Are Car Washes Worth it in the World of Christian Fundraising?

Posted by Aaron Jeschke on August 7, 2009

I was involved in youth ministry for a number of years and during that time one of the youth group fundraisers we used most often were car washes. We would go out early on a Saturday morning, set up shop at a local gas station and commence the beckoning to passing cars. After a long, wet afternoon we would gather the days earnings. We had earned less than $400. Ten kids washing cars for four hours means approximately ten dollars per hour per child. Not the best youth group fundraiser when you need $300 dollars per person to send them to youth camp later that summer.

In today’s world of youth group fundraisers we really need something faster, easier, and that would genuinely benefit our donors which is why I love the Samaritan Card. It can be sold in minutes rather than facing the $10 per hour grind of the car wash. It helps to raise money quickly and easily while providing donors with the savings they need in tough economic times. I don’t believe there to be an easier Christian fundraiser than selling the Samaritan Card. For me, car washes are a thing of the past.

Comments

One Response to “Are Car Washes Worth it in the World of Christian Fundraising?”

1. Jackie says:

   August 12, 2009 at 2:03 pm

   I totally agree! Car washes were on their way out when
   I was in high school so it always amazes me that car washes
   are still the “go to” fundraiser for youth groups.

   I have been working with my church’s youth group for 9 years
   and every time a car wash is organized, the gas station is
   on board/rented, the supplies are gathered, the posters
   are made, the man power is collected (usually more parents
   and youth staff than kids simply because kids are mad busy
   these days) we ALWAYS end up “in the hole” financially!

   I’m intrigued by the Samaritan Card concept and it does sound
   like a non-preachy sharing and fund raising tool. I can
   totally picture my youth group kids being excited to go
   door-to-door with a cool product like this in order to raise
   money for summer camp and other retreats.

   Definitely food for thought…