Make Fundraising an Unforgettable Experience
The Fundraiser That Feels Like a Reward
Buddy-a-Thon turns fundraising into a hands-on experience where kids earn and create their own plush Buddy—while your organization raises more with less effort.
Buddy-a-Thon flips the traditional model. Instead of asking kids to sell something, we give them something to get excited about-- a hands-on experience they actually want to earn.
As participation increases, so do your results!
No upfront cost
We handle the event
Designed for high participation
Buddy-a-Thon
Simple to Plan. Easy to Run.
1
Launch Your Fundraiser
We provide the materials, messaging, and a clear plan to get started.
2
Kids Earn Their Buddy
Participants collect donations and work toward earning their experience.
3
Host the Stuffing Event
We come to you and run a high-energy stuffing experience.
4
Celebrate the Results
Kids leave with their Buddy—and your group reaches its goals.
The Experience
This is what makes Buddy-a-Thon different. Kids don’t just receive something—they create it.
They get to:
Choose their own plush Buddy
Stuff it themselves
Add a special heart inside
Make a wish
Bring it to life
It's not just a reward... it's something they're proud of!
Testimonials
Hear from the administrators, parents, and organizations that have experienced the Buddy-a-Thon.
Review here.
Jane Doe
Parent
Review here.
Jane Doe
Administrator
Review here.
Jane Doe
School Faculty
Review here.
Jane Doe
Parent
Why It Works
Higher Participation
Kids want to be involved—which means more engagement across your group.
No Product Selling
No catalogs, no door-to-door, no leftover inventory.
Memorable Experience
Families remember this—and talk about it long after.
Guided & Done-for-You
We support you every step and run the event.
A Quick Glimpse
into one of our stuffing parties!
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the Buddy-a-Thon?
The Buddy-a-Thon is a fun, donation-based school fundraiser where students earn exciting prizes through their participation—culminating in a hands-on stuffed animal experience where they build their own plush buddy at the end.
How does the fundraiser work?
All students register with the help of a parent or guardian and receive their own fundraising link. Every student earns their first prizes just for registering. Their link is shared with friends and family anywhere in the world and donations are made to the school in the students name. As they reach different donation levels, they earn prizes. At the end of the fundraiser, qualifying students participate in a Stuffing Party experience where they get to build their buddy..
What makes this different from other fundraisers?
Student are not asked to handle products, money, or go door knocking through their surrounding communities. Instead, the Buddy-a-Thon is donation based using a text message and email system to request donations for the school, or organization, and focusing on the experiences. This helps Donors enjoy knowing that their contribution goes to both the schools needs and their student's prizes. Students are motivated by earning a personalized stuffed animal they create themselves—making it more exciting and memorable. The Buddy-a-Thon helps reach beyond the school's immediate community to those further away.
How long does the fundraiser last?
Most Buddy-a-Thons run for 2 weeks with the option of extending it a 3rd week, keeping energy high and participation strong.
Money & Profit
What percentage does the school keep?
80% of total funds raised directly benefit the students. 50% is provided to the school or PTA as a profit check within seven business days after the fundraiser concludes. 30% supports prizes and student incentives (Buddies, outfits, Golden Ticket prizes, Top Teacher Awards, etc.). All processing fees are covered by us
Are there any upfront costs?
No—there are no upfront costs to the school. We handle materials, setup, and prizes.
When does the school receive the funds?
A check is provided to the school or PTA as a profit check within seven business days after the fundraiser concludes
What prizes can students earn?
Students can earn a variety of fun prizes such as cinch bags, stuffed animals, outfits, accessories, and other exciting rewards based on donation levels.
When will prizes be distributed?
All prizes are distributed after the fundraiser, during the Stuffing Party event
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Prizes & Incentives
What prizes can students earn?
Students can earn a variety of fun prizes such as cinch bags, stuffed animals, outfits, accessories, and other exciting rewards based on donation levels.
When will prizes be distributed?
All prizes are distributed after the fundraiser, during the Stuffing Party event
Experience
What is the "Stuffing Party Event"?
It’s a fun hands-on event where students receive their prizes and help create their own stuffed animal using a professional stuffing machine—similar to a workshop experience.
How long does the experience take per group?
Typically 15-20 minutes per group of 10-20 students. It will take a few hours for everyone to attend the stuffing party and receive their prizes.
School Logistics
What does the school need to provide?
We'll need help scheduling the Kickoff Assembly, the stuffing party, and coordinating your student schedules—we handle the rest.
How many volunteers are required?
2-3 volunteers are always welcome at the writing party. One volunteer to help bring groups to the Stuffing Party. One volunteer to help zip up stuffed animals after they have been stuffed. One volunteer to help gather student's prizes. Volunteers can be parents, staff, PTA, etc. Volunteers receive a stuffed animal in return for their help.
Will this require a lot of work from our staff?
No—we handle most of the setup, communication materials, and event execution.
Parent Questions
How do I register my child?
Registration takes just 5 minutes, simply follow the steps on the back of the parent letter that is sent home.
Can siblings participate?
Participation is generally limited to enrolled students, but options may vary by school.
What if my child doesn't want to participate?
Participation is completely optional. Donations can still be made to the school with it being linked to a student
How do I track my child's progress?
Parents can track donations through the online platform and the students link.
Can donations be split or shared between siblings at the school?
Yes, if a donor wants to donate once and have it count toward multiple students, they simply make a note of the students name and grade and we can apply it all the students.
Technology & Sharing
Is there an online donation platform?
Yes, we provide an easy-to-use online system for collecting donations.
Can out-of-state family donate?
Absolutely! Donations can be made from anywhere in the world.
Is there a way to share the fundraiser?
Yes—students can share links or QR codes with family and friends.
Do you provide promotional materials?
Yes, we provide graphics for posting on media platforms, parent letters, email templates, and more.
Booking & Planning
How far in advance should we book?
Scheduling and securing your date before fundraising season starts will ensure you can schedule your fundraiser on the date you prefer, before our schedule fills up.
What dates are available?
Availability varies—please contact us early to reserve your spot. We try to schedule kickoff assemblies on Mondays and Tuesdays. We try to schedule stuffing parties on Thursdays and Fridays.
Can the fundraiser be customized?
Yes, we can tailor aspects of the program to fit your school’s needs.
Do you help promote the fundraiser?
Yes—we provide tools and guidance to help maximize a fun and successful fundraiser.
As always, reach out if you have any questions!
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