I'll donate a fishing trip to Saginaw or Erie on my boat.
To Richs' point, I agree that our camp shouldn't be dictated by the amount of money being raised, unless there is a specific charity to donate it to. I am fine with buying tickets for prizes and, as we saw last year, many of those who win prizes give them to some one else. The format needs to be set by those who volunteered to host the camp.
This years Friday night freebie was patterned after Louisianas D'arbonne camp and was meant as a way for everyone that showed up to get something. That way no one felt like they had to spend money to win a prize. A few of the things Jeff and I did were different from previous years and that was on purpose. You don't know until you try. Some things might stick and some will fade away.
The best part of our group, the C.C family, is that we can connect with like minded members from across the country. Hopefully our camp will become a destination for members from other states. The fact that we had visitors from three other states is something to be proud of. With luck, next years camp will have 5,6 or 7 states represented.
I'm also going to make a donation. I will offer up another fun filled stay at the Beats-a-Tent lodge on beautiful Townline Lake. I'll even throw in some steaks or something for the grill. Depends on what I find on sale .
I hope to be one of the other state guys there. Thought I would give my opinion. I don't come for the prizes and find them a little distracting at times. The giving out tends to take up time we could be telling more lies.(and eating more) I have all the fishing gear I could ever use. Could be possible to just distribute the entry fee for the fishing contest as the prize. Maybe the t shirt sales and the 50/50 would cover the rest. Then maybe do a silent auction for "member donated" prizes and sell the tickets real cheap, like a dollar a piece or 6 for $5. Stick out cups in front of them for everyone to put their tickets in.That should be enough to cover costs and provide some entertainment.Just set the donated fish baits on a table and say have at it. I helped put on a couple events and my least favorite thing was soliciting prizes. All that being said, It's your party. If I am invited I am gonna try to be there. You guys are what makes the drive worth it. Good bunch.
Team Overalls Travel Squad
FISH for LIFE
HUMANKIND......be both