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The Recipe For A Great Fundraiser • Fundraising Successes
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"Quality, affordability, and the excellent support team of Cookbook Publishers all played roles in the success of our WCR
cookbook!"
Women's Council of Realtors |
After researching a wide variety of fundraising possibilities, the Women's Council of Realtors felt that publishing a cookbook was an excellent way to involve the entire membership and showcase the council and its objectives.
"We were looking for a unique project that involved all members, expressed personal creativity, and was simple to promote," said Michelle Bennett, WCR cookbook coordinator and Arizona Northwest Valley Chapter ways and means officer.
The WCR is a community of Real Estate professionals creating business opportunities, developing skills, and supporting individual potential for success.
The group of consummate professionals approached the project as any other business opportunity. "Immediately following the decision to publish a cookbook, a committee was formed, goals and objectives determined, and guidelines and marketing strategies implemented." Michelle added.
Marketing techniques included e-mail broadcasts, notices in the WCR newsletter, and presentations at industry meetings. Membership handled the majority of marketing through office displays and verbal touting.
Recipes were provided by members, their families, and friends, making this a true community collaboration. Funds raised from the project help to defray travel expenses for council officers and to provide continuing education events for the membership.
"There are many ingredients that contributed to the overall success of our cookbooks," shared Michelle. The WCR credits success to:
Participation, dedication, and commitment of everyone involved -
Knowledge, guidance, and excellent support from Cookbook Publishers
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Quality, appearance, and professional publication
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Minimal effort necessary in the preparation process, such as gathering information, organizing and submitting materials for publication
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Easy to market, affordable, not directed to a select group of people
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Timing – the publication would be delivered prior to the holidays, making it a great gift
Organizers made great use of standard features in the cookbook by placing the council logo on both the cover and the personalized pages at the front of the book. They shared the group's mission statement and nationally established goals. Recipe submitter names also included the listing of their real estate agency affiliation.
The support and enthusiasm surrounding the project are also evidenced in design options selected, with ad pages strategically placed on the reverse side of category dividers as well as a full color ad placed on the outside back cover.
As noted on the acknowledgement page of the cookbook, "Few things compare with the feelings of warmth and security of your own home and the meals created with love in your own kitchen."
Contact information:
Michelle Bennett
Jim Bennett Agency Inc.
American Family Insurance
6033 W. Bell Rd., #J
Glendale AZ 85308
Phone: 602-843-4140
E-mail: bennettaz@cox.net
Cost $10 per book plus $2 postage and handling
Featured recipe:
Sue's Simply Delicious Salad
1 bag lettuce/mixed greens
3 Granny Smith or Gala applies, sliced
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
2 cans mandarin orange segments, drained
1/2 c. cashew halves
Dressing:
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Mix salad ingredients and place in serving bowl. Shake dressing ingredients in a cruet and pour over salad just before serving.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
12 slices thick bacon
8 oz. cream cheese
10 3/4 oz. cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Medium noodles
Spray baking dish. Wrap each chicken breast with 3 slices of bacon and lay in dish. Mix in blender cream cheese, soup and milk until smooth. Pour over chicken breasts and bake in 350 degree oven for 3/4 hour, covered and 1/2 hour uncovered (check after 1 hour total baking time, ovens vary and may be done sooner). Serve over noodles or rice.
Pineapple Cheese Cake
Crust:
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
3/4 stick margarine (room temperature)
2 Tbsp. sugar
Mix together and press into 9x12 inch pan.
Filling:
3 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)
5 eggs
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
Whip cream cheese. Add sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Add drained pineapple. Pour into graham cracker crust. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.
Mix:
1 pt. sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 Tbsp. sugar
Pour over cooled cheese cake. Put into 425 degree oven for 5 minutes. Cool and cut
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