary School. "Teachers have a million things to do, so a fundraising program like this makes life as a teacher easier. I simply post to social media, send an occasional email, and hand out cards."
The "Fundraising Affiliate" program works as follows. Each school, PTA, or organization applies through the webpage shown at the end of this article. Parks & Recreation staff reviews applications and, presuming approval, collaboratively sets discount and commission rates. Staff then creates an online ticket ordering webpage unique to the organization. Finally, with the help of Sailfish Splash Waterpark marketing, the organization encourages its community of families and supporters to buy tickets to the water park through the organization's unique ordering page. At the end of each fiscal quarter, the county pays each organization based on that quarter's ticket sales flowing through the organization's unique ordering page.
Sailfish Splash Waterpark sets up and manages the webpage, delivers tickets to customers via email, handles refunds and customer interactions, tracks and reports on sales, and issues checks.
The program works because:
- Schools, groups and PTAs do what they do best, communicate.
- Parks & Rec manages technology, inventory, payments, and customer service.
- Organizations do not take title to or need to account for inventory or cash.
- The program comports with School Board Bylaws and Policies.
- The message, "Have Fun, Save Money, Help Out" appeals to parents.
- The program works year round. Season passes make great holiday gifts, the water park re-opens in sprint, and in summer the water park is a natural place to go.
- Sailfish Splash Waterpark marketing assists groups in their promotional efforts.
Organizations may apply online to participate. Go to www.SailfishSplash.com. Click "Store" then "Fundraisers" then "Apply for Store", or click this link www.sailfishsplash.com/public/pricing/online_tickets/fundraising/apply.cfm.
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