Think This Can't Happen To You at Your School Fundraiser? School Fundraiser News

So, in the news. 

Tom Hanks blackface controversy: Conservative group calls for Obama to replace actor as campaign video narrator -- VIDEO - Fundraising News Article



In this school fundraising post, actor Tom Hanks is implicated in a 2004 school fundraiser gone bad.  A blackface costume and racist jokes just surfaced from a school auction fundraiser he emceed.  Not sure why it took so long to surface, but it's here now.

I clearly see Tom Hanks trying to move past the bad judgement of the blackface costumed parent and the obviously racist comments of apparent ass Glenn Frey.  So, I don't think he was taking part in any way, but isn't it interesting how important school fundraisers can actually be. How there really are ramifications and responsibilities and things can go wrong - very wrong!

Here you have a national celebrity, in a scandal over a school fundraiser - with complications reaching right up to the white house!

Yes, it's even a bit bigger than a local school fundraiser gone bad...  President Obama is being asked to replace him in his campaign videos!  So, I have no doubt that Tom Hanks isn't racist, but, what I do know is that school fundraisers can have negative consequences - huge ones!

If you host school fundraisers or fundraising events, plan and prepare and be cautious!  I know that this is a major reason that school fundraising companies exist.  They can remove the potential downsides out of a fundraiser, leaving only fun and profit.  In instances like this (and this is not the only one) schools can suffer humiliation and lack of support for many years following a failed fundraiser or a controversy.

Keep your fundraisers safe people!

Ok, until next time!

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elementary school fundraisers

Drunken fight between parents at fundraiser for Highlands Elementary

How's this for kicks.  Three dads nearly come to blows at an elementary school auction.

There is one thing I know... schools are not in the business of putting on events - especially events with alcohol involved.  So, when putting on adult events with booze, just know that anything can happen. 

If this were a night club, the problem would have been diffused within seconds, but at a school auction, most likely nobody knows how to step up and remove the tension from the room.

I have a suggestion or two regarding schools and their events and here they are:

1) Do not serve alcohol at any event that takes place at a school.  Realize that If an event won't do well without alcohol, it's not a good enough event.  Plus, sitting in small chairs drinking is just plain weird. 

In the end, if schools are to be drug and tobacco free areas, set a proper example by keeping that rule intact.

2) If you insist on throwing a fundraiser including liquor, do so at a licensed establishment such as a bar, hotel or banquet hall.  There are several benefits.  Whenever there are groups gathered, these trained folks can help keep the peace and limit consumption. 

They also take on all of the liability and insurance so schools do not end up responsible for any alcohol related problems.  On top of that, instead of providing liquor for free, it can be purchased which could earn additional money for the school.

Regardless, alcohol and schools don't mix.  I proved that in college :)  Regardless, here's the article:


Drunken fight between parents at fundraiser for Highlands Elementary