Fireworks and Fundraising Sound Great!

Everyone is out, weather is hot, and food is great. Why not add some fun and easy fundraising to your 4th of July weekend? You'll have mad cash before the fireworks even start if you look below and recruit some friends for these simple fundraisers.

ICE ICE BABY- Forget lemonade, it's hot outside. Freeze Pops: tastey, easy, cheap and refreshing. You can't ask for much more, other than perhaps $1 set up at your pool. These classic summer yummies come in mass packing by the hundreds for under five dollars if you pick the pick the right grocer. Set it up and get ready to have the kids and adults swarming.

SPARK AND SHINE: Everyone is usually looking for their own fireworks display before the show. Sell small, safe sparklers to light your July night!

GIVE A LITTLE GET A LITTLE: If you're not hosting a BBQ, you're probably going to one! Help a friend mow their lawn in exchange for a donation to your team. Just an hour or so and everyone will be green with glee.

BAKE IT OFF: 4th means food, and if it doesn't it will now... Plan a bake off of any and all dishes and drinks at your backyard party. Ask for small donations from all entries and eaters, hand out cards to rank the top 3 recipes, spread the fare around and let the eating begin! Announce your winners and thank them for their grub and their dough.

STRIKE A POSE: With lots of digital cameras be pulled out this weekend, put your festivities to up to a challenge. Create a contest for all of the photos taken during your 4th celebrations, having friends and family email their best pics to you. Upload to sites like shutterfly or facebook and make your judgment. Each person participating can donate to your cause and everyone will be able to view pictures from the weekend in one place!

TOURNEY TIME: Bags, cornhole, beans and boards, bean bag toss... Whatever you call it, you know it's a great backyard game. Create a tournament with a tiny entry fee and play on! The ultimate victor can be announced and rewarded at the end of the games.

For more fundraising ideas for anytime of the year, head to www.lightthenight.org/ga and find "sign in." You can access the pages with the login/password given at registration. Scroll down to downloads from the fundraising toolbox tab and pick any of the downloads. Get motivated, fundraise the fourth away!