Page 11 - The Decorative Painter Winter 2016

chapter happenings
Chapter Happenings
FUNDRAISING SUCCESS
AT THE CHAPTERS’ MARKETPLACE
Members of the Cactus Wren Decorative Artists and Golden Brushes chapters attended our 44th Annual SDP International Conference & Expo in San Diego. While they spent some money on the Expo floor, they still left with money for their chapters.
How? These members participated in this year’s Chapters’ Marketplace, an opportunity to sell merchandise and handmade goods to raise money for chapter activities and events.
“It was a good experience,” said Liz Voas, who organized Cactus Wren’s involvement. “We learned a lot,” she continued. “These lights that we decided to bring at the last minute, which we weren’t sure would sell, were our most popular item.” In addition to the lights, the chapter offered a diverse range of products, including canvas bags, half of which sold, and painted handles of pellet knives.
Golden Brushes had a similar result. “We were very pleased with our sales,” said Carol Ganzi, chapter president. “Prior to Conference, we really didn’t know what to expect... yet we did extremely well.”
A key reason both chapters succeeded? Camaraderie.
“Painting for the Chapters’ Marketplace united us as a group,” said Carol. “On several occasions, members who were not painting the scheduled project at our chapter meeting would still come and paint items for the Marketplace.” Cactus Wren’s members also donated items for their chapter’s involvement.
Both chapters said they would participate in the Chapters’ Marketplace again. They also offered advice for other chapters who may consider doing a fundraising activity, whether it is at Conference or right in their backyard.
“Don’t spend a lot of money on the project,” said Liz. The less you spend, the more you’ll make.
Carol suggested, “Keep items small enough to fit in suitcases. People are much more likely to purchase items they don’t have to ship.” Even if you’re selling at a local craft fair, it’s important to ensure your customers will be able to carry their new purchases home.
Liz is already focused on her chapter’s next fundraiser. “We’re trying something new this year.” The chapter is holding an event in November, asking members, family, friends, and members of the community in attendance to bid on themed gift baskets and buy raffle tickets for hand-painted items. Fundraising may seem like a lot of work, but our chapters have more fun than anything else.
If your chapter is interested in participating in the Chapters’ Marketplace
at the 45th Annual SDP International Conference & Expo, May 16-20, 2017, in
Daytona Beach, Fla, contact Jordan Southern, Certification and Conference Coordinator, at (316) 269-9300 x104 or jordan@decorativepainters.org.
20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY CELEBRATION
Toler Bridge Tolers – Martinez, Calif.
By Connie Oakley and Karen Vecchi, Anniversary Celebration Co-Chairs
Our chapter’s 20th anniversary celebration was held in July 2016 and was such a wonderful afternoon that we enjoyed with our painting friends! We painted charger plates, all of which were spectacular, unique and beautiful. Everyone who participated in painting rose to the occasion and helped make the day special.
Also, we had incredible appetizers made by Jann Otvos, and an exquisite raffle table organized by Jeanie Strech, which helped us raise over $300 for our chapter!
A special thank you to everyone who helped with this event! We enjoyed organizing it and appreciate the friendship
and support our chapter provided to help make
it a success. Itisadaywe
will fondly remember!
We are
EXCITED about the
wonderful
happenings
of our
SDP chapters.
Please let us know about your programs.
Send information and photos to: sdp@decorativepainters.org
DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG
The Decorative Painter
• ISSUE NO. 4, 2016 9