A tricky tray fundraiser (also known as a penny social or basket raffle) is a fun, fast-paced way to raise money for nonprofits, schools, and community groups. It blends the excitement of a raffle with the variety of a silent auction — making it a crowd favorite at fundraising events of all sizes.
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of themed baskets, raffle tickets, and buzzing energy… chances are you’ve experienced a tricky tray.
1. How a Tricky Tray Works 🪙
The basic idea is simple:
- Supporters buy raffle tickets (usually in bundles).
- Each basket or prize is displayed with its own entry container.
- Guests drop tickets into the containers of the prizes they want to win.
- At the end of the event, one winning ticket is drawn for each prize.
Unlike a traditional raffle with just one or two big prizes, a tricky tray offers many chances to win, which keeps guests engaged and encourages them to buy more tickets.
2. Why It’s Called a “Tricky Tray” 🧺
The name comes from the playful “tricky” element of the game — participants must decide how to split their tickets between multiple baskets. Do they put all their tickets on one big prize… or spread them out to improve their odds?
This combination of strategy and luck adds an element of excitement that keeps people participating throughout the event.
3. Common Tricky Tray Prizes 🎁
The heart of a tricky tray fundraiser is its prizes. Popular options include:
- Gift baskets with themed items (wine night, spa day, coffee lovers, etc.)
- Event tickets (concerts, shows, sporting events)
- Gift cards to local businesses
- Experiences like weekend getaways, golf packages, or lessons
- Donated services (salon visits, personal training, home cleaning)
Pro Tip: Offer a mix of high-value and smaller prizes so everyone feels they have a chance to win something.
4. How to Host a Tricky Tray Event 🧾
- Collect prizes through donations from local businesses and sponsors.
- Bundle items into themed baskets to make them more appealing.
- Sell raffle tickets in advance and at the event.
- Display prizes with clear signage and ticket drop containers.
- Draw winners at the end — and build excitement with a live emcee.
- Thank donors and sponsors to build long-term support.
Pro Tip: Use mobile bidding or QR codes for hybrid or online tricky tray events.
5. Why Tricky Trays Are So Popular 📈
- Affordable to run: Most prizes are donated.
- Easy to understand: Anyone can participate.
- Fun and social: People love the thrill of possibly winning.
- High fundraising potential: Selling extra ticket bundles is easy when excitement builds.
Final Thought
So, what is a tricky tray fundraiser? It’s a lively, flexible, and profitable way to engage supporters, showcase donated prizes, and raise funds for a great cause. With a little planning and creativity, a tricky tray can become one of your most successful — and most talked-about — fundraising events of the year.
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