07/24/2026
This may strike a nerve with guilty parties, but I know there are plenty of business owners who will agree. It's long, so buckle up.
If your fundraising plan is to copy and paste the same message to every business you can think of, it's probably time for a new strategy. It's almost as bad as "applying" for a job through a phone call or Facebook message.
We LOVE supporting our community, especially activities that help shape our youth. But put in some effort! We're not a business that can pull a $10-$20 item off a shelf and call it good. The cheapest thing we offer is headlight restoration that runs around $100. For details, usually $200-$500 worth of labor, products, and time. We've even donated ceramic coatings that run $1,200-$1,800.
Small businesses aren't like giant corporations. Every donation and sponsorship comes directly out of our pockets and our schedule. When we first opened in 2021, we were REALLY struggling. I still remember giving our last $20 to a young lady running for rodeo princess. It's not because we had money to spare, but because of how she carried herself. We had money coming in the next day, thankfully, but I know we aren't the only small business that's stretched itself to help someone because they respected the process.
And don't even get me started on the Facebook messages that say, "My child is in high school (insert activity here) and is looking for businesses to donate blah, blah, blah". If your child is in high school, they are more than capable of walking through a door, shaking a hand, introducing themselves, and making their case.
I don't wanna hear "We stay so busy." You're too busy, but want us to donate HOURS worth of labor? Sacrifice your time spent on Facebook and TikTok, and make it work.
I don't wanna hear "It's a tax write off". Do you think that means free money? It equates to about 30% of whatever we donate.
I don't wanna hear "Messenger is so much easier". That's the entire point of this post, stop being lazy.
LET ME REITERATE: we don't mind donating!! In fact, there's a group of kids from Battiest who stop by every year that we genuinely look forward to seeing. Ages vary, but I'm guessing they're 7-12 years old. They show up dressed nice, with a firm handshake, stand tall, make eye contact, and tell us what they're raising money for. We actually love seeing them pull into the parking lot because it's obvious someone is teaching them life skills that matter. (If you know the man who leads that group, tag him. I'd love for him to know those lessons don't go unnoticed.)
We're always happy to support causes we believe in. But if you're asking a small business to give away hundreds of dollars, at least put in the same effort you're asking them to give.
Your feet are still the best fundraising tool you'll ever own.
