ASB Fundraising: Not a Cake Walk
Associated Student Body Report by Marty Fortin
You may remember the cakewalk. Typically participants pay a fee to walk
around the room stepping on numbered pieces of paper while music is played in the
background (kind of like musical chairs). When the music stops, a number is drawn out
of a hat, if you are lucky enough to be standing on the piece of paper with that number,
then you win a cake (or some other prize). Simple and fun!
Unfortunately fund raisers for student groups are not that simple anymore. It is
important to consider all the regulatory agencies involved in this “simple” fundraiser.
For this Cakewalk consider that…
 The State Gambling Commission might expect the ASB to have a Gambling
License for this activity, or they may consider it harmless but want to know
about your other carnival activities.
 The County Health Department would ask about the kitchen where the cake was
prepared, and if the cook had a current Food Handler’s Permit.
 The School Board policy would expect that this type of fundraiser is approved by
their policies.
 The School District Risk Management Pool might wonder about the liabilities of
this activity and whether an injury would be covered by school insurance.
 The State Department of Revenue might require a form to justify the exemption
for sales tax on this fundraiser.
 The State Auditor will expect that you account for all the sales revenues and
event expenses, and that the activity was approved by the student government
(and supervised by your advisor) as outlined in your Constitution.
Fund raising is a complicated business, one that requires you to be informed, attentive,
and persistent. Take time each year to attend one of our ASB issues workshops.
Discuss the rules and procedures with your staff. Teach what you learn to all students
involved in the activity program. Your success will be measured by the fact that no one
will be surprised to discover that fund raising is not a Cakewalk anymore.