Using SCUBA for fundraising?

[usmc4x4]

I was recently elected Commander of my local VFW and since membership was closed for nearly 20 years we are in desperate need of funding. I have been trying to find a way to use my love of SCUBA to benefit my VFW Post. Does anyone have any ideas on how this can be accomplished in a responsible way? I have a little over 300 dives and am PADI Rescue, so a challenging dive shouldn't be too much trouble. Thanks.

 

[cummings66]

The only thing I can think of is that since you're rescue certified that means you know some instructors. See if you can arrange an intro to scuba dive with the local instructor donating his time.

There's not much you yourself can do as far as scuba diving and the general public, the market is too small to raise much money.

Why can't you do bingo? Is it against the law where you live? Around here that's one of their biggest money raisers they have, and it's huge.

 

[mfalco]

Why can't you do bingo? Is it against the law where you live? Around here that's one of their biggest money raisers they have, and it's huge.

underwater bingo......

 

[meekal]

like a walk-a-thon, do a dive-a-thon and get people to sponser you for so many minutes underwater (get a hookah and rake the dough in!)

http://www.smartdivers.com/worldrecord.html

http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=41537960281

 

[usmc4x4]

The only thing I can think of is that since you're rescue certified that means you know some instructors. See if you can arrange an intro to scuba dive with the local instructor donating his time.

There's not much you yourself can do as far as scuba diving and the general public, the market is too small to raise much money.

Why can't you do bingo? Is it against the law where you live? Around here that's one of their biggest money raisers they have, and it's huge.

You have to be a liscenced (sp) Bingo Operator in the state of Texas. Its not hard to do just lots of time and we haven't done it yet. Heck its illegal to have charity poker tournaments around here.

 

[Oyster Diver]

Why don't you do a SCUBA santa event? My club and lds get together every year to put this on. We have a diver dressed as santa who sits in 6 feet of water at the local pool. Anyone older than 10 is allowed, with some instruction, to put on gear and go get their picture taken underwater with santa. For those kids who are to young they can still get their picture taken, but have to hold their breath. Pictures are printed onsite for the participants. All we ask is a donation for the local food bank. This event is a lot of fun and it could potentially introduce non-divers to diving.

 

[usmc4x4]

like a walk-a-thon, do a dive-a-thon and get people to sponser you for so many minutes underwater (get a hookah and rake the dough in!)

http://www.smartdivers.com/worldrecord.html

http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=41537960281

Hmmm that would be interesting. I read about the record stuff and saw a post on here awhile ago. Does anyone know for sure what the current record is and what it would take to surpass? Training? Concerns? Stupid?

 

[usmc4x4]

Why don't you do a SCUBA santa event? My club and lds get together every year to put this on. We have a diver dressed as santa who sits in 6 feet of water at the local pool. Anyone older than 10 is allowed, with some instruction, to put on gear and go get their picture taken underwater with santa. For those kids who are to young they can still get their picture taken, but have to hold their breath. Pictures are printed onsite for the participants. All we ask is a donation for the local food bank. This event is a lot of fun and it could potentially introduce non-divers to diving.

That sounds like a LOT of fun. We have a local LDS with an indoor pool too. Note to self.

BTW While the Dallas area does have LOTS of divers there are far more non divers. Stupid landlocked city.

 

[usmc4x4]

Please help we are in a desperate situation. This post has been in my hometown since 1936 and was once the VFW Post for Audie Murphy. I need any advice anyone can give me. Thanks.

 

[DennisS]

The legion down here does a fish fry and steak dinner every friday night. It gets a pretty good turnout.