Bake sales are a deliciously fun way to raise money in aid of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research whilst spending quality time with friends and family. They can be held almost anywhere and at any time of the day or evening, making them a flexible option for you. Here are some things to think about when planning your bake sale.
WHERE AND WHEN?
If you are hosting a bake sale at work, choose a busy day of the week. For example, colleagues working part-time hours might not be around on a Friday. Your building receptionist is usually a great person to ask which days of the week are busiest. Choose a busy, accessible area where it’s easy for colleagues to see and visit your stall. Start your bake sale in time for your colleagues first coffee break, whilst also giving yourself ample time to set-up the stall.
Hosting a bake sale at home? To make sure as many as your friends and family are available, try to avoid public holidays or dates of popular events.
TOP TIP: Host your bake sale on or shortly after pay day!
WHO CAN HELP?
Encourage different people to bake to ensure a variety of different baked treats and ask them to fill in a 'cake name card', highlighting any potential food allergens. Those who don’t want to bake can drop off some of their favourite store-bought treats. Also find out who can help you on the day – both setting up your bake sale stall and managing it!
JUSTGIVING
You might have friends and family who would like to support your fundraising event, but can't make it along to your bake sale. It's a good idea to set-up a Euan MacDonald Centre JustGiving (ahead of your event and let them know they can donate through your JustGiving page.
Step 1: Add your photo to let your friends and family know they’re at the right page
Step 2: Use your story to let your supporters know why you’re fundraising
Step 3: Set an ambitious fundraising target
When creating your page, JustGiving will automatically generate a unique URL; it’s worthwhile changing this to something easy to remember. And please opt-in to receive communications and keep in touch with your chosen charity (that’s us) when completing your page.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Don’t be shy - promote your bake sale as much as possible!
Bake sale at Work: Share details via email, calendar invite, staff notice boards etc.
Bake sale at Home: Share on your socials and via your mobile phone Apps.
BE PREPARED
It’s a good idea to decide in advance whether you are going to have set prices or if supporters can simply make a donation. It’s also a good idea to have plates, napkins, food bags, a couple of knives (for cutting tray bakes / full-size cakes) and some gloves or hand sanitising gel for handling food. If you set-up a JustGiving page, we can send you a QR code that you can display at your bake sale for people who might not have cash.
WE CAN HELP
We can discuss your plans and give advice. We can also supply:
• Collection cans
• Donation forms
• Branded t-shirts
Just email us at fundraise@ed.ac.uk to discuss what you need and we’ll be happy to help.
MATCHED GIVING
Some companies (big and small) support their employees fundraising efforts through matched funding. Ask your employer if they offer matched funding (or similar).
GETTING YOUR MONEY TO US
If you have set up a JustGiving page for online donations and collected cash as part of your fundraising, simply bank the cash and pay the donation into your JustGiving page.
You can also donate online, via bank transfer or by cheque – visit our Getting your money to us page or email fundraise@ed.ac.uk for more information.
Useful links
Get in touch Kerry.Mackay@ed.ac.uk
JustGiving Euan MacDonald Centre JustGiving
Fundraising Pack Download a fundraising pack (opens a pdf file in your browser)
The University of Edinburgh Development Trust
The University of Edinburgh Development Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, with registration number SC004307. The Development Trust processes all donations in aid of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research. All the money received through your fundraising will directly support research into motor neuron disease and related conditions. Thank You for your support.