When I think of Memorial Day weekend...I immediately think of sun, water (usually the pools open this weekend), BBQs, and Flags. This is a weekend to enjoy with family and friends, but to remember those who have gone before us as well. Here in the United States, we pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country on Memorial Day. I hear "Taps" playing in my head and see images of white crosses lining Arlington National Cemetary. This is a time of remembrance and to count our blessings as well. Hopefully, wherever you are, you have this tradition in one way or another.
I have been very blessed in my life and as such...enjoy giving back now...whether in my own community, to disaster victims, to help others get back on their feet, and to raise funds for needed improvements to landmarks, etc. I especially enjoy helping raise funds for programs that offer a hand up, not a hand out to change people's lives forever.
All that being said...when you are the owner of a small business...you will get asked over and over again to donate goods, services, product, and money which may or may not be in your budget. Usually the individuals tout "free advertising" as an incentive. Now...I have been on both ends of this since I have a charity fundraising background before I owned Tea 'n Mystery and have dabbled in it many a time. My advice to you is this.....set a budget, pick your fundraisers either strictly because you support their causes personally OR because your target market does. Otherwise, you may become a non-profit yourself! Also...if you are a charity fundraiser yourself...try to ask those for donations that your target audience would be interested in the most, creating a win-win for both sides! Also...don't just advertise your vendors at the event...but prior to the event to build up anticipation of auction or raffle items, or of goods and services that your ticket holders can look forward to receiving at your event!
Also...remember Memorial Day is a GREAT weekend to remember those who mean the most to you and let them know it...your family, your neighbors, and your friends! Here is one of my fave recipes perfect for Memorial Day celebrations: RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY PIE
1 ready to bake deep dish pie crust in a deep dish pie pan
1 quart fresh strawberries, divided
4 squares (1 oz. each) white chocolate
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup cold milk
1 3.3 oz package white chocolate instant pudding and pie filling
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prick bottom and sides of pie crust. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
Rinse strawberries and pat dry. Select 8 uniformly sized for dipping and cut in half through stem ends. Set aside. Hull and slice remaining strawberries.
Melt white chocolate uncovered for 1 minute, stirring every 10 seconds, until it is smooth. Do NOT overheat. Dip whole strawberry halves (16) in melted chocolate and place on wax paper cut side down. Refrigerate 15 minutes until set.
Scrape remaining white chocolate over bottom of pie crust spreading evenly. Layer sliced hulled strawberries over bottom of crust.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until well blended. Add pudding mix and whisk until it begins to thicken. Spread over strawberries.
Arrange washed blueberries evenly over top of pie filling. Pipe whipped cream or Cool Whip around edge of pie decoratively. Place dipped strawberries on border with hulls on outside edge. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!!!
Here's to your success: Raising my glass to you and yours on Memorial Day!
Sheila Williamson
www.sheilasenergy.igniteinc.biz
I have been very blessed in my life and as such...enjoy giving back now...whether in my own community, to disaster victims, to help others get back on their feet, and to raise funds for needed improvements to landmarks, etc. I especially enjoy helping raise funds for programs that offer a hand up, not a hand out to change people's lives forever.
All that being said...when you are the owner of a small business...you will get asked over and over again to donate goods, services, product, and money which may or may not be in your budget. Usually the individuals tout "free advertising" as an incentive. Now...I have been on both ends of this since I have a charity fundraising background before I owned Tea 'n Mystery and have dabbled in it many a time. My advice to you is this.....set a budget, pick your fundraisers either strictly because you support their causes personally OR because your target market does. Otherwise, you may become a non-profit yourself! Also...if you are a charity fundraiser yourself...try to ask those for donations that your target audience would be interested in the most, creating a win-win for both sides! Also...don't just advertise your vendors at the event...but prior to the event to build up anticipation of auction or raffle items, or of goods and services that your ticket holders can look forward to receiving at your event!
Also...remember Memorial Day is a GREAT weekend to remember those who mean the most to you and let them know it...your family, your neighbors, and your friends! Here is one of my fave recipes perfect for Memorial Day celebrations: RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY PIE
1 ready to bake deep dish pie crust in a deep dish pie pan
1 quart fresh strawberries, divided
4 squares (1 oz. each) white chocolate
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup cold milk
1 3.3 oz package white chocolate instant pudding and pie filling
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prick bottom and sides of pie crust. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
Rinse strawberries and pat dry. Select 8 uniformly sized for dipping and cut in half through stem ends. Set aside. Hull and slice remaining strawberries.
Melt white chocolate uncovered for 1 minute, stirring every 10 seconds, until it is smooth. Do NOT overheat. Dip whole strawberry halves (16) in melted chocolate and place on wax paper cut side down. Refrigerate 15 minutes until set.
Scrape remaining white chocolate over bottom of pie crust spreading evenly. Layer sliced hulled strawberries over bottom of crust.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until well blended. Add pudding mix and whisk until it begins to thicken. Spread over strawberries.
Arrange washed blueberries evenly over top of pie filling. Pipe whipped cream or Cool Whip around edge of pie decoratively. Place dipped strawberries on border with hulls on outside edge. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!!!
Here's to your success: Raising my glass to you and yours on Memorial Day!
Sheila Williamson
www.sheilasenergy.igniteinc.biz
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