The Car Wash
When planning on a mission trip, raising money can be intimidating. Even if your church is simply wanting to support a field missionary, it can be a little overwhelming when you first look at the project. Exploring a variety of fund raising methods seems to be the best way to plan ahead, and take the bull by the horns, so-to-speak. If you have a plan and work your plan, you should be able to succeed.
One avenue of fund raising that you can approach that has always been a success during the right times of the year is the car wash. There are a few variations of this classic fund-raising theme, but all of them are successful if done right, and during the summer season. Hopefully your mission trip would include a young adults group, as these are the perfect volunteers for the car wash avenue of fund raising.
To get started with this fund raiser, you need to select a place to have the car wash. Street access and water access is a must, and it is best to have a high traffic area. For this reason, many churches elect to have the car wash at an alternate location, such as a strip mall or local shop (perhaps a place that would also like to donate to your cause). Once you get the location and dates confirmed, getting the volunteers lined up is the next step.
Setting up a schedule for the car wash is best. Have the volunteers sign up for various time slots in pairs, that way someone doesn’t get stuck ‘working’ all day. Although it is for a good cause, even missionaries get tired if they get stuck in the same work assignment all day! Having plenty of water, water hoses, sponges, buckets, soap, and drying cloths are very important.
Setting your price for the car wash is another variable you will need to consider. Don’t look at it from the stand point of how much money you will need for the mission trip. You will most likely need to hold another car wash to raise your complete amount, or perhaps hold another fund raising event of a different type to complete the task. Be fair, and do a good job. More than likely, once people know the cause and see your work, they will include tips as well. Your fund raising car wash will be a success when you put forth the effort to advertise, put out fliers, and enlist happy, cheerful volunteers.