The very first Community Challenge annual event was proud to present a check for $249,460 to the 39th Children’s Auction on December 11, 2020. The Community Challenge is comprised of local businesses, organizations and friends and families who create teams and creatively fundraise their way to Closing Ceremonies, where coveted awards await the top teams in this friendly but spirited challenge.
Last year the Children’s Auction distributed $561,400 to 75 charitable organizations serving children and families - providing food, clothing, shelter, hygienic needs and Christmas gifts; funding non-profits working to provide basic and extended services for children; funding capital initiatives that improve the lives of children; and funding educational and recreational opportunities for children that they could otherwise not afford. See entire list here.
It is all about raising money, giving children and families a helping hand and being part of something fun and exciting that makes a significant impact in our community.
2020
Top Dollar
Team
2020
Outstanding
Participation
Award
2020
Feeding
Families
Award
10+ Years
5 - 9 Years
2 - 4 Years
Rookie Season
Frequently asked questions
What is this event all about and why would I want to participate?
The IFTK Community Challenge is a pandemic-proof revision and transformation of Pub Mania, which has raised over $2.3 million for the Children’s Auction over the last 11 years. It is all about raising money, giving children and families a helping hand and being part of something fun and exciting that makes a significant impact in our community.
Where does the money go?
In 2020 the Children’s Auction distributed $494,430 to 62 charitable organizations serving children and families, providing food, clothing, shelter, hygienic needs and Christmas gifts; funding non-profits working to provide basic and extended services for children; funding capital initiatives that improve the lives of children; and funding educational and recreational opportunities for children that could otherwise not afford. See entire list here.
What would my team have to do?
Bottom line answer is to raise money - at least $2,500 - by December 9th, 2021. We support and encourage over achievement!
How many people do I need on my team?
Unlike Pub Mania, you do not need to fill a team with 24 people (thank goodness!) for each hour around the clock. You can have a team of 1, but it’s more fun to have a team of 10 and crazy fun to have a team of 100!
Speaking of fun, how can I make this fun for my team?
How can you help us be successful fundraising?
For starters, we have one of the best fundraising platforms available to you called GiveGab. We’ll build a basic team page for you, but you can customize it with your pictures and message to maximize its effectiveness. Encourage your team members to build their own personal page which adds to the team goal. Check out these links for a GiveGab tutorial and additional Fundraising Ideas.
Where do we take the donations we receive?
You can deposit cash and checks at any Meredith Village Savings Bank, using the deposit slip and procedures below. We’ll keep track of all team totals and will provide that info upon request.
Why wouldn’t we just make our own check presentation to the Children’s Auction?
Do we have to attend the Closing Ceremonies in December?
No. But you don’t want to miss out. We’ll recognize, acknowledge and thank all the teams and their efforts leading up to the end of the fundraising period. This event is to be shared not just with your own team, but with all the teams and individuals working (and playing) to improve the lives of children and families here in the greater Lakes Region. Be there or be square :) .
Where can I get additional information or to sign-up?
Email
What if I have a donor that requires the donation go directly to the Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction?
That's great!
Team Captain Central
FUNDRAISING
Looking for ideas of how your team can raise money? Let us help!
PLANNING A FUNDRAISING EVENT?
Check out how we can help!
DEPOSITS
Have donations ready to put in the bank for your team?
Use the special "IFTK Community Challenge Deposit Slip" below and make your deposit at any Meredith Village Savings Bank location. It's as easy as 1 -2 -3!
1) Fill out the deposit slip in full
2) Include it with cash/checks in a sealed envelope with only the words "Community Challenge" on the front 3) Turn it in with the Supervisor On Duty at any Meredith Village Savings Bank location during bank hours
Thank you to our friends at MVSB and your fellow Barstool Bankers Team Captains, Jami Bordeau
& Becky Reposa, for making this so easy!
AUCTION ITEMS
Want to make some $$$ for your team?!
Donate an item (or 2!) for the Children's Auction and the money raised will be added to your team's fundraising total. You may donate TWO team items so get your team brains together and think big!
Simply fill out the special "Challenge Team Auction Item Form" linked below and take your auction item to any of the designated collection sites. Please make sure to choose your team from the dropdown menu and help the Children's Auction by getting your items in sooner than later!
ORNAMENTS
A great way to raise $$$ for your team!
Know a business that would like to support the Children's Auction by selling these 4" paper $1, $5 & $10 Christmas ornaments? Check out the information here to get them started.
CONTESTS
Feeling competitive?
The Pub Mania tradition of bragging rights for the "Top Dollar", "Outstanding Participation" and "Feeding Families" awards continues on in the Community Challenge. Make sure to check out the Contest Rules for the highly coveted "Outstanding Participation" award!
FOOD DONATIONS
Earn points for your team and help those in need all year long. Donations may be made to any Lakes Region food pantry. Get all of your team members on board and vie for the "2021 Feeding Families Award!"
Need help finding a food pantry? Click here!
GIVEGAB QUESTIONS?
This software should make fundraising much easier for you and your team. Sometimes technology gets the best of us though. If that's the case, let us help!
