How Does a Church Bazaar Work?
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What is a Church Bazaar?
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A church bazaar is a celebratory sale of miscellaneous items, games and services to benefit the church and its missions. It's an event usually held annually or bi-annually where members of the church, community and nearby schools can get together to have fun while raising money for a good cause.
Donations
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The organizer of a bazaar calls nearly every member of the church. Perhaps working alongside the minister, minister's wife or church secretary, the organizer asks everybody to donate what they can. Some can donate a service, like a local car wash owner who may wish to offer so many "free car wash" tickets through the bazaar for fundraising for the church. A babysitter may wish to donate her babysitting services on an auction. Crafters or bakers can donate goods to the bazaar. Some people simply choose to make a donation to the setup and operation costs.
The point is that everybody should donate what they can. Someone poor offering a single cake is as much appreciated as a wealthy family who can cater the entire event. Doing one's part is what's important--and appreciated--by the church.
Sometimes, churches also are a part of schools. In the case where the two are combined, teachers sometimes volunteer for things like water dunking booths. Students pay big--and this has a huge benefit for the church bank account--to dunk teachers in water.
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Fundraising
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Someone is usually picked to be treasurer of the event. All the profits from the evening--minus the costs of the evening itself, which should be minimal due to donations--are then allocated into the bank account for the church. The church can decide to then use the funds for operational costs, a minister's salary (or back salary), or to fund mission projects to help the community.
The Day of the Event
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A church bazaar is usually organized as a big event. It's akin to a fair. Everybody is let in at once and there are booths, activities and events at the bazaar that appeal to everybody. Baked goods are often set aside for inexpensive sale for those looking for snacks as they enjoy themselves at the bazaar. The good nature of the church bazaar encourage many to open their wallets. Rides can be set up for children and a small donation gets someone a round. Sometimes games are set up, such as allowing a boyfriend to win a stuffed animal or chocolates for his girlfriend by winning a game of skill or strength.
Church Auction
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An auction is sometimes held at the beginning or ending of the bazaar. Proceeds go to the church so the bidding sometimes goes higher than the worth of the item and it's competed for in a good spirit. This can be particularly helpful for the church if someone wants to show off his charitable spirit in public, bidding high for something as cheaply obtained as a dinner for two at a nearby restaurant.
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