For several years Maxine McCoy has helped her congregation, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, develop innovative fundraisers to support its ministry.
The church has also been successful in raising funds to support other initiatives, especially the Dollars for Scholars program for college students.
However, as Shiloh prepared to celebrate its 125th anniversary this year McCoy was out of ideas.
“Shiloh has already done a lot of the ‘penny ante’ fundraisers,” McCoy said. “So I stepped way out on my faith and proposed that for the church’s 125th anniversary we do something big and different.”
The question for Shiloh involved what that “something” would be. What project could be done to raise funds that could get the attention of donors and actually be useful? What could be cost effective to produce and not too time consuming for volunteers?
After briefly considering a church scrapbook, McCoy decided to wait for a less cumbersome and more exciting idea. Upon returning home from a vacation, she received an invitation to a workshop on creating cookbooks.
“It was the answer to my prayer,” McCoy said.
Shiloh members happily participated in compiling a cookbook that includes 232 timeless recipes from their families and people in the community. Work began on the book in August and was completed last month. Following a special dedication service, they were made available to the public for sale for $25.
Shiloh is among a growing number of churches who are thinking more creatively about fundraisers. While tithes and offerings have remained steady at most churches, donations for charitable causes have not.
Charitable contributions to churches witnessed a drop by $1.2 billion to $29 billion in 2010, according to the 2012 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches, a study published by the National Council of Churches.
The $1.2 billion decrease in 2010 was three times as large as the $431 million decrease in 2009.
“This shows clear evidence of the adverse impact that occurred on churches as the economic crisis deepened,” said Rev. Eileen Linder, author of the study.
Congregations throughout Central Indiana are organizing unique fundraisers to generate resources as the nation continues its recovery from the recession.
For example, Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic parish and its school are hosting the Hearts of Haiti sale this Saturday. Proceeds will benefit children in Haiti. Items on sale will include gently used kids items such as clothing, toys, books, baby and maternity tems, baby furniture and baked goods.
Unity Church of Indianapolis, located downtown, recently hosted its Day of Glamorous Makeover fundraiser. Proceeds from the event went to Unity’s general fund.
For just $10 guests could enjoy massages, make-up lessons, professional makeovers by Mary Kay and Avon consultants, and free photos of “before and after” shots. Food, live music and numerous door prizes were also available.
“Even some of the men came out. It was just a very positive and relaxing time,” said Jeri Watts, a managing administrator at Unity Church.
Watts noted that Unity’s event was relatively simple and cost effective to organize because people within the church contributed their talents, skills and professional expertise.
“It all worked out really well,” she said. “It was successful in raising funds for the church, but it was also a lot of fun for everybody involved.”
On Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Carmel will host a Gluten Free Waffle Brunch to raise funds for an allergen free kids camp and a food program for the gluten intolerant. Tickets are $15 and children 10 and under will be admitted free.
“St. Mark’s is a great location and they have a very nice kitchen with a great set up, so we are really looking forward to gathering support for this cause,” said Shelia Cafferty, founder of Gluten Free Living Now.
Gluten is a protein composite frequently used in foods processed from wheat and grains. It used to improve flour dough’s ability to rise, keep its shape and remain chewy.
In recent years, however, gluten has raised concerns among health experts as a possible contributor to allergies, especially among people with coeliac disease, a disorder of the immune system.
St. Mark’s is among churches that, if they don’t need funds for their own budget, help organizations with causes they believe in.
Cafferty said she appreciates St Mark’s partnership in organizing the event.
“The economy isn’t where it is supposed to be and people aren’t as generous with their donations as they once were,” Cafferty said. “A lot of organizations are looking for creative ways to raise funds in order to stay active in the community, so we appreciate St. Mark’s support.”
To order copies of the Recipes For the Soul anniversary cookbook by Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, call (317) 545-8253. The cost is $25.
