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Product Categories
Give Tree Gifts Blog
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You just love to recall the day of your marriage when your parents took huge initiatives to make the occasion grand and successful. Without them, this day would never have been so memorable. The more you look at your wedding photographs, the more you tend to thank your mom who kept a close eye on the home ornamentations, and dad who took over the entire responsibility to look after the guests. Now you feel that you should thank them with a beautiful wedding gift. So, here are some unique wedding gifts ideas that can help you express your heartfelt thanks to these special human figures of your life:
- Photo Album – Who doesn’t want to see his family members standing united? Take a family photo frame and attach one of the best family photos in it along with a ‘Thank You’ message for your parents. Another superb idea is to encase any of their wedding photographs which will surely fetch you a bright smile.
- Jewelry & Watch – A silver locket with your mom’s initials carved on it can surely be a big surprise for her. Likewise, your dad will just love to wear a nice trendy watch for any occasion he wishes.
- Tea set - It’s one of the most beautiful wedding gifts that can make your parents arrange frequent tea sessions with you every morning. There are various sorts of tea sets available right from traditional to trendy. So, you can choose any one that can perfectly suit their personalities.
- Cosmetics for mom – Your mom will always love to wear stylish jewelries that can sustain her beauty and personality in front of her friends.
- Shaving set for dad – Your dad must have forgotten the wedding gifts he received on his marriage. So, you can gift him a nice shaving set comprising all branded shaving items.
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Preparing for a wedding can be overwhelming for some couples. It requires time, careful planning, attention to detail, organization, and execution. If you already have a busy lifestyle, you may find it particularly challenging and even stressful at times. For some, a wedding planner is the best solution. Wedding planners are equipped with the special expertise necessary to ensure you stay within budget and on target. Essentially, they help with all the important details of the wedding planning process.
While some couples find this process to be an exciting prelude to their wedding day, not everyone is cut out to handle this complex task on their own. Consider your personality, your strengths, and also the things you find challenging. Here are a few questions to ask yourselves:
- Are you detail oriented?
- Are you a multitasker?
- Are you organized?
- Are you decisive?
- Do you have solid negotiation skills?
- Do you have experience with contractual agreements?
- Do you have instant rapport with others?
- Can you perform math calculations in your head?
- Do you have a flexible schedule?
- Do you have the resources to find the best vendors and venues for your wedding? In other words, do you have the necessary connections?
- Are you familiar with the timeline requirements and deadlines for each step of the wedding planning process?
- Are you budget minded?
- Are you able to deal with a last minute crisis with a cool head?
An experienced wedding planner can answer "yes" to all of these questions. So you now have one more question to ask yourself. If you choose to plan your own wedding, would all of these details spoil your enjoyment of your own wedding? Before you answer that, please keep in mind that the planning process may be over a timeframe of 12 to 16 months, which is the typical timeframe between the engagement and the wedding day.
The purpose here is not to discourage you from planning your own wedding. I've worked with several couples who embraced the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed the journey together. Only you can determine which choice is in your best interest.
Case in point: A friend of mine had set a wedding date for 2 years after the engagement, because they wanted a very specific date. Since they had so much lead time, she actually chose to take a correspondence course in event planning, which cost her around $400. (Please note that, although she took a recognized course, most event planners have substantially more training and, subsequently, much higher tuition fees.) She then took every opportunity to plan, or assist in planning, as many events as possible during that first year. She was involved in planning birthday parties, a wedding, an anniversary, and a few fundraisers. At the end of the first year, she had made valuable connections, gained experience, she was confident in her ability to plan her own wedding and, speaking as one of the guests in attendance, it was outstanding. Although she has no plans to pursue a career as a wedding planner, she continues to utilize and build on her knowledge and experience to assist in planning fundraisers and community events.
Obviously, we aren't all going to run out and take a course in event planning, so let's further explore what a professional wedding planner has to offer. Simply put, a professional wedding planner is an expert in their field. They are calm, level headed, discerning, personable, and knowledgeable. They can help with design, budget, etiquette, venues, vendors, photographers, caterers, legal, and much, much more. Essentially, they will be the glue that holds it all together.
How much does a wedding planner cost? Since wedding planners provide a very specialized, one on one service, acquiring their services can cost in the thousands of dollars. While you will definitely get good returns on this investment, you can lower this cost by taking on some of the planning process yourselves and hiring a wedding planner to handle the balance. For example, you may choose to make your own arrangements for fittings, invitations, favors, etc., while leaving some of the more complex projects for the wedding planner.
No matter which option you choose, communication is the key. This is true whether you are planning your own wedding or whether you are enlisting the services of a wedding planner. Everyone's tastes, traditions, and budgets are different. If you can express your wishes clearly, you can achieve wonderful results.
Before you even think of discussing anything with a wedding planner or a vendor, sit down as a couple and make a list. My preference would be to start with the budget. One of the biggest challenges, for most couples today, revolves around finances. If one of you is more budget minded than the other, don't stress over it. Many people make the false assumption that you have to have a huge budget, in order to have a beautiful wedding. Discuss the budget and, should there be a difference of opinion, reach a compromise. For example, perhaps the ultimate goal is not to spend all of your savings on an extravagant wedding; but to keep some money stashed away for a fabulous honeymoon or a down payment on a home.
Next would be to make up a list of your likes, dislikes, and some pertinent personal details. Include hobbies, activities, colors, flowers, allergies, culture, music, and anything else that's important to you. Even if you're planning your own wedding, it helps to put things down on paper. Go one step further and paint a visual picture by including photos of the items on the list and perhaps pick up some paint chips of your favorite colors. Things have a tendency to come into focus, when you take the time to do this, which will save you time and money, in the long run.
Still not sure if you need or want a wedding planner? The best way to find out is to schedule meetings with three wedding planners. If you can get a referral or recommendation from another couple, that's even better. I would also recommend that you turn to The Association of Bridal Consultants for your research. Take your list and photos with you so that the wedding planner has an overview, and you will then learn more about the services they offer and the planning process or stages. Both during and after each meeting, make notes. Are you comfortable with them? Can they work within your budget? Request both references and quotes from each wedding planner you meet with, review your notes, and arrive at your decision.
The best wedding planners are professionals, who are experienced at working with all types of wedding vendors. Based on the budget and list of personal tastes you provide them with, they will make recommendations for caterers, venues, photographers, or any professional wedding service you may need. Their knowledge and expertise will help you to make informed decisions. Here is a partial list of some of the important tasks a wedding planner would assist you with:
- Thoroughly review and evaluate vendor contracts and make recommendations for clarification, where needed, before signing them.
- Make recommendations for venues, dress fittings, officiates, florists, caterers, entertainment, favors, centerpieces, etc.
- Organize the wedding rehearsal and the wedding rehearsal dinner and be in attendance for both
- Support you and provide solutions, should something unexpected occur.
- Finalize the wedding program, invitations, rsvp, seating plan, etc.
Whether you decide to plan your own wedding, consult a wedding planner for the most critical details, or hire a wedding planner to plan your entire wedding, please keep this in mind...
Your wedding day is a celebration to be enjoyed by both you and your guests. You want to look back on it with fond memories. That's priceless.
Related Links:
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Do’s…
Do make a plan – Corporate gift giving is not about running to the store, wrapping the gifts, and giving them to your clients. It should be carefully planned and well thought out. A corporate gift is an investment in your relationship with your client. By ensuring that every gift you give to each of your clients has been given careful consideration you’ll get best return for your investment.
Do send unique gifts – If you’re lucky enough to have clients that have stuck with you for years, make sure you choose a different type of gift each year. This gives them something to look forward to. A unique gift is remembered as well as the company that sends it.
Do take note of your clients’ interests – Everyone has their own interests. As part of your growing relationship with your clients, you should be making mental notes of their interests. If you’re able to match the gift to their interests, you’ll win big points.
Do deliver the gift in person, whenever possible – By personally delivering the gift, your customer feels more special, knowing that you’ve taken time out of your day, just for them.
Do remember that the gift is a representation of your company. – Since a corporate gift is intended as a thank you for both past and continued support, company image is an important consideration. Be sure to choose a gift that is high quality and within budget.
Don'ts…
Don’t go with the same old, same old – Clocks, pen sets, paper weights, coffee mugs…been there, done that. These types of gifts hardly set you apart, since you’re client has already received at least one of each from someone else. Stay away from commonplace gifts.
Don’t overlook culture – Be sensitive to cultural differences. Something that may seem acceptable to you, could be offensive to someone else, based on their culture, beliefs, or traditions. Keep this in mind, when planning your gifts.
Don’t send gifts to former clients – By sending gifts to former clients, you may give the impression that you’re attempting to buy back their loyalty.
Don’t forget the assistants – Your client’s assistant is definitely someone you want to build rapport with, so make a special effort to send them a gift they would appreciate. This seemingly small gesture will be a big thing to your client’s assistant. You’ll make their day. Go the extra mile and stop by just to see them to deliver the gift. You’ll make them feel even more special.
Don’t expect anything in return – If you give a gift to a client, do not expect to receive one in return. However, if you do happen to receive a gift from a client, be sure to send a thank you card, in appreciation for their thoughtfulness.
Related Links:
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A supportive wedding party is a major contributor to the success of your wedding celebration. Unfortunately, many people no longer fully understand their responsibilities as bridesmaids and groomsmen. Their contribution to the wedding extends far beyond posing for pictures and holding the bouquet or the rings during the ceremony and certainly beyond hosting bridal showers and bachelor parties. These are the people to whom you turn to handle those little details that may take away from the enjoyment of your special day.
While there are plenty of resources for traditional roles of the wedding party, I'd like to share some ideas for additional duties for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. This will then free you up to work on more important details.
One person in the wedding party should know where the other members of the wedding party are at all times. That way, when it is time for a toast, a dance, a photo shoot, garter toss, bouquet toss, games, etc., the group can be gathered quickly. It would be helpful for everyone in the wedding party to be aware of the scheduled time for these events, so that their absence could be avoided; but as extra insurance, ensure that you have a designated person to keep tabs on the wedding party. There is nothing more frustrating than to announce that something is about to happen, only to have things put on hold while everyone waits for that one person.
The most outgoing member(s) of the wedding party should logically be chosen to keep things lively. In other words, they would be encouraging others to participate in a game, leading others onto the dance floor, etc. This works well as a team effort, so you might want to assign both a bridesmaid and a groomsman to lead the festivities.
With so many things going on, it can be easy for someone from the wedding party to forget to grab their coat, keys, purse, wallet, camera, etc. Assign someone from the wedding party to "sweep the area" after the ceremony, reception, and dance, to ensure nothing has been left behind.
You can never be prepared for everything; but, if you're armed with a wedding day survival kit, you've got a much better chance at beating the odds. Logically, the task of carrying the bride's survival kit falls on the shoulders of the maid of honor. The survival kit will contain things like bobby pins, sewing kit, and floss...anything to get you through the day.
If someone were to ask me to choose my favorite task of all, this would be the one. Actually, let's not even call it a task. Let's call it a privilege. I personally love seeing children have fun at a wedding. In fact, when my eldest sister wed, I was only about three years old. While I don't recall quite that far back, I'm told that I danced every dance and had a marvelous time! It can be difficult to curb youthful enthusiasm and, while the parents should be close at hand, you may want to assign someone to lead the children off the dance floor, when the focus needs to be on the bride and groom for the first dance. If you have a flower girl and ring bearer, you could even enlist their help.
Finally, while I'm not convinced that this should fall under the duties of a wedding party member, I do recognize the need for a designated driver. Before assigning this to someone from the wedding party, do please consider that these people will likely want to let their hair down and enjoy themselves at some point. I would first recommend making other arrangements for taxis or drivers. On the other hand, if someone from the wedding party doesn't normally partake in spirits, you may want to ask them to be the designated driver. Either way, a sober driver is a necessity.
These roles can hardly be considered traditional, they are most certainly helpful. They help things go more smoothly and ultimately free you up to enjoy your wedding celebration. It is your day. Celebrate!
Related Links:
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Does your youth group need to raise money quickly? Perhaps you would benefit from a fast, free fundraiser to generate revenue. The amount you make will largely depend on preparation time, participation and execution.
Here are three tried and true projects to raise some fast cash:
1. Car Wash Fundraiser
Car washes have proven to be great community fundraisers. You will need willing volunteers, a high traffic, visible location, and some terrific signage.
Here are some tips to get you started:
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Choose a location with good main road frontage.
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Ensure you have proper water access.
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Prepare a list of supplies – hoses, buckets, wash towels, dry towels, and squeegees.
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Assign each volunteer with a task and the appropriate supplies from the list.
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Make 8-10 eye catching signs in high-contrast colors.
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Schedule the volunteers in 2-hour shifts.
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Wash cars for six hours, preferably on a Saturday.
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Have two lines so you can wash two vehicles at once.
Weather will play an important part in the success of your fundraiser. If you are able to wash 12 vehicles an hour (one every ten minutes per line), you will easily raise over $500 in one day.
It would also be beneficial to prepare a flyer, which outlines the purpose of your fundraiser and the price per car wash. You may even wish to offer additional services, such as tire dressing or interior cleaning, for an additional charge.
Alternatively, you can also advertise a free car wash and ask for donations for your cause. Although this can be a bit of a gamble, many groups often find that this method raises more cash than a specific asking price. It is not uncommon for people to be more generous when they see a group of volunteers working hard and having a good time.
Be sure to get the word out. You’ll want to post your fundraising event on Twitter, Face book, Myspace, etc. As well, be sure to let friends and family know and ask them to help you spread the word. Advertise in your local newspaper, and get permission to post signs a few days in advance. Always keeping safety in mind, have some of the volunteers hold and wave signs toward passing traffic.
2. Yard Cleanup
A yard cleanup fundraiser is extremely fast and easy to put together. Simply create a set of instructions for your group detailing what to offer, what to say, and how much to charge.
Like most fundraisers, the target market, for a yard cleanup fundraiser, is family, friends, and neighbors. Depending on the age of your volunteers, the offerings could range from simple lawn care to mulching flower beds and pruning trees. Fall is a great time for this type of fundraiser, because leaf cleanup is always a necessity during this season.
You’ll want to prepare a flyer describing your fundraiser, as well as the objectives, and clearly list your prices for the various cleanup tasks. Assign a quota to each volunteer.
As incentive, a pizza party or movie passes to the best performers can definitely improve overall results.
3. Community Cleanup
A community clean up, is also known as a trash bag fundraiser. You will be performing a valuable community service while earning significant revenue for your cause.
Organizing a community cleanup project is a terrific way to raise funds, while sending a positive message about your group.
This type of fundraising event is normally a weekend event. The group participants will solicit pledges from family, friends, neighbors, and local businesses. As well, you’ll want to approach local businesses to donate trash bags and recruit parents and relatives with trucks to haul the trash.
Pledges are tied to a specific attainment goal such as the number of pounds of trash collected or the number of road miles cleaned of debris. You'll need to create a one-page overview of your cleanup program and a pledge signup sheet.
When you prepare your flyers, be sure to include a suggested range for donations. For example, you may ask anywhere from a penny to a dime a pound for larger projects. Large amounts of garbage can be collected from a local stream or illegal dumping area, so you may also put a maximum limit on pledge amounts of $20.
Assuming you have 50 volunteers, each with five pledges of a penny a pound, a ton of garbage will raise $100 per participant or $5,000 for your cause.
You’ll raise a ton of cash for disposing of a ton of garbage and you’ll be doing a world of good for the community.
Each of these fundraising tips is fast and easy to put together, as well as being a reliable source of revenue for your group. For safety purposes, please ensure you have adult supervision for any youth group event. Start planning your free and easy fundraisers today!
Related Links:
Event Planning How To: 8 Affordable Entertainment Tips for your Event
Event Planning How To: Your Guide to an Entertaining, Educational, and Memorable Fundraising Event!
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We've all attended traditional wedding receptions where the guests welcome and celebrate the union of loved ones, join them in dance, and share cake with them. Today’s wedding couples are looking for creative ideas, such as games, which include guest participation.
Encouraging guest participation is a terrific way to get people up and out of their chairs, and mingling with others. It makes them part of the wedding celebration, rather than casual observers.
One game that all your guests can participate in and enjoy is “Come on Down!” For this game, you designate an MC. If you already have a DJ, they can probably take on this role. Before the reception, prepare a creative list of things that the participants might have. For example, red shoes, bow tie, painted toenails, sewing kit, etc. Don’t forget to list some things that will enable the children to participate.
The MC will then announce an item from the list and tell those people to “Come on Down!” For example, “Anyone wearing a bow tie, come on down!” The first person in that category to reach the MC will win a point for their table.
Points are tallied throughout the course of the game and prizes are awarded at the end. Be sure to include some obvious items in the list, such as painted toenails, or a man with a striped tie, or a child with a white dress. To add interest to the game, don’t forget to add some surprise, such as a woman with a grey suit jacket. In most cases, this will mean that the women will have to find a man at their table who’s wearing a grey suit, grab it, and run up to the front.
Another fun game that would include most of your guests is a new twist on an old game of musical chairs, where the men are the chairs. The men form a line and kneel on one knee. The women circle the “chairs”, but when the music stops, they have to find a knee to sit on. Unlike the traditional game, no "chairs" are removed. People are eliminated when either the man or woman loses their balance. When this happens, both the man and woman are eliminated from the game. This game is loads of fun and gets people mixing, mingling, and laughing. Three things you definitely want for your wedding reception.
For guests that have traveled any distance to attend the wedding, or haven’t met many of the guests, it’s a good idea to include a game that will give them an opportunity to get to know each other, and perhaps get even better acquainted with the bride and groom.
Again, you’ll need an MC, which should have an outgoing nature. The guests are separated into two groups, which can be done with a simple count off of 1, 2, 1, 2…until the entire group is assigned a number. The two groups then form for the duration of the game.
The MC asks a series of questions about the bride and groom. Working as teams, the guests answer the questions as quickly as possible. The bride and groom then verify if the answer is correct or incorrect. During the brainstorming process, the guests will get to know each other and share some laughs. It's also a terrific way to get to know the bride and groom!
If you’re not certain that games will fit in with your wedding reception, consider that weddings are celebrations. They’re meant to be fun, social events. Not everyone enjoys dancing, so games are another option to encourage more guest participation, and make them a part of the celebration.
Related Links:
Event Planning How To: 8 Affordable Entertainment Tips for your Event
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Because we value your opinion, we've added a product review option to each of the green products in our assortment.
When you select "more info" to view the entire product description, you will see the "write a review" link just below the product details. Simply click on the link, complete the short form, and give us your feedback on our eco friendly favors.
We also welcome you to review our website and rate your visit with us. This important feedback helps us to further enhance your shopping experience.
While you're on the review page, take a look at what others have to say about their visit.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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If you're planning an outdoor wedding, your choice of decor will play an important part in creating a beautiful setting for your celebration. In a previous post, entitled Your Backyard Wedding, I introduced you to a free wedding resource for your backyard makeover. Today, I'm going to introduce you to Fountains And Gardens, which is a wonderful source for your outdoor decor.
What I most appreciate about a backyard wedding is that it provides you with an opportunity to update your outdoor living space, and enjoy it throughout the event and long after. With a few carefully chosen plantings and outdoor decorative pieces, you can transform your space.
But what about that garden shed? You have a perfect opportunity to carry your theme through and create more visual interest, by utilizing any vertical surfaces, such as a fence, shed, or garage. To soften hard edges, you can install a trellis for vines. To add visual appeal and incorporate the sounds of nature, you can add a beautiful wall fountain.
Don't forget the lighting! Whether your event is indoors or outdoors, your choice of lighting is definitely an important decision, as it sets the mood. At Fountains And Gardens, you'll find some of the most unique lighting solutions available. They're Dragonfly Lights create a magical ambience that would be perfect for a garden themed event.
When you visit www.FountainsAndGardens.com, be sure to sign up for a free membership. to receive a free tree seedling and be automatically entered for an online store credit! This special offer is only available until July 25, 2010, so don't wait. After you've entered, your free subscription will also include monthly newsletters, blog updates, and special subscriber only deals.
Related Links:
Beautiful Wedding Centerpieces
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There are many ways to incorporate entertainment into your event, without breaking the bank. These helpful tips offer solutions that will inspire other money saving ideas.
1. Local Celebrities
Why not ask a local celebrity to make an appearance or co-host the event? Local celebrities are often willing to donate some of their time to an event, particularly if it benefits the community. By eliminating this expense, more money goes towards your cause, which is particularly important for charity events. What's more, the appearance of a local celebrity will help boost ticket sales.
2. Hire Local Talent
There are many benefits to hiring local talent including, but not limited to, substantial savings. Local singers or bands welcome the opportunity to gain the exposure that comes from performing at events. In exchange for the experience and publicity, they are often more than willing to perform at a reduced rate.
It is very important to give proper credit, and help promote them as performers. Pay careful attention to the preparation of your introduction, as you want to support them, as they are supporting you. It all helps to bolster the community spirit with mutual encouragement. They'll likely give you the performance of their lives.
3. Big Name Celebrities
If you're convinced that you really need a big name celebrity, you could request that they donate a few minutes of their time. In exchange for a few minutes of their time for a special appearance, they would receive a tax deduction. As the saying goes, time is money.
An alternate plan would be to raise additional funds to hire a big name celebrity. This would be best handled by a special committee as; it will need to be a focused effort, which may require substantial funds. However, if you choose the right celebrity for your event, it will definitely be worth the time and effort.
4. Shared Expenses
We all know that time is precious and some of us have very little to spare. Once you have established a committee, you have a few options. As mentioned earlier, a committee that is focused on raising funds to acquire entertainment is probably the best solution, if you are hiring established talent. The committee can either raise the funds by having a mini fundraiser; they can each contribute a portion of the funding needed; or, they use a combination of both methods.
When you think outside the box, you get amazing results. Instead of competing with another event, consider collaborating. Are you able to work together to host one event, which will benefit both of you? Pooled resources can get you more bang for your buck, resulting in more seats filled, which means a successful event for both groups.
5. Should you hire a DJ or Band?
While a live band definitely has appeal, keep in mind that you have to pay all of the band mates. Typically, when you hire a DJ, you're paying one or two people to entertain at your event. While DJs typically come with their own permits, you may be required to get a permit for the band's performance, which is also an added expense. Finally, if space is an issue, a DJ is the clear choice, as many bands can take up a sizeable area.
6. How can you afford a live band?
If your committee already has their hearts set on a live performer, you can cut costs substantially by having them play for an hour or two. Rather than paying for the entire event, you can pare this down to a few hours to help reduce your entertainment costs. This is a good solution when you have a limited budget; but still need to offer something to sell tickets and get people into the seats.
7. Make it Memorable
Don't limit yourself to musical entertainment. There are so many other options out there that are both affordable and entertaining. Consider comedians, magic acts or, better yet, why not contact a local school or group about a drama performance. Keep it interesting and fresh. Whatever type of entertainment you choose, try to put your own twist on it. The more lively conversation the performance generates, the more it will help your cause.
8. Connections
As always, it boils down to connections. . If you've got favors to call in, now is the time to do it. Who do you know? Who do they know? What do they know that can help? Can you barter with someone? These are the types of questions your committee will need to ask, in order to pool together the best possible resources. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well equipped you really are.
Related Links:
Event Planning How To: 8 Steps to a Successful Event
Event Planning How To: Your Guide to an Entertaining, Educational, and Memorable Fundraising Event!
Awareness Ribbons Colors and Causes
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This is the second article of our Event Planning How To series. Here we will explore ways to ensure that your event is entertaining, educational, and memorable. This is of particular importance, if you are organizing a fundraiser.
Keep them entertained
First consider what type of entertainment would be best suited to your event. Typically, live entertainment is the ideal choice for a charity event, as the entertainers can interact with the guests.
There are several terrific options for live entertainment, including a singer, band, or musician; however, in keeping with your second objective of making your event educational, you could also consider a live play or another form of performance art. Such live performances lend themselves well to educational messages.
As a charitable organization, money is always tight; but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't afford quality entertainment. Many performers will entertain for free, or at a reduced rate, in support of a worthy cause. Local celebrities are a terrific draw. Their endorsement or support can attract more guests and potential donors and it is an excellent public relations opportunity for them. If you're considering a play, contact your local community theater group or the drama club at a local school. Consider a dinner theater, where the actors serve the meal, while staying in character. When creative minds come together, you're certain to have a spectacular event. Get ready to have some good, clean fun.
Educate and enlighten
For any nonprofit organization, it is important to get your message out to as many people as possible. If you haven't already created a mission, vision, and values statements, you need to do so as soon as possible. It is critical that you have clearly defined objectives, in order to educate the public.
There are several ways to present educational materials, including Powerpoint presentations, floor stands or easels, utilizing wall space for random facts, and/or a documentary video.
Different people absorb information in different ways. While some can retain information by simply reading or listening, others may be better served by a more interactive or hands on approach. The more variety you can incorporate into your event, the stronger the impact of your message.
Make it memorable
The more memorable the event, the greater the word of mouth promotion you will receive from your guests. We all know that is the most valuable and influential marketing available.
Sometimes "memorable" and "unique" can be found in the finer details. Simple things like seating, serving, parking – anything related to your guests' comfort, can have a big impact on the overall experience. Cater to their needs.
An event can be made more memorable by choosing a unique and interesting venue. It can also be refreshing to include the unexpected. Fun and interactive activities can make a world of difference. What would be more unexpected than an ice cream bar or a trampoline at a formal event? Again, these are things that can easily be provided as a sponsorship by local businesses. Now is the time to think outside the box. When you exceed everyone's expectations, you inspire larger donations.
Related Links:
Event Planning How To: 8 Steps to a Successful Event
Event Planning How To: 8 Affordable Entertainment Tips for your Event
Awareness Ribbons Colors and Causes
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Whether you're planning a wedding, fundraising event, corporate event, or even a birthday party, it is sometimes difficult to know where to begin. To help make your next event a success, we've prepared a series of articles to walk you through the process. 8 Steps to a Successful Event is the first of our Event Planning How To series.
1. Be prepared for the "What if...?" Play out different scenarios in your head and jot them down. Once you've compiled your list, prepare a backup plan for each situation you've listed. Try to take as many things into consideration as possible. What is the worst thing that can happen? Address that first, and then work on those of lesser impact.
2. Stay organized. This is vital to a successful event and it really can't be overdone. Keep everything in one place. First, you will need to designate a specific location to keep plans and documents and ensure that everyone involved in the planning process knows the location, for example, the top shelf of the book case in your office. Invest in a quality binder, with tabs. You may also wish to invest in a white board and multi colored white board markers. Pick up a large 3 ring pencil case, which is color coordinated to the binder. Clearly label the binder spine and the front of the binder.
Now the magic begins. If you are dealing with multiple projects, you can color code the binder and pencil case with a matching color of white board marker. This method gives you the advantage of making notes on the white board in the appropriate color. You can prepare a color key on the white board so that everyone on the team knows which project the notes pertain to, which is an excellent way to map progress.
The binder will be divided into various stages of the planning process - one tab or each. You will include planning details, price quotes, contracts, ideas, contact information, and anything else you might need. The pencil case will hold any smaller receipts to ensure that they don't get misplaced. When you have something to contribute to the binder, you'll want to do so right away to avoid misplacing important documents or plans.
3. Match the venue to the event. Actually, there is some controversy over which step should come first. Should you choose the venue or the theme first? I'm flexible on these points and believe it is a matter of personal preference. Some find it easier to match a theme to a venue, while others prefer to choose a theme, and then find the most suitable venue to support that theme.When choosing the venue, these are some of the questions you should ask yourself:
Does the venue support the theme?
Is it easily accessible for the guests?
Do they have ample parking?
How many guests can they accommodate?
Does the venue compliment the theme?
Will the guests be comfortable there?
Is it within our budget?
I could go on and on.
4. Choose a theme. Think of your theme as the anchor for your event. All of the other details will hinge on this decision. The theme will determine your colors, table favors, centerpieces, menu, entertainment, etc. As mentioned earlier, it is particularly important that your theme and venue support each other. These two points should receive equal consideration, as they contribute to the atmosphere of the event. The atmosphere needs to create the desired result, which is the best possible experience for your guests.5. Preparing a menu and choosing refreshments. This can be a source of stress for some event planners. The choice of food and drink can make or break an event. If you want rave reviews from your guests, always consider their comforts. One of the most important comforts is food.
The best advice I can give you is to shop around for a caterer. If you've attended a function in the past, where the food was particularly good, contact the hosts for a reference. Talk to friends and colleagues for recommendations. Ask prospective caterers for references and be sure to personally sample the food before choosing a menu. Do you need to offer a vegetarian option? Is there food peanut-free? Once you've made a selection, form a contract with the best candidate.Refreshments are also an important consideration. Aside from selection, you'll need to decide on a cash bar or open bar. This is sometimes determined by the venue itself, as they may have restrictions that do not allow for an open bar. If this could be a deal breaker for you, it is best to inquire about this, before choosing the venue.
6. Choose the entertainment. Your selection will depend largely on the type of event and the theme. What do you want to accomplish? Are you hoping to entertain, educate, or both? In any case, you want it to be fun.
Music comes in many shapes and forms. You can have a live band or a DJ. It may even be appropriate to hire a cellist.
While not necessarily suitable for every event, one of my favorites is a photo collection or home video on a big screen. This can be ideal for weddings and graduations; but you can also consider it for other events. I had great fun at a fundraiser, which showed baby photos of the board of directors. Each guest had to match the subject of the photo to the appropriate name. To make it more challenging, they included some celebrity baby photos in the mix.
If you are hosting a fundraising event, you'll want to utilize that captive audience to promote your cause and reinforce the importance of their support, which includes donations.
7. Choose the best vendors. Price should not always be your determining factor. Yes, we all have to work within a budget; but consider what kind of value you are getting for your dollar.
Are you comfortable with the vendor? Do you feel an instant rapport? Are they helpful? Do you trust them? Follow your instincts.
If you are planning a fundraising event, your vendors can also be your sponsors. This arrangement is ideal. It helps your bottom line, while providing valuable advertising for the vendor. They will want to do their utmost to ensure that they go above and beyond, because their name and reputation are important to repeat business as well as new business referrals. It is a win-win situation.
Once you've found vendors that you are comfortable working with, treat them well. Yes, they need your business and they should treat you well. More importantly, they can hold the fate of your event in their hands. If you want successful events to be a part of your future, you'll want vendors to support that vision. The more you work together, the better your events will be. Loyalty plays an important part and it works both ways. On more than one occasion, a vendor has bailed out a client, due to some unforeseen problem. Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of support when you need it the most?
8. Keep your cool. Yes, planning an event can be overwhelming at times. That's why it is important to try to include others in the process. Brainstorming and teamwork is an important part of successful event planning. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to help you tackle all those to do lists? If you have a team, or even one person to support you, your event will be that much better for it.
Now that you have the tools, this step by step process will help to make your event a huge success. When all is said and done, your guests are always your most important consideration. If they are happy, you've succeeded.Related Links:
Event Planning How To: Your Guide to an Entertaining, Educational, and Memorable Fundraising Event!
Event Planning How To: 8 Affordable Entertainment Tips for your Event
Resources:
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In celebration of the upcoming Earth Day, I thought it would be an appropriate time to introduce a new resource list, which makes it easy and affordable for everyone to plant trees.
Everyone deserves to have that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with breathing new life into the earth.
Whether you have a green thumb or not, you can plant free trees. My list includes tree plantings as a gift with purchase, or in exchange for subscribing to an e-newsletter, or referring potential customers. If you prefer to work one on one with Mother Nature, you can receive free tree seedlings or tree seeds, for only the cost of shipping or a small membership fee.
Even easier, you can click to donate for free. I've listed a couple of resources whereby a simple click of the mouse will help rainforests, at no cost to you. While visiting this page, please feel free to visit the other click to donate links listed there.
There are many opportunities for everyone to help our global community for free. I encourage you to take advantage of those listed on my site; but also seek out others on your own. If you know of others, which are not listed on GiveTreeGifts.com, please feel free to reply to this post or contact us with a link.
Let's all work together for a greener planet and a stronger global community and make every day Earth Day.
Related Links:
Free Referral Program Plants Trees
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With the growing trend towards green, natural, and organic weddings, the backyard has become one of the most popular wedding venues for couples.
Just picture yourself exchanging vows in a quiet, intimate garden setting. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Memorable.
With the proper planning and guidance, you can transform your backyard into a timeless and classic setting for your special day. Maureen "Mo" Gilmer provides such expert advice in her free ebook, entitled "Backyard Wedding Makeover".
What makes Maureen Gilmer an expert? Well, for starters, she has thirty years experience in landscape design and horticulture. She also has the natural flare necessary to help you visualize the perfect wedding setting and turn that vision into reality. Maureen's logical approach to design gives you bite sized, manageable steps that give grand results.
The images in this free wedding resource speak volumes. Each image illustrates another magical transformation. The use of color, texture, lighting - everything comes together to create the perfect atmosphere for your outdoor wedding.
To complete your garden themed wedding, consider tree seedlings or tree seed favors. Nature wedding favors are elegant and compliment this theme beautifully.
Download your free copy of "Backyard Wedding Makeover" and, before you know it, you'll be daydreaming about your own backyard wedding.
Related Links:
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According to Reduce and Reuse, a report published by the US Environmental Protection Agency, we need to put more focus on practicing the 3Rs. The EPA report states that between 1960 and 2008 the amount of waste each one of us creates has increased from 2.7 pounds per day to 4.5 pounds. That's a lot of waste by anyone's standards, so the need to implement effective personal waste reduction practices using a reduce, reuse, and recycle mentality, has never been greater. Source reduction, or waste prevention, is the practice of developing, designing, purchasing and using materials in ways that reduce the amount of toxic trash we create. Reusing materials is another important ingredient in conserving resources because it helps reduce the cost of operating landfills, and municipal composting and recycling facilities, plus it helps reduce pollution and greenhouse gases, which are having a dramatic impact on our environment.In order to change how we do things, we must first understand what we're doing and why. There's no doubt that some consumer's waste more than necessary, but that's not where the waste starts. Waste starts in the raw material development stage and then continues through the processing, manufacturing and transportation life of various products. In order to implement an effective WasteWise lifestyle, consumers must be aware of how products are made. Reusing materials is an excellent form of recycling; it reduces the amount of material that ultimately makes its way to waste combustion facilities or landfills. WasteWise is actually a program launched in 1994 by the Environmental Protection Agency. It now has more than 2,000 partners. For more information about the program visit: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/wastewise/about.htm.
By doing a little research before we purchase cleaning products, pesticides and other household products, we can identify nonhazardous or less hazardous items and that awareness alone will help reduce waste toxicity. Putting the 3Rs, to work starts with the little things, like being aware of packaging or over packaging and reading product ingredients, and practicing cost effective buying techniques that are rooted in WasteWise awareness.
We are making some progress in WasteWise management
The US Environmental Protection Agency, notes that progress is being made in reduction and reuse. The EPA reports that then 55 million tons of municipal solid waste has been reduced since the year 2000. Twenty-eight percent of that reduction came from redesigning packaging and seventeen percent of that reduction came from nondurable goods, like clothing and newspapers. Durable goods like furniture, appliances, and tires accounted for ten percent of the reduction, and the same EPA report said that forty-five percent of the reduction came from food scraps, yard trimmings and household miscellaneous waste.The Reuse Development Organization, quoted by the EPA, reports that there are over 6,000 reuse centers around the country, which include the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and special programs that handle unneeded building and school materials. In the same report titled, Reduce and Reuse, the US Environmental Protection Agency, found that 250 million pounds of plastic material has been taken out of the waste stream since 1977, thanks to reducing the weight of soft drink bottles from 68 grams to 51 grams. In addition, the report claims that more that 7,000 communities have established a pay-as-you-throw waste removal program, where you pay per bag of trash, rather than paying a flat fee, or it being incorporated into a tax base.
There is still at least five percent reusable waste in the waste stream according to the EPA Reduce and Reuse report, but if we incorporate a WasteWise buying mentality by being aware of the 3Rs: reducing, reusing, and recycling, that percentage will continue to go down. WasteWise awareness takes the waste out of our wastefulness.
We thank partners like GiveTreeGifts.com for their appreciation towards these concerns and the effort they have put forth in supporting our beloved environment. InkPal.com, home for your printers ink, is dedicated to providing support to our environment mentally, as well as physically and appreciates all those who share their vision.
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With Earth Day 2010 quickly approaching, I felt now would be a good time to start thinking about some earth day activities to celebrate Mother Earth.
I'm a firm believer that Earth Day is a family affair, so I've been researching various resources to compile a list of terrific activities for both your family and your community.
One of my favorite discoveries for wholesome family crafts and activites is http://www.kaboose.com/. I mention this first because it is a fabulous resource for healthy living, which includes recipes, activities, crafts. tools for parents, games, and so much more. I encourage you to bookmark the site and take advantage of the wonderful support they offer. On their holidays page, I found a complete page dedicated to Earth Day 2010, which includes crafts, home, green and organic food, games, coloring pages, projects, entertainment, and lessons - all supporting Earth Day.
Your primary resource for Canadian Earth Day events and activities would be Earth Day Canada. You'll also learn about various programs and events held throughout the year, which help to sustain our beautiful planet.
Last, but definitely not least, is Earth Day Network. Their pledge is "Protecting the Earth and its people every day." If, like me, you admire and and wish to support that pledge, there is a wealth of information available for you on this site. Their Programs Page includes links to International Programs, Earth Day Events, and Education; but that's only a small sampling of what they offer. Their Resources include Earth Day In A Box. This is a collection of all of the information you need to plan a successful Earth Day event.
If you would like to help increase awareness, please feel free to use the Earth Day Countdown banner above, by including the following html code on your site, blog, or emails:
http://www.givetreegifts.com/earth_day_products" title="Earth Day Tree Seedlings" target="_blank">
http://www.givetreegifts.com/earth_day_products"> border="0" height="60" src="http://ult-tex.net/counts/earth/bans/07.jpg" title="Earth Day Tree Seedlings" width="468" /> -
With increased awareness for the health of our planet, many people are focusing on eco friendly lifestyle choices; this includes planning a honeymoon.
In this day and age, many newlyweds are looking to eco tourism, which promotes a greener planet. I've compiled a list of 5 tips and ideas to help make planning your green honeymoon a breeze.
5 Tips For Planning An Eco Friendly Honeymoon:
1. When it comes to the destination, keep an open mind. You don't necessarily have to travel far and wide to have a dream honeymoon. Think about what kind of experience you're looking for. Are you the adventurous type, or are you looking for an intimate getaway, or a combination of both?
Get in contact with an eco travel agent; provide them with an outline of your interests, budget and timelines. Let them know that you are also interested in exploring vacation destinations a bit closer to home. You might be surprised at the hidden treasures out there. Speaking personally, I never wanted a cookie cutter wedding, so a cookie cutter honeymoon wouldn't be an option either.
2. If you prefer, you can do some of your own research. Although this can take a bit more time and effort, when you think of the rewards, it's definitely worth that effort. Have you ever watched a documentary or a human interest story on the news and thought, "I would love to go there someday!"? Those are the types of places to consider.
Case in point: We just watched a wildlife program, which featured a park in Ecuador. In contrast, a few evenings ago, we saw an advertisement for an incredible spa and resort, just a few hours away. Two very different destinations, two very different experiences; but both held a lot of appeal for us. While one would be an experience of wonder, the other would be sheer decadence.
Your honeymoon is your wedding gift to yourselves, so make it your own. Come up with a short list of your favorite destinations, research costs, and, once you've reached a mutual decision, book through a reputable eco travel agency.
3. There's a lot more to a green honeymoon than eco travel arrangements. Take some time to also research the local labor practices of potential destination hotels. While many honeymoon hotspots provide exemplary service to their patrons, they can have a poor track record with employee treatment and compensation, as well as questionable practices, regarding the environment. One way to compensate for this is to take day trips away from the resort and support the local markets. Experience the local culture, taste the local food, and just drink it all in.
4. When you reach your destination, book day tours through the locals, rather than a travel agent. This again will ensure that the local community will receive direct benefit and you won't be toured around with other vacationers. You'll have your own private tour guide. After all, who knows the local sites better than the locals themselves? When you return from your trip, you can further help their local economy by recommending their guide services on wedding blog posts and forums.
5. There are numerous eco tourism destinations that are both luxurious and environmentally responsible. Verify the environmental practices of the hotel or resort. Green is more than just a color.
For more information about eco friendly travel, you may also be interested in this article entitled: "Top 10 Earth Friendly Ways To Travel".
Sunset image courtesy of freepixels.com
Related Links
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I recently discovered Green Wisdom, a practical how to guide for green living. Author Janice Wells, takes a straightforward approach to answering everyday questions about the environment, and encourages green habits in the home, workplace, and community.
A question and answer approach makes this such an easy read, you'll be able to start making positive lifestyle changes right away. The addition of resource links and eco tips, throughout the book, makes this a must have for your reference library.
I wanted to share this treasure with you, so you too can share it with friends, family, and colleagues. Together we can make a difference and work towards a greener planet.
Download a free copy of Green Wisdom
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Pierre de Coubertin initiated the revival of the Olympic Games. His enthusiasm for the games inspired him to create the official olympic symbol, which is easily recognized throughout the world. That enthusiasm, as contagious as the common cold, is the reason why the Olympic Games are the most widely celebrated athletic events in history. Why not join in on the fun and be the first in your circle of friends to host a 2010 Olympic Games party?
The olympic ring colors (shown above) are representative of the five continents of our world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Australia. This olympic symbol will be the basis of your color scheme. Use them throughout your decorations, olympic party favors, and prizes.
Don't forget to include the olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius, which is Latin for "Swifter, Higher, Stronger". As a door prize contest, you can provide the Latin version on a ballot and, as people arrive, as them to provide the translation. The correct guesses will go into a draw for door prizes. In keeping with your olympic theme, you can award three prizes in the levels of gold, silver, and bronze.
Organizing games are relatively easy. Try to ensure that you have something for every skill level, if possible. One option is an olympic game system for wii. This will enable you to host an indoor competition that can include all ages.
A fun idea for olympic medals are oversized cookies with a hole to lace a piece of ribbon through. You can bake your own or pick them up at your local bakery. Use a small round cutter to make the hole towards the top of the "medal". In keeping with the olympic color theme, cookies baked with smarties are great. Match the ribbon color to the color of the medal: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Other than game challenges, you'll want to include additional entertainment, which may include a viewing of some of the olympic game events. You can also prepare an olympic trivia challenge.
Once the creative juices get flowing, you'll have enough ideas for a full day or evening of fun.
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Someone once defined public relations as "doing good and getting credit for it." One area where this is especially true is in crisis management. If Company A experiences a crisis situation and has a reputation for poor treatment of employees, environmentally unsound practices, lousy customer service, and a heavy hand with the press, then recovery from the crisis - if it comes at all - will be slow. As the crisis unfolds, all of these wronged groups will surround them, eager to exact their pound of flesh. Such a scenario could easily sink Company A.
On the other hand, Company B has developed strong community support by sponsoring charitable events, providing free services to the needy, adopting environmentally friendly business practices, and encouraging their employees to volunteer in the community. When a crisis occurs, what happens? The community rallies around Company B. Its messages explaining the crisis - press releases, media interviews, public service announcements and direct mail - are well received and the company is given both the benefit of doubt, and the crucial time it needs to resolve the situation. The company was there for the community, now the community is there for the company. So, how do you model yourself after Company B?
Be a good corporate citizen:
1. Conduct your business with integrity and honesty.
2. Encourage and reward employees for volunteer activities.
4. Fund scholarships
5. Donate cash or services to a worthy cause
Publicity:
1. Focus efforts to get increased visibility. For instance, it's better to support 3 charities well, rather than 40 smaller contributions, which have lower impact.
2. Select a good cause that does not already have a known corporate sponsorship.
3. Alert the media of newsworthy fundraising or charity events that your organization hosts, sponsors, or participates in.
4. Use a unique approach to fundraising (e.g., a green fundraiser, a Dunk-the-Boss tank; a car rally for UNICEF) with your company's name as corporate sponsor. A unique approach means that your event will receive the media coverage it deserves.
Of course community involvement and support is its own reward, and not every charitable act will hit the front page - nor should it. Instead, focus on the positive results of these efforts. You will be building a stronger community from within and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment amongst your employees. Simply put - doing good feels good. By becoming a leader in your community, you will inspire others to join in the efforts and show their support. Its a win/win situation.
Yvonne Meacham Buchanan is a public relations instructor for PR Essentials, an online public relations course available through Careers in Public Relations
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I am pleased to announce that GiveTreeGifts.com has expanded the Referral Program to include social networks as well as our customers.
As a customer, you will receive a free tree planting with each paid order. The invoice number will also serve as your referral code, which you can pass on to friends, family, collegues...anyone who might be interested in our environmentally friendly gifts. When your referral enters the code with their paid order, you will receive another free tree planting in your name.
No purchase is necessary to participate in our Referral Program. If you know others who would be interested in our evergreen gifts, please send a request via our Contact Us page, and we will send you a unique referral code. You can their share this code with others through your own social network, on Twitter, iGoogle, MySpace, Facebook, blogs...you name it.
Before long, your personal tree island will be full of virtual trees, representative of real, live trees that have been planted in your name. With minimal effort on your part, you will be making a wonderful contribution to the betterment of our planet. Simply provide your unique referral code and link to GiveTreeGifts.com.
For more information about our Referral Program, please visit Our Tree Campaign page.
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This recipe is a holiday favorite in our household. It is quick and easy and oh so yummy!
2 1/4 Cups of Whole, raw, natural almonds
1 Tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the almonds and toss to coat with oil. Roast the almonds for about 10 minutes, tossing frequently. Be sure to watch this carefully, as you don't want to burn the almonds. When they're ready, pour them into a heat-safe bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss to mix thoroughly.
After they've cooled, the almonds are ready to serve or, package in decorative bags or tins as holiday gifts.
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Mother Nature's Playground
Each year, a small fortunue is spent on toys for our children. Sadly, many times this includes video games, which, perhaps with the exception of a few, do little to stimulate children's minds or provide much needed exercise. Because it's so important to keep young minds and bodies active, why not take advantage of nature's playground? It's free and it's as close as the great outdoors.
Manufacturers and developers are busy designing and redesigning toys, books and television programs, making them more entertaining for kids. In some cases, they include good educational content; however, more often than not, it's the "entertainment" value that they are focusing on. By introducing your child to nature, you're opening up a whole new world, which will both entertain and stimulate the imagination, while being educational. Nature can inspire future scientists, economists, creativitive thinkers, and conservationists, while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.Let's face it. With today's faltered economy, we are all looking for ways to have a good quality of life on a budget. By including nature exploration in your family activities, you have good quality entertainment and enlightenment for little or no cost. As soon as you step out the door, nature is all around you. You'll find it in backyarda, parka, nature centera or natural museuma. Why pay for costly toys, outdoor play structures, or memberships to entertainment centers, when you can explore the great outdoors and get full benefit of stimulating and educational play?
Research indicates that, children that are given opportunities to explore and investigate will gain experience to make sound decisions on their own. This added confidence helps to improve their retention and learning, as they are actively participating in their own education by applying practical experience to theory. By introducing children to an environment where inquisitive thinking is nurtured, they develop their learning skills and grow to be independent thinkers. In fact, we can all benefit from the lessons learned, while exploring the world outside.
It's become increasingly important that we all do our part to be more environmentally conscious. What better way to help do your part than to encourage your children's interest in their planet, while they're young and impressionable? When people, children included, develop an appreciation for the environment, they are more apt to do their best to improve and preserve it.
I had what I consider to be a privileged childhood. I was blessed with space, fresh air, green grass, and all kinds of trees for me to climb or just sit in their shade and let my imagination fly. We had a resource reader, which provided information about various wildlife species, including how to identify their tracks. I had fun. Actually, I had loads of fun. As an added bonus, my mind and curiosity was stimulated and I learned valuable lessons, which I still draw on today. Nature gave me the freedom to be a kid; but it also gave me a priceless education.
While unstructured outdoor play is terrific for children, you can also seek out places that offer structured classes and learning sessions for kids that focus on the natural world. Check your local park, zoo, library, or museum. There's a good chance they have classes you can sign up for and, since many of these organizations are nonprofit, they're usually affordable as well as informative.
I've found a terrific resource for kid's indoor and outdoor activities. CreativeKidsAtHome.com provides a variety of crafts and activities designed to engage children's minds and encourage exercise.
There's no reason why kids should have all the fun. There is no greater escape than getting out and enjoying the rich bounty that nature offers. Enjoy quality time together and reconnect with each other. There's a great big world out there, just waiting for you.
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With the cold weather approaching, now is the perfect time to organize a holiday drive at the office. Whether it's a penny drive, clothing drive, toy drive, or a food drive, your contributions will be greatly appreciated by those in need.
A drive is relatively easy to organize. It's all about communication and providing specifics. People will want to know where the contributions are going as well as who will benefit and how. It's a good idea to provide some background information about the organization which will be receiving the contribution.
You may even choose to do multiple drives during the holiday season, with each one benefiting a different organization. I'm currently holding a penny drive & clothing drive simultaneously. The proceeds will be split between two of our local shelters.
To boost enthusiasm, you can appeal to your coworkers' competitive nature by issuing a challenge to other departments, branches, or your business competitors. Most people thrive on challenge, so why not put that energy to good use? Here are a few ideas...
Penny Drive
It has been suggested that the quickest way to determine the winner is to weigh the pennies. Unfortunately, in Canada, the newer coins don't weigh as much as the older version, so this isn't accurate. If the competition gets serious, this might not be the best way to determine a winner. Instead, use this to generate some momentum for your drive.
You'll want to set a specific timeline and break it up into 3 weigh in times. Ultimately, the dollar amount will determine the winner, so the competitors will work harder to ensure that they are in the lead. Until the final tally, they won't know for certain where they stand in the competition.
To make things even more interesting, you can encourage "side bets". This typically takes the form of a pie in the face for the team that comes up short. Keep it fun and keep it safe.
Clothing Drive
During the winter months, warm clothing is in particularly high demand. If you are holding a competition for a clothing drive, you'll want to assign points to the various categories, with the highest points being awarded to the most coveted items, such as youth snow suits.
It's a terrific opportunity for people to clean their closets and it gets the clothing to those in need, rather than our landfills. Below are a few item suggestions. The items closest to the top would typically be awarded higher points.
If you're donating to your local shelter, they can probably help you with this, as they know which items are in the greatest demand for your area.
10 Suggested Categories:
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Youth snow suit
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Youth winter coat or jacket
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Youth snow pants
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Youth winter boots
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Adult snow suit
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Adult winter coat or jacket
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Adult snow pants
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Adult winter boots
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Blankets and sleeping bags
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Mittens, gloves, toques, scarves, and socks
Toy Drive
A toy drive really gives you the "warm fuzzies". You can just picture a child's face when they receive that special gift. Those in need would include children's hospitals, as well as youth group homes and community centers.
Most toy drives include new and gently used toys. It's important to point out that, replacement batteries are not only bad for the environment; but also costly to replace. Try to steer people away from these types of toys, if possible.
I would say that the more happy, smiling children the better, so this competition could be based on the total number of toys donated by each group. If you have children, get them involved. They'll be excited to be a part of it.
Food Drive
Last, but definitely not least, is the food drive. Food banks everywhere are struggling to meet the growing need for food.
If you are hosting a competition, I would go strictly by weight and provide a list of the most needed items. Your local food bank can help you with this; however, the most needed items are typically those listed below.
You can also incorporate this into your office parties, functions, and events by offering discounts to customers who bring a nonperishable food donation. Some office parties require an admission fee for a spouse or escort. This fee could be waived, if they bring a nonperishable food donation to the event.
10 Most Wanted Food Items:
1. Powdered Milk
2. Juice
3. Peanut Butter
4. Soup
5. Canned Meat & Fish
6. Canned Stew
7. Pork & Beans
8. Baby Food
9. Baby Formula
10.PastaTake a look at the Regina & District Food Bank website to see the results of the recent "Battle of the Queen Cities" food challenge.
Let's not forget the wonderful work that the animal shelters and animal rescue organizations do for our communities. You can easily apply many of these drives to benefit animals as well. For example, below is a list of common top ten items for the Regina Humane Society.
You'll note that kibble is not in the list. This is because Horizon Pet Nutrition now supplies the Regina Humane Society with consistent, high quality dry food. Most animal shelters and rescue organizations do still accept this type of food donation.
Towels are also gratefully accepted as, you can imagine, they go through quite a few. That's why laundry detergent is at the top of this list.
10 Commonly Requested Items For Animal Shelters:
1. Laundry Detergent
2. Wet Food (kitten, cat & puppy)
3. Kitty Litter (clay, non-clumping, non-scented)
4. Large Rawhide Bones
5. Medical Scrubs (size S, M & L)
6. Hot Water Bottles, Heating Pads & Pet heating Discs
7. Rubber Boots (women's size 7, 8 &9)
8. Gift Cards
9. Tall Puppy Pens
10. Kuranda Dog BedsGive till it feels good.
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A Christmas wedding can be both elegant and memorable. With November quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to consider a Christmas wedding for next year, as most couples need a year to plan their wedding,
There are some distinct advantages to planning a holiday wedding, which many couples overlook.
During the holiday season, even the streets are lined with beautiful decorations. If you're on a budget, a Christmas wedding can be the ideal solution. Couples can spend thousands of dollars from their wedding budget on decorations alone. Also consider that, along with the cost of the decorations, there is the time and cost involved in putting them up, taking them down, and finding a new use for them.
Typically, churches, hotels, and banquet halls are lavishly decorated during the holiday season. All the work is already done for you and, more importantly, you have none of the expense. As well, you won't have to recycle the used decorations, so you score additional points for the environment by reducing and reusing.
As with any wedding planning, it's important to set aside some time to do a little research. This holiday season, visit the various venues you have in mind to get a sense of how they "deck the halls", so to speak. It's also important to note that you may save some additional expense, if your wedding is just after Christmas. rates and availability may improve, if you choose a date shortly after Christmas day, and many venues leave the holiday decor in place until New Year's Eve or later. If budget is a consideration, you'll want to inquire about those points as well.
Depending on the venue, table centerpieces may or may not be provided. When seated at a table, you're in a more intimate setting; so many couples opt for a more personalized approach by providing their own centerpieces. Some great ideas for wedding table centerpieces include spruce tree seedlings, a soy candle with fresh greenery and sprigs of berries, or miniature poinsettias. These ideas all help to create a beautiful and warm atmosphere. Simplicity equals elegance.
Wedding guest favors are also a very important part of your table decor. For a unified look, choose favors that are meaningful and are in keeping with the season. Evergreen tree seedlings or seed favors can be easily customized to match your color scheme perfectly. They add a natural elegance to any table and will be lasting keepsakes for your family and friends. Since they also benefit the environment, they are the gift that keeps on giving.
In the event that some of your guests are unable to plant a tree, (apartment dwellers, for example) prearrange a tree donation to a local urban greening project, such as a school, community center, or park.* They will plant and care for the trees and most likely post a dedication in your honor. Let guests know where the trees will be going and how they will be benefiting others. It's a wonderful, "feel good" gesture to commemorate your wedding celebration.
Another terrific idea would be personalized Christmas tree ornaments. Your wedding celebration will be remembered each Christmas, when your family and friends trim their tree. If you like DIY, you can start with clear glass balls and insert a piece of parchment with a memorable quote from the two of you. Tie a ribbon on the hanger, in keeping with your color scheme, and box them individually. You can finish off the look with a glass vase, filled with plain glass ornaments, for your centerpiece.
During the holiday season, rich colors and luxurious textures abound. We've come such a very long way from the traditional red, green, and plaid Christmas. When planning a color scheme or matching colors, I find that a set of paint swatches is very useful. I have a complete set of paint swatches, for this purpose. I use them to create complimentary color schemes for various projects including decorating and scrapbooking. Simply choose your color palette, tuck the swatches in your purse, and you're all set. You can then use those same swatches to coordinate your memory album supplies to preserve your wedding keepsakes.
As a final consideration, since many family and friends return home for the holidays, a Christmas wedding could also benefit your guests. They save by eliminating additional travel expenses and, as an added bonus, this leaves a smaller carbon footprint. You'll want to share this special day with the ones you love so, talk to friends and family about it. Ultimately, it's your decision; but it never hurts to gain another perspective.
*Note: To find an urban greening project in your area, try typing the following in your search engine: urban greening project in (insert city name). When I did so for our area, I immediately found a pdf listing several groups that I could contact.
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Office parties are a terrific way to take time out, connect with coworkers, and build interpersonal relationships. With a little planning, you can make it an environmentally friendly celebration.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
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Form a committee so that all of the party planning and preparation doesn't fall on the shoulders of one or two individuals.
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Standard reusable plates, glasses, cutlery, and linens are best; however, if the facility isn't properly equipped, cleanup can sometimes be impractical. If you choose disposable products, please opt for environmentally friendly dinnerware, which is made of 100% biodegradable materials. For more information, please check out this article on Green Energy News.
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Eco friendly table centerpieces create atmosphere and can later be awarded as door prizes.
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Carpool or arrange for cab sharing.
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Opt for green restaurants to cater the event.
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Have fun!
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"When Pink Is Just a Color Again" is a beautiful song, by Kal Hourd, to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. The setting for this moving story is a Breast Cancer Awareness Run and it offers a glimpse at the power of faith, conviction, and support. "Today is one step closer...when pink is just a color again."
This morning I had the privilege of hearing a live performance of "When Pink Is Just a Color Again", by Kal Hourd himself. It was during his radio interview that I learned about the video clip. Words cannot sufficiently express the flood of emotions that this song brings to the surface. On its own, it is one of the most moving and inspirational songs I've ever heard; however, when combined with the images...Well, this is something that you must experience for yourself.
Visit http://www.kalhourd.com for more information.
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My favorite choice of gift wrap adds to the presentation and becomes part of the gift itself. This principal works for any type of gift and any type of occasion. Wrapping a gift is all about presentation. You want to put the same amount of thought into the presentation of the gift, as you did in choosing the gift. My top ten green gift wrapping ideas:
1. Bamboo/Organic Cotton Towels - bath towels, beach towels, guest towels, dish towels...All terrific for bridal showers, housewarming, etc. I especially like the beach towel for kids' gifts.
2. Reusable grocery bags - This is a gift that keeps on giving. I've noticed that I get discounts and bonus shopping points, just for using my own eco bag.
3. Decorative baskets & boxes - These make a nice presentation and can be used in both indoor and outdoor décor.
4. Scarves - This works for any age or gender.5. Blankets - A baby shower gift wrapped in a baby blanket is always well received.
6. Reusable gift bags - If you're a crafter (and I know many of you are), it's simple to sew up a fabric gift bag from some of your remnants.7. Clothing - Tees work well; but you could use anything that's large enough to sufficiently wrap the gift. Socks are terrific for smaller gifts.
8. Burlap - This has a naturally earthy quality, so it's best for gifts like trees, or other outdoor plants, and gardening gifts. It can be reused in the garden for numerous things, including covering plants when there's risk of frost.9. Laundry bag - These come in all colors and sizes and ideal for the student heading off to college or university. You can fill it with towels and/or bed linens as the main gift. You can also use the jumbo size in red or green for large Christmas gifts.
10. Table linens - Choose neutral themes, which can match any décor. Embellishments and adornments are equally important, as they help to tie everything together, both visually and literally.My top ten green embellishment ideas:
1. Jute or Hemp Twine - I use this for all kinds of projects. It's a great natural accent and it's useful in the garden as well.
2. Cotton or wool yarn - If it can't be reused for a craft project, the birds will certainly appreciate it for their nests.3. Belts - Terrific for clothing gifts.
4. Cones, twigs, sprigs of berries, and shells - These are naturally beautiful and work well for most gifts5. Buttons - Shell buttons are gorgeous.
6. Raffia - This adds a nice finishing touch.7. Dried citrus slices - These are easy to make and add natural fragrance as well as beauty.
8. Rosettes - With some practice, you can make a rosette from a face cloth, or dish cloth. This works with any gift wrapped in towels and can be secured with a safety pin.9. Shoe laces - You may need to tie a few together to get an appropriate length; but extra shoelaces are always handy. They're available in every color of the rainbow now.
10. Cookie cutters - These are ideal for a baking theme gift or even as Christmas decorations.And that's a wrap!
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I've been told that "you can't be all things to all people." Perhaps not; but I've also never been one to back away from a challenge and, that being the case, I don't like being told that I "can't" do something. However, I will admit that one person doesn't make significant change alone. "No man is an island."
Those of you, who have already toured my site, have probably discovered the Awareness Ribbons Colors link on my Fundraising Products page. I've received a lot of positive feedback about the inclusion of this resource on my site; however, I'd really like to take it a step further.
In an effort to increase awareness and support for your favorite causes, I will be including clickable links so that my customers and membership can be more informed. Some will be included in the awareness chart, while others will be organized on an awareness links page by category and/or cause. This is where you come in...
I'm sure you can imagine that for one person to gather links, and gain permission to post them, would potentially be a huge undertaking. I see no shame is asking for help, so I'm reaching out to you. If you are a nonprofit or charitable organization, which would like to increase awareness and support, please feel free to submit your link via Contact Us or by replying to this blog post. There is no fee.
Now, to take it one step further, I would also like to include an awareness calendar of events. I'm looking for feedback on this idea and, if you have something to contribute, by all means submit it via Contact Us or by replying to this blog post.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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This story has been circulating for quite awhile; however, I think it bears repeating every once in a while, as there are so many lessons to be learned from it. The strongest message is to get up off of our collective backsides and start living life to the fullest, lest it pass us by.
"The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.
I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.
She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.
"Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.
She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids..."
"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.
After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.
We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.
Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.
Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, " We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.
There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.
We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!
There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.
If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.
Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.
The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose."
She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.
One week after graduation, Rose died peacefully in her sleep.
Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it!
These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.
REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
- Author Unknown
For more inspirational quotes, please stop by our Tree Quotes And Poems page as well as our Earth Day Quotes page. To post on Our Blog, please join our membership or login to your existing account.
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Feel secure, relaxed and confident on your wedding day with
Most would agree that your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life so, there's no such thing as being too prepared. The Wedding Day Survival Kit is a simple but essential tool for any bride.
The Maid of Honor has earned that title because she knows you inside and out, has seen you at your best and your worst, and stuck by you through thick and thin. She is the person to entrust with your Wedding Day Survival Kit, so she should be involved in putting it together. Two heads are better than one.
Most of the things you'll want to have on hand will be in your makeup kit and medicine cabinet, so it's best if you get together at your home, where everything is handy. Remember, this kit is essentially your insurance, in the event of a minor mishap. There's no need to include large quantities of anything. It should all fit nicely inside the Maid of Honor's clutch purse. Also, don't be tempted to go out and buy travel sizes of everything. The travel sizes are actually much larger than you'll need and are far more expensive than buying the full size, which you already have on hand. You'll want to stick with tried and true products, as this is the one day you do not want to run the risk of having a bad reaction.
Everyone's needs are different; but here are a few ideas to get you on the right track. It looks like a long list; however, these items are very small and actually form into a very compact kit.
• Needles and thread - I actually prefer this to a sewing kit because you can choose the appropriate colors to have on hand. You don't need an entire spool of each color. You cut a small square of cardboard and cut a small diagonal slit in each of two corners opposite each other. Anchor one end of the thread in one of the slits, wrap it around the card until you have ample, slide the other end of the thread into the opposite slit to secure it in place. Assorted sewing needles typically come in a small package, so take the whole package along. You may need to have two people sewing at the same time.
• Safety pins
• Small folding scissors
• Bandaids - If you don't have "invisible" on hand, you may want to run to the store for this.
• Floss - This can also do double duty as a heavy duty thread, if need be.
• Breath mints
• Cotton swabs
• Compact and/or other makeup, such as concealer, for touchups
• Small, retractable makeup brushes
• Hand sanitizer
• Scent free hand lotion
• Handkerchiefs - I prefer this to a disposable tissue because I believe the day warrants something special. Have 2 or 3 on hand. Your Maid of Honor should have one in her hand for the ceremony so she can pass it to you discreetly. Many brides get emotional at the altar. Handkerchiefs are also excellent for blotting to reduce facial shine.
• White medical tape - This can be useful in fixing a fallen hem or repairing a bouquet.
• Medication - This is particularly important if the bride suffers from allergies, headaches, asthma, diabetes, etc.
• Antacid - This can help to settle the butterflies.
• Spare earrings
• Hair pins or clips
• Feminine products - Sometimes these things just happen
• A Watch - You'll want to stay on schedule and most often the bride and her attendants choose not to wear a watch on that day.
• Cell phone
• Pen & Small Notepad
• Pocket money
• Etc.
More often than not, brides tend to feel a bit anxious, as the big day approaches. Assembling your Wedding Survival Kit with your BFF is very therapeutic. You feel more at ease because you know you're prepared and you have someone to watch your back. Let your hair down and enjoy some quality bonding time with your BFF.
For more wedding tips, see our Wedding Planning Links. -
I had a moving experience today that I want to share with you.
I enjoy going for walks, because I find it's a great way to clear my head and achieve a sense of calm and well being. The weather was beautiful today, so I decided to take a walk to recharge my batteries.
While walking to the park, I noticed a gentleman getting into his van. It was only his movement that drew my attention to the van, which was nothing special at first glance. However, as I strolled past, I saw a framed photo of a woman, hanging from the head rest in the passenger seat next to him. Below it was a sign. I couldn't fully read it without going right up to the window and peering in. What I did see read ".......‘s seat". It took a moment for that to sink in, before it dawned on me what I had just seen. Presumably, it was a photo of his late wife and that was, and still is, her seat.
I can't accurately describe the rush of feelings that came over me; but it was a combination of sorrow and compassion, followed by awe and admiration. My eyes still well up just thinking about it. His conviction of faith that her spirit is sitting right beside him, is truly awe inspiring.
I spent the rest of the walk contemplating that, and I found myself feeling uplifted. It occurred to me that, although I'm self motivated, it's people who inspire me. It's Terry Fox running 42 km for 143 days in the Marathon of Hope; it's a 10 year old girl donating hair so another little girl can better cope with the affects of chemotherapy; and it's most certainly the gentleman I saw today.
So here's what it boils down to...
Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things, are our greatest source of inspiration. Inspiration is what fuels our passion and motivates us to act. When we act, we become someone else's inspiration. It's a snowball affect.
Inspiration is always best when it's experienced first hand. Even though you may not find my experience as inspiring as I do, your inspiration is out there and when it hits you, you'll know it. Dwell on it, talk about it, build on it, and let it continue to fuel your passion so that you have the motivation and the momentum to follow through.
Whatever the cause, the driving force behind any fundraiser is the people, because in the end, it's the people who will benefit. We all long to have a healthy, strong community and so we must all make a contribution to that end. Your community will extend beyond your street, your school, your church, your city, and even your country. We're all part of a global community and everyone has something of value to contribute. For some it may be fundraising ideas, whereas others may contribute skills, time, labor, or funding. A program called Habitat for Humanity is a perfect example of that.
I invite you to become part of our community by becoming a registered member and participating in Our Blog. I encourage you to share this blog with others and tell us about your fundraising ideas, successes, challenges, and increase awareness for your cause by submitting a link and/or an article.
Let's join forces to build a stronger global community. -
Welcome to Our Blog. GiveTreeGifts.com goes live today!
We are pleased to host this blog, as an open forum to share and exchange ideas for green gifting, marketing, and fundraising ideas.
GiveTreeGifts.com is proud to offer Canadian grown tree seedlings and seeds as favors for weddings, special occasions, tradeshow giveaways and fundraising events. Trees bring a natural beauty to any function.
In celebration of our website launch, we have planted 50 trees, through a partnership with Mokugift. Mokugift enables people to plant a tree in Central America, Africa, or Asia and, with their help, we have been able to offer a rewards program to our customers.
In appreciation for your business, we will plant a tree for each paid order you place on GiveTreeGifts.com. In addition, we will plant a tree for each referral you send our way, which also results in a paid order. We are pleased to offer this gift, through our partnership with Mokugift, an Official Partner of Billion Tree Campaign, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). For full details, please visit Our Tree Campaign page.
We would be pleased to post your comments on Our Blog, as sharing and exchanging ideas builds a stronger community.
To post a comment or a reply, please register as a member.
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