Hi All!
I am a new Den Leader for a Tiger Cub Den in Cincinnati. I have been supporting the BSA Popcorn sale, at my work, for the past 6 years an have been where you are at. I have one thing to shed light on and then I will shut up.
The prices are high on the surface but what you do not realize is the sale is broken down like this: (35% goes to the local Council, 35% goes to the boys Pack, and a mere 30% goes back into the popcorn Organization_Trails-End). Now if you talk about any other fundraisers out there that is an awesome return to benefit the Organization that is shaping these boys into outstanding leaders of their communities (even at this young age they can make a difference in the people they meet).
Now, if you look at the return on GS cookies they get about a 5% return on each box of cookies (that could be on the high side). I think the math is obvious here so it needs no further scrutiny.
I also want to point out that if you support a festival or Church fundraising we, as a society, think nothing of blowing $40, $50, or more without batting an eye. So, your opinion is well recieved and my response to you is: Either buy or don't but, donate or don't donate but at least your decision will be based on a higher awareness of why the prices are appearing to be too high.
I have found that when I explain the break down to people they will buy because they know how the money is broken down and that the vast majority is going into a fantastic program for our Community (and isn't it time that values are brought back to the srface these days?).
Thank You for your time!
A DEN DAD
