Beyond Belief Network Guides: Benefit Bake Sale

Nothing can raise funds for a great cause faster than a bake sale. Who can resist a cookie, a slice of pie or other treat? Consider hosting a benefit bake sale today!

Tips to Get Started

• Where to host? Deciding where you’ll host your bake sale will greatly determine what baked goods and other items you’ll sell. If you’re hosting it outside, have some sort of awning available to protect your volunteers and items from the elements. If you’re selling your items in connection with a school function, check if the school has rules about what foods can be sold.
• Get the word out. In order to get as much attendance and attention as possible, advertise to your group, other local freethought groups, friends and family. Utilize social media to help get the word out. Plan to announce the event at least two weeks in advance.
• Needed supplies. You’ll need some basic supplies to host your bake sale. Most of these items can be donated by your volunteers, but budget carefully for those items which you need to buy. The items you’ll need include: table(s), tablecloth, folding chairs, garbage can with trash bags, cashbox and small bills, a price list, napkins, paper plates, forks and spoons for pies, cakes, and puddings. If you plan to sell cold drinks, don’t forget a cooler and ice. For hot drinks, have a crockpot.
• Food! A large amount of delicious baked goods can be made in advance. Make sure to include and label clearly some treats that are nut-free,chocolate-free, vegan and/or gluten-free for people with allergies. Candy can also be cheaply made and prepackaged. Set up your items on a table with multiple levels or on dessert stands.
• Remember Foundation Beyond Belief Beneficiaries. Remember all Beyond Belief Network Teams! Hosting a fundraiser on behalf of Foundation Beyond Belief or any of its beneficiaries counts as two events. Perfect for those teams looking to quickly raise their team’s BBN level. For more information about Beyond Belief Network events, look here.

Volunteers Needed

If you decide to host a benefit bake sale, you’ll need volunteers. You should have:

• Bakers. Asking each individual to contribute at least two dozen items is a good starting point. In order to offer a variety of goods, have at least five individuals willing to act as bakers. Remember, figure out what each baker will make before the event, or else you may have an overwhelming amount of one item. Ideally, bakers should also pay for their own supplies.
• Cashiers. At least two individuals who can handle the transactions and keep a close eye on the register.
• Server. This is an optional role, depending on the items the bakers have made and packaged. This individual will cut and plate desserts that haven’t already been done so.

Questions or Concerns?

If you need help with planning your event or have additional questions, the best way to contact Beyond Belief Network is to use the contact webform, which enables us to track the resolution of your question: foundationbeyondbelief.org/contact-bbn. You can also email us at bbn@foundationbeyondbelief.org.