About That Tricky Tray.. I Just Want To Say_Chapter 12 (Closed)

Use This Post To "Speak Your Mind" About A Tricky Tray or Anything Related To A Tricky Tray. Tell us about the Grand Prize You Just Won or How You Haven't Won A Thing 10 Tricky Trays Straight. Just Click On The comment link below and start typing away. However..no personal attacks will be tolerated.

Comments

Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Hello All,

The Fall Tricky Tray Season is under way in full swing. I have been so busy with regular work, I didn't realize how full the last chapter(11)had become. So now we start Chapter 12. Next weekend there are a huge amount of Tricky Trays. In fact this year is definately a record for the most number of postings.

A quote..
"Who ever becomes President on election day, will have to embrace that the Tricky Tray fundraiser is here to stay!"

It's also almost that time of year to vote for "Best TRicky TRay of 2008" Look for the voting link after the last tricky tray in December...currently Dec 12th.

Have fun everyone and come home a winner!

Mr. Tricky Tray
Anonymous said…
re:long winded callers

personally I find it boring just to hear number after number called--an OCCASSIONAL short comment is appropriate-3-5 seconds----as long as it it not with every prize--maybe every 5-10 prizes

I ran a TT about 6 years ago--apparently before this site was created--so it was not mine anyone has commented about---

and frankly--if people said some of these self centered, rude comments that i read here--i would have thrown you out--and kicked in the amount you would have spent from my own pocket---its not worth having spoil sports who make the event unpleasant for others who are have the human ability of empathy...and realize a TT is not to benefit the attendee and entitle then to prizes and a quick in and out...the TT is to benefit the organization...

illegal and unethical things are one thing--but there are too many petty complaints--if you don't like it--don't go..


for instance--the food offered at the last TT I went to wasn't good--but so what---if you want good food--bring it with you or eat before hand.....

people think they should be treated like a bloomingdales shopper--when they are in JCPenney..
if you want to be treated like royalty--go to a black tie dinner--not a tricky tray....
Anonymous said…
Mr. Tricky Tray, the site is listing 2 events on 11/13 being held at the Hanover Manor. How can that be?
Anonymous said…
In our town Hopatcong I see signs for a TT in Lake Hopatcong but it doesn't state where on Nov 7th, Any 411 on it.
Anonymous said…
To the person who says we have too many "petty complaints" and you would throw us out and foot the bill of what we would have spent...well go ahead but realize that MANY of the people who attend your event could care less about the organization it's supporting. WE are there to have fun and hopefully win a prize. If you screw up, you will hear about it. There are MANY of us who blog here. Don't call our comments petty unless you are guilty of making one of the stupid mistakes we have blogged about at your event.
Anonymous said…
And there is nothing wrong with JC Penney's! That in itself was rude. The blog is to politely speak out nothing more nothing less. Don't read it if you don't like the negitive comments with the good. And we do give good comments as well. There are a lot of tricky trays and many are willing to listen. What's wrong with self improvement?
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Thanks for the person who brought to my attention the error with the 2 Hanover manor tricky trays on same date. It has been corrected.

Correct info is:

11/13 East Hanover Co-op Nursey is at Hanover Manor in East Hanover

11/13 Oak View School is at Valley Regency in Clifton
Anonymous said…
To the snob for whom JCPenny is beneath her!
You are the rude, self centered one!

You are the kind of organizer referred to on this blog as arrogant and thinks TT's are beneath her and treats the attendees as such.

I don't care what a TT is for, I have no connection to it and don't care how great you think the cause is.....to me it means nada! I am just there for entertainment. I don't even care if I win. The money I spend at the tt...do whatever you want with it, again I don't care one iota about your cause.

If the food is lousy, I'll let everyone know about it on this blog. If the food is good I'll let everyone know that too.

You are the exception, thank goodness most organizers are not like you.
Anonymous said…
Here's one for organizers to consider. Can you keep the ratio of gifts to guests at at least 1:1?!?!? It's hard enough to win as it is...but when you have 600 people and only 250 gifts...it's disheartening.
Anonymous said…
So many Tricky Trays, so little time. Which ones can't people wait to go to?
Anonymous said…
I agree - which one - so many good ones! The Pet Adoption League TT is always good - lovely baskets. Have won a lot in the past, so thinking of that one.
Anonymous said…
Just wanted to be the first to say what a great time we had at St John the Apostle in Clark. They had a huge number of baskets with very reasonable prices. The caller was excellent and they had many, many runners who really kept the event moving. The food that was sold was also delicious and very reasonable. They had beautiful pointsettias as door prizes, which was both a unique and creative idea.Best of all we met some really nice people who were involved in the cub scouts for decades. They credited a woman whose sons were no longer in cub scouts so we hope she passes her Tricky Tray know how on to others because we will certainly be back next year. I know it is a lot of work, great, great job
Anonymous said…
I also went to St John the Apostle in Clark although I was a little disappointed that there didn't seem to be as many gifts as usual. Other then that everything else ran great and everyone was so nice.
Anonymous said…
I also attended the Cub Scout tricky tray at St John the Apostle. The number of prizes was pretty good, but I thought there were too many levels and the prizes were only ok. A prize worth $50 should not have tickets that are 4 for $3 (and there were prizes on that table worth much less than that!). It was well run, but just didn't have the kind of prizes (value and type) I typically go for. I probably won't be back.
Anonymous said…
OLMV's Harvest Moon Basket Raffle was another great success! they had a super 50/50 and someone walked away with $6,000, plus two regular 50/50's $1800 and $800. The prizes were great and so many! As always it was well organized and the workers very helpful. I think I smell three-peat for trickytray of the year!
Anonymous said…
Attended the St. Brendan TT, and it was the first time I'd seen a grocery gift TT...literally 200+ store items ranging from tuna fish to paper towels. Given these economic times...it was a very good idea. On the other hand...while the organizers did pour tickets into a different container and shake them prior to pulling a winner...the container was one of those 2.5 foot long shallow flat plastic storage containers...that's alot of open space for the tickets to land...even with the shaking, the tickets were so widely distributed that random picking was not assured. Organizers, please use a container that's about 9-12 inches at the base...so that when you pour in and shake the tickets, they tumble over each other...and the space for picking out winners is confined to a discrete area. Keeping the tickets closer together, increases the assuredness that the actual picking will stay random...Just my thought. Last, and always offensive was the fact that there were lots of bent tickets in the containers, and no sign or announcement that bent tickets were not allowed. Long afternoon.
Anonymous said…
Went to the Sayreville HS Wrestling one. The gift certificates and prizes were great for the price--2 sheets for $5. The one thing we didn't understand is a $50 Macy's and a $5 local shop. Too big of a difference. Combine all 4 of the $5 ones or give them as door prizes. Which brings me to mention the fact that there were too many door prizes. Stamp a brochure and let them get it before you start and while you have an intermission. A few more larger prizes and you'd have a great tricky tray. Good for only a second tricky tray. I will go back.
Anonymous said…
I agree ... OLMV is in it again for Best Tricky Tray. We all had a wonderful time. The baskets were out of this world ... a Carnival Cruise, Disney tickets, a BBQ, a NYC helicopter tour, Hotel and airfare anywhere in the USA, a bathroom vanity ... even the standard prizes were beautiful. I couldn't decide where to put my tickets. And,as usual, OLMV was extrememly organized ... color coordinated, friendly workers, the workers were easily identified with their yellow shirts, FREE soda/water, coffee/tea/hot chocolate and delicious desserts ... it was just an absolutely fun, exciting night. I can't wait until next year!
Anonymous said…
I went to OLMV in Middlesex and I thought it was really nice. There were many nice baskets and very organized. Some of the lines were long but they waited for us to finish before they started calling numbers. I wish I would have won one of the 3 50/50's. I can see why they've won best TT of the year twice!
Anonymous said…
RE: Friday, December 5, 2008
Tricky Tray Sponsored By
Butler High School
Doors Open: 6:00 pm

HOW much is your admission price?
What is the price of your tickets?

Admission price includes 1 sheet of tickets & refreshments).

Please post here....I don't want to make a phone call.
Anonymous said…
l.a.z.y.
Anonymous said…
There are so many tricky trays to choose from Friday night! Where is everyone going? I haven't decided yet.
Anonymous said…
Has nothing to do with LAZY.....just post all the information in the first place. Tired of calling and not being able to get anyone on the phone who knows anything!

Lazy is not posting all the details of the event!
Anonymous said…
st therese the best of the evening Friday. Over crowdedd thou.
Anonymous said…
Not sure either - two in Hackettstown - one for a school and the other a rescue group - have been to the rescue group one a few times and they always have very nice baskets, so probably give that one a try this year. Hard to decide with so many in the area.
Anonymous said…
November 14th should be "Tricky Tray Day of the Year". Have you seen all the events for today? WOW
Anonymous said…
St Theresa always has a crowd because the prizes are so great. With so many other events that night, bet it won't be so crowded. St Lawrence in Chester is less crowded, while everyone praises the baskets there just aren't as many as St Theresa. The Hackettstown at the HS has a superb array of prizes but understand the big LCD TV and the cash card are separate raffles that they have been selling tickets to since school started. Winner does not have to be present. I'm still going to that event because the combined school effort creates the best prizes for the number of people attending. Personally I avoid raffles that tickets have been sold to ahead of time. They always seem to reach down into the 'old tickets' and draw a winner that isn't present so I save my money.
Anonymous said…
Question for all you "seasoned" tricky-trayers... what types of baskets do you like to see? Other than the big-ticket electronics, trips, etc. what are some regular baskets/prizes that (1) you bid on regularly or (2) you'd recommend seeing more of? Someone suggested a Camping Theme basket. Is that something people would really want to win? We are always "doing our research" to see what is hot and what is not or what's "in" and what you are tired of seeing over and over again. Thanks for your feedback. This will definitely help organizers "update" some of their usual baskets and prizes!!! Enjoy the weekend... too many to choose from and I'm having a hard time deciding where to go myself.
Anonymous said…
Someone was kind enough to give me a bunch of baskets she was looking to get rid of, thank you soooo much! Anyone else looking to get rid of baskets, let me know, I will make arrangements to get them.
Anonymous said…
Went to the Hackettstown TT last night.

I'm interested in hearing what others thought.

The regular baskests were so so. Although they did have longaburger and some wonderful scrapbooking baskets.

The second level, great prizes for the money.

Third level, could have done without.

Raffle had great prizes, but was NOT happy to see the person who was running it win.

Lets see she had control of all the tickets, both paid for and not. Because these were being sold for a long time before the night of the TT, she had piles of unsold ones in her possesion. I wonder how many people where overseeing the number of tickets sold and cash coming in. Also heard, I didnt see it, that she pulled the ticket. Just doesnt seem right.

I really had a wonderful time. Won baskets, hung out with some good friends.

One other thing, the food being sold went to help pay for the 8th grade trip to washington. Good idea, but the prices were just out of line. 1$ for a tiny little canolli (spelling?).
They had the food donated, so it didnt cost them anything, why not make the prices more reasonable.

Caller was great.
Anonymous said…
After I posted the above, I decided to look into raffle rules and laws. This is what I found.

Persons directly involved in the organization of the raffle are ineligible to receive prizes. Ticket sellers are exempt from this rule, PROVIDED their only involvement in the raffle is the sale of tickets.

Sounds to me if you are the person who applies for the application, orders the raffle tickes, purchases the items for said raffle, controls the sale of tickets, another words, the person DIRECTLY INVOLVED in the raffle, IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO WIN!

Sounds like they did a big no no at the Hackettstown TT.
Anonymous said…
Hackettstown provided free sheets of tickets for each donated tray so many sheets were not paid for but were accounted for. Normally the workers have someone at the tables watching all their tickets so it isn't so obvious how many of the committee is winning. This whole concern why the increase in our posting, nagging and worrying about bent tickets and keeping the events honest iaw regulations. After all the work and effort of pulling an event together, greed started to play a heavy hand in not wanting strangers walking out the door with all the good prizes. Besides the bent or ragged torn tickets, its highly questionable when the workers all seem to have a different color or number series of tickets justified as 'well, we were just using up what was leftover from last year'. Those distinctive leftover tickets, awarding prizes to bent or mangled tickets and callers announcing their own ticket number as a winner give events bad reputation. Chances are it was all just a coincidence but because it looks bad, people think the worse of it and take their tt money elsewhere. Last night was an excellent example when there were so many events to choose from.
Anonymous said…
I will not go to Hackettstown TT again. That is for sure.

Food prices, you have got to be kidding me.

Raffle prize going to the person in charge, you have to be kidding me.

Door prize tickets in with regular tickets, when they are a different size, you have to be kidding me.

LOUSEY 3rd level prizes.

MANY repetitive 1st level prizes.

Nope I will find somewhere else to spend my money next year.
Anonymous said…
You should have gone to Minebrook to the Pet Adoption TT - really nice prizes and a lot of them and the tickets were reasonably priced. The food line got a bit backed up, but that was not the event organizers fault. The callers were good and got through everything by 10 p.m. A good Tricky Tray - I will go again.
Anonymous said…
went to the co-op nursery school tricky tray at the Hanover Manor Friday night and was very pleasantly surprised. The baskets were fantastic, the ticket prices were very reasonable and the night went very smoothly. It was a great night out and I look forward to going again. Great job!!!
Anonymous said…
PAL (at Minebrook club) had beautiful prizes, well displayed, ticket pricing was reasonable and the caller stuck to the business of drawing and announcing which was wonderful.
The caller eventually had an assistant who took the ticket container from the runner and held it while the caller drew and announced the runner. Just a suggestion, but couldn't the runners be shaking those tickets while they wait in line? and couldn't that assistant be specifically charged with officially shaking them before the caller draws the number? The drawer did respond to calls of shake/stir them up and usually gave a halfhearted stir before drawing but there was plenty of time for the assistant to do it proper before every draw and it wouldn't of taken additional time.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for your compliment on our prizes at the PAL Tricky Tray on Friday evenin (I totally agree -we did have beautiful baskets!) I think having the program helped our callers get through the prizes so quickly (we were done by 10 p.m.). We certainly will take note of your helpful comments about the ticket jars for next year.

Thank you for making our biggest fundraiser a success at a time when the economy is down and there were so many other events in the area.

We appreciate your support of our group.
Anonymous said…
Response to November 16, 9:19 a.m. Just a follow up to the PAL TT on Friday - the runners lined up were shaking the ticket containers, but obviosuly could not be seen by a lot of people. Just an FYI.
Anonymous said…
Went to the Ogdensburg TT. The regular prizes were nice and ticket prices were fair... $5.00/sheet. There were lots of useful gift certificates.
The second and first tiers were ok, nothing great. The refreshments were sparse and bland. Not much thought went into the selection of treats.

I saw many bent and crumbled tickets in the bags. Announcement was made that none would be pulled. I saw someone put such tickets in and she did not win anything so I assume no bent tickets were pulled.
It was a nicely run TT and I will attend again.
Anonymous said…
re PAL Minebrook event - perhaps you were critiqued in the past for having too many pet baskets?? I'm thinking when you are a pet rescue event, you have a lot of pet lovers coming and there is an expectation that the event might have more or that type basket versus child/toy oriented baskets that you expect at an elementary school event. People were searching for pet baskets to drop tickets in.
re Mount Olive Proj Grad event ... it's on the school calendar for Nov 22 and has been rescheduled to Feb timeframe.
and from the Strauscalendar.com, the High Point Booster Club and Competition Cheerleaders are having a Basket Bingo event Friday, November 21st. Doors open at 6:00pm, calling begins at 7:30pm at High Point Reg HS. Phone: 862-485-2254
Anonymous said…
Re November 18, 9:42 a.m. blog ...

I think last year we did have a lot of pet related baskets, whereas this year we did not. Although PAL does have a following, I think mainly people come to a TT to win a prize - at least that is what I read a lot on these blogs - that the attendees don't really care what organization the event is for, whereas I am sure many do.

Anyway, we had some great baskets on Friday - very diverse. We have received many compliments on our baskets.

I think we had the right mix at our TT, truly something for everyone.

It was a successful night for us and we are happy that people came to our event becuase there were so many others in the area that night.

Hope to see all of you, or some of you next year !
Anonymous said…
Can't even tell you I went to the most awesome tt ever... I go to tt often but this was the cherry on the cake about 500 prizes. Everything presented like professionals made them. All baskets had labels with contents of basket no guessing. South River school. FANTASTIC ........
Anonymous said…
Went to the South River one too. No need to advertise on trickytray.com this year. Sold out quickly. Yes the baskets were great. Only a few too many levels for my budget. First caller was fast and great. After that it went slow and took a little too long with so many prizes. But overall it was indeed one of the best!
Anonymous said…
Just got home from the Jefferson High School TT. Here's the good and bad.

Good -
Regular prizes were really nice. Lots of gift certificates and Christmas type trays. Prices for regulars valued up to $50 were fair. 5 sheets for $15 or $4 for 1 sheet. Specials and Supers were just OK. Refreshments were free and plentiful. No bent ticket signs were posted.

Bad -
Many tickets had names written on them by teachers/parents who weren't even there. I'm sorry but changing a ticket so it's in any way different than any other is cheating. Some of these written on tickets were even bent (signs were posted not to do this). Guess the staff/helpers are above that rule.

Two different color sheets for regulars. Not a huge deal but a bit annoying if all you have is the one color!

Advice for next time - don't let staff or anyone else write their names all over tickets.

Overall, it was a good Tricky Tray. Nice job on the regular prizes..and we won!
Anonymous said…
Jefferson HS TT.
I also was very annoyed to see names written on the back of the tickets! To boot they were bent! How do I know this? I looked down into the bags and you could see this as plain as day. (I look for bent tickets at every TT I attend) .They were the teachers' who couldn't attend. So teachers bend their tickets? Nice message to send their students...cheating it's called. Yes, bent ticket signs were posted, but didn't apply to teachers!

Sat with a very nice group of women who told me that teachers who couldn't attend wrote their names on back of tickets. Perfectly OK they said. No, it's not OK.

The caller was efficient. The container used to pull the tickets from was too small.

The prizes were nice including many gift certificates.
Refreshments were good, even bottled water was free. The students were very friendly.

In conclusion....
I will always remember Jefferson HS as the school where the teachers cheat!
Anonymous said…
Yikes! The blogger above me sounds like a real sore loser. Not fair to categorize a school based on one or two bad apples.
Anonymous said…
Yup -- I agree...what did Michael Jackson once sing..."one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch...." lol
Anonymous said…
In support of the sore loser, Jefferson events have a reputation for doing this. Specifically the staff and teachers not attending inaddition to the runners/committee members working the event write their names on back of each small or large ticket dropped instead of on the claim stub. they do the name to help out the ones who are watching all the workers tickets. You are at the mercy of whoever is drawing out the winning tickets. If they want to give that prize to one of their own, its not only possible its simple for the drawer to randomly grab a handful of tickets and sift thru them ending up with one that has ball point pen indentations from a name written on it. Most events that do questionable things never see me return. Jefferson is the odd exception. Even though some people drawing are obviously aiming for tickets with names, I still win and they have consistenly good prizes. Last year at an elementary event at the HS, they rotated drawers every 20 prizes. One of the announcers was clearly a believer with keeping those wins within the workers/staff tickets so much so that she would announce the name on the back of the ticket first and then read the winning number. If Jefferson is watching the blogs here, maybe they could rethink letting their ingroup mark their tickets. It's not like people haven't noticed over the years.
Anonymous said…
? Sore loser?
Never said I lost! As a matter of fact I did win. Not that that matters. So did one of the ladies I was with win.

Who cares what Michael Jackson said!

I stand behind everything I said!

It is not acceptable to mark tickets and or bend tickets. Especially by teachers.....I expect better from them.

There were more than two bad apples in those bags!
Anonymous said…
Just because I'm old and I that was one of my favorite songs, and now I have it stuck in my head ALL day....it was Donny Osmond and the Osmonds, not Mikey.

Other than that, Centenary was fun! They had better prizes this year too. Good to see a TT improving as they go along.
Anonymous said…
Saturday we went to the New Jersey
Museum of Agriculture tricky tray. It was very cold and windy outside being in the open like that. When we called to see if we could just wait in the foyer we were told to leave our bags in line and wait in the car. Fine. But once other people were there waiting in the cold without totes it didn't seem fair. We called again and were told rudely --"Absolutely Not"!! Normally I would not take it out and spend less money on a good cause but in this case I felt jusified. I won't complain about the prizes because we knew from experience what to expect. We won a lot and the prices were reasonable. EVERYONE ELSE WAS PLEASANT! Good job. But just have a heart next time. We wouldn't have been able to even see the prizes or been anywhere near them.
Anonymous said…
I also went to New Jersey
Museum of Agriculture tricky tray and they really should have let us in that hallway. They were very rude and didn't care that we were outside freezing. If they recall we are the ones with the money to spend at the event. Another thing was they had so many less prizes this year. They were missing at least 2 tables on each section. My thoughts are your making money off of us and if you don't get enough donations then you should go shopping and buy stuff. You will make your money back. Make it worth it for us to come back year to year. This was the third one I have gone to here and I'm not so sure I would go next year if there is a better one offered. Oh one more thing those hotdogs were not even edible and 1.50 you can go out and buy a name brand or something. I mean they were even gross to look at. Other then that the prizes they did have were fine and we all won so in the end we were happy.
Anonymous said…
I ASLO WENT TO THE MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE TT. SO MUCH LESS PRIZES THIS YEAR??? NOT ONLY WERE WE REFUSED ACCESS INTO THE HALL WAY BUT WHEN THE WOMAN CAME OUT OPENED THE UNLOCKED DOOR AND THEN CLOSED IT RIGHT IN OUR FACES. NEVER SAID A WORD WE ALL STOOD THERE AND THEN WE OPENED THE DOOR AND LIKE TIP TOED IN AFRAID WE WERE GOING TO GET YELLED AT. IT WAS 2 MINUTES AFTER 3PM. OPENING WAS TO BE 3PM. HOW RUDE IS THAT. DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND WE ARE THE PEOPLE DONATING THE MONIES. USUALLY SPEND MORE BUT CUT BACK DO TO RUDNESS OF THE PEOPLE RUNNING THE TRICKY TRAY.
Anonymous said…
Please no CAPS!
Anonymous said…
Centenary TT was fun, well organized, food was great and the prizes were more plentiful and better than last years. Thanks Cyclones!
Anonymous said…
YES I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE! - WELL, EXCEPT FOR THE NO CAP! lol
Anonymous said…
Hi all,

What do you guys see as the average dollar amount that separates levels at most tricky trays? I was recently at one that had like 6 or 7 levels, I thought that was crazy. I was at one that had up to $75, then $75 to $150 for specials, and over $150 were super specials and that seemed fair to me, thoughts?
Anonymous said…
I heard Holy Spirit School in union was sold out for friday. It's a good one but with over 400 people it's so hard to win. Glad I got my ticket early!
Anonymous said…
Hard to win? Too many people?

You "win" by supporting the school/organization and socializing with people. Life is full of stuff -- and ain't nobody hooking up a hitch to their casket to take it with them.

"live simply, so others may simply live."
Anonymous said…
You win only if you can deduct it off your taxes as a donation. Other than that the organization wins. Options are what make a great tricky tray even better the following year. Win or lose those are the ones most of us want to support.
Anyway Happy holidays all. And Merry Christmas!
Anonymous said…
This is a looong post and it may stir up a lot of opinions; but this is the gist of what I posted last year about St. Theodore's in Mansfield. It's coming up Friday and I'm hoping they re-thought their prices a bit.

$10 admission, 3 sheets/$10 for first level, 5 tkts/$10 for medium, 4 tkts/$10 for large, 3 tkts/$10 for grand, and 10 tkts/$10 for 50/50…players may not even be able to buy tickets for everything. The medium level had about 25 prizes. You’d have to spend $50 on that level alone just to put one ticket in each prize.

3 sheets for 10.00 = 75 tickets for ten dollars for a basket worth 25-49.00.

To jump up to 5 tickets for ten dollars for a basket worth 50.00 is quite a leap.

You want to be able to be in the game and have a chance to win.

A friend of mine who’s run a couple of tricky trays was talking with me about ticket prices. Too high ticket prices keep people from going back to some events. I’d been trying to figure out the best way to put a theory on pricing and she explained it best:

A player comes to a TT with a certain amount of money, say $50.00 (I know a lot of attendees come with more, but I’m going with an average of what I hear people bringing, especially some of the older players). Your pricing has to make him or her feel as though they have a chance to win. Each prize HAS to be given away and only ONE ticket can be pulled for that prize. It doesn’t matter how many tickets you sell for a set price. It costs you very little to sell a few more tickets for the price you’re charging. But, it does make your players feel they got a good bargain and they’ll be back.

I've had organizers say, "but that prize is worth so much, we have to charge a lot for the ticket." I'll buy, maybe, one or two tickets for that level and go spend my money on the lower priced baskets. That's why you see higher level prize buckets with only 10 or 20 tickets. It doesn't make people spend more.

Players will spend what they came with. Pricing is a game of illusion and customer service. $50.00 could take care of a Tricky Tray with no admission, 3 sheets/$10 first level, 25 tkts/$10 medium, 20 tkts/$10 large, 10 tkts/$10 grand prize, 15 tkts/$10 50/50. This is just an example of course. I’ve been to some awesome events that even did 40 tkts/$10 on some of their higher levels. The players get to play every level and get a large number of tickets…this really helps bring back customers if the prizes are good.

Just a theory…but the paper the tickets are on doesn't cost that much. Keeping prices in line with expecting people to bring a reasonable amount of money creates repeat customers.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for your reply, we are trying to determine how to price tickets and levels so I appreciate all responses.
Anonymous said…
Would like some comments about the TT's you attended this last weekend.
Anyone have any comments?
Anonymous said…
St. Theodore's RAISED prices this year. Aye yi yi yi.

They need to move to a bigger location. Not that I'll be there next year since I don't want to take out a second mortgage on my home in order to attend - but if you have to put people in the pews and have a sign saying they should whisper, you need a bigger space for your Tricky Tray.
Anonymous said…
Hi!
I'm new to the Tricky Tray scene and I have what may be a dumb question, but I'll go ahead and ask it anyway...

I was skimming through some of these posts and I see that it's considered cheating to write your name on the back of your ticket. I'm just wondering - Why?

Also - why is everyone anonymous here? (I'll be too, in case it's some sort of rule that you have!)

Thanks! Liz
Anonymous said…
Hi - Liz - I think most will agree it's cheating because it marks your ticket and makes it identifiable. A caller can then see who's name is on the ticket and possibly pull one that belongs to a friend, co-worker, etc. All tickets need to be the same.

As for the anonymous, I use it because Tricky Traying is a relatively small world. If I post under an ID about events I've attended, I think it would be pretty easy for regulars to identify me over time. Good or Bad - I'd rather remain unknown. I am the person who posted about St. Theos (both posts recently). Anyone who talked to me there knew how I felt about the prices. If they went to Anyname School in BigTown and saw me post that I'd been there; they'd who I was. I just like remaining anonymous.

Welcome to the World of Tricky Trays!!
signed,
The Masked Winner
Anonymous said…
lol names are not the thing here. We are usually looking for detailed info on current tt's that may or may not be posted in the main list. The real social blogs where people visit multi times each day to catch up on what there friends are doing, of course they need to be able to id each other and build relationships. This is a more specific blog where many only visit when their event is current.
Re name on back: Since you are a newbie, tt's tickets are drawn and the number is announced. You need to recognize and claim the prize before the 3rd call or they redraw and announce a new winning number. There is no purpose to putting your name on the back unless you have a cheating thing going with whoever is drawing the tickets. Ticket draw is supposed to be random and anything .. a bend, ragged tear, stickers on the back, even the indentations from writing a name can be used to mark tickets. The person drawing can be feeling for any of the above when they are stirring the tickets around and supposedly randomly selecting the winner. Sadly its a way that the sponsoring group tries to give their members the edge in winning the prizes they collected. It's also a way for random cheaters to win more.
Anonymous said…
Went to St Theo's and the prices were too high both for entrance and higher level prizes.
Next year what about selling regular tickets at 5/$20 and skip the whole entrance fee thing and petty stamping of the hand?
And go back to $1 tickets for your small level of big prizes. Many were barely better than regular table prizes. You'll get way more tickets in the bags.
Anonymous said…
Hamburg PTA TT last night
It was very well run. Nice baskets for all 3 levels including the Wii, gps, disney, tv.
Prices were very good and fair.
Bent ticket signs posted where you bought tickets. Comfortable seating.

Lasted too long for the number of baskets. Not home by around 10pm as was posted on the event page here.
Not out until 1015pm. Caller was very pleasant but much too long winded. Tickets were shaken in a big bucket.
Refreshments were nice but coffee and tea were $1.00 much too high for such an event. They had too many goodies left over. I think they were charging too much.
Had a good time, won a big prize, no luck with the regular trays.
No big egos from any of the organizers at this TT.
I'M#1 said…
Hi everyone who is planning a tricky tray. The worst thing besided bent tickets and ripped ticket is the ones where the people put a strip of tickets in, not ripped or anything. That is also considered cheating. They should be disqualified and thrown out, not ripped up and added to the bag. Also when you are mising the tickets please just go to a dollar store if needed and get a container that has a lid and is big enough to shake all the tickets. It kills me to see the dump and swirl. Not a fair chance for others to win something. Anyway if anyone knows of any before the end of the year please put them on the site. I can't wait until Jan 23rd for the next one. Happy holidays to everyone and can't wait to see you in January....
I'M#1 said…
Sorry don't have spell check. I put mising instead of mixing tickets.
Anonymous said…
Proof read and preview what you write before publishing.
Anonymous said…
I had a thought about end of year things to be greatful for and some New Year's resolutions that I wanted to share. So I am grateful for:
1 - The friend who turned me onto TT.com. I honestly cannot be grateful enough to her. I absolutely rely on the site and the listed events as a way to relax. I know where to go when I don't want to do anymore work or take care of my everyday responsibilities for a few hours. I come back refreshed,usually a winner, and at peace.
2- Mr. Tricky Tray - what a great idea you had to put this site together.
3- TT attendees - my husband can't understand how I prefer to go to TTs alone. I tell him that TTers are very easy going and happy people...for the most part(!). I make new acquaintances every time I go, and we all feel happy together no matter who wins.

Resolutions -
1) Go to more Tricky Trays!
2) For those who are stuck on not smiling - I hope you will begin to smile, and know that you could be lots of fun, if you'd let yourself be open to all the fun around you.
3) For the bloggers: if everyone knew who you were, would you still write to this blog with the same aggression that seemed to show up quite a bit this year? Honestly,would you? Like now - try restraining yourself from sending a tart reply asserting your God given rights! LOL

I wish everyone a great holiday, and a wonderful New Year. Keep smiling! As long as we have our health, the love of our friends and family, and a little luck(!), all is merry and bright!
Anonymous said…
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Anonymous said…
Seasons Best to one and all!

We appreciate tt's all the more after the seasonal break. With luck mother nature will get the bad driving weather out of her system before the brave winter-scheduled events come along.

Just a note to organizers about taking down your signs after the event is held. A friend was complaining about 2 'old' signs that caused her to U-turn to get the details just this past week. Organizations should be responsible and remove old signs done the same thing.rather than litter the roadway and torment tt-ers who are in withdrawal. Been there and I'm betting most of us have done that.
Anonymous said…
Just a quick comment. To the one with the proof read comment, do you really think it was needed to post on this blog? Honestly pretty snippy! Second, I hope people running the Tricky Trays are reading this site simply do to the problems and situations found at the events. All the cheating and dishonesty by people is unbelieveable. Also on another note, please if you do not have a container to shake them in go to a dollar store and get one with a lid that you can fit the tickets in and shake them properly.
Anonymous said…
Have to laugh about the snippy remark above. There isn't a post that someone doesn't take offense to. Relax - breath - and participate by positive posting. Most bloggers do not sweat a misspelling or two; apologizing is the unnecessary thing.
The last 2 events of the year for me were situations where wide-eyed innocent organizers were content to reach into the bag and grab a ticket. They didn't appreciate the reaction from the crowd though they did respond by coming up with containers.
This is probably the most consistent complaint/thought/new years wish posted here by longtime tt goers.
The tickets are layered and if they dig to the bottom to pull a ticket, the workers and first people in have an overwhelming advantage. If they grabbed a ticket off the top, then the two people who arrived late that we waited after the stated drawing time to slowly drop their tickets would win more than their share.
Get a big enough container to actually mix those tickets up to make it a random draw. And then stir the tickets with your hand before actually picking. The one drawing is in charge and needs to disqualify tickets that are marked by bends, curls, or ragged tears. Doesn't matter if you put it in the program, announce it every 15 minutes and have posters on the wall. The one drawing has to actually DQ bent tickets. There's always someone who does not tear the tickets apart thinking 2 tickets together are twice as big and twice as likely to get grabbed. They do it because it worked for them in the past, just like those who bend their tickets. It's not an accident nor is it innocent, its cheating. Don't tear them apart and drop them back in, don't straighten out bent tickets - pick one of the many normal honest tickets to award the tray to. Any announcer/drawer who announces that a ticket drawn has been disqualified, does more for the honesty and prestige of an event than you can imagine. This has drawn a round of applause at some events. This post isn't snippy about organizers, it relates to sad experiences at a great many events. Just like shoplifting is up in a bad economy, cheating at tt's is up also. Organizers take charge and be responsible to make your event fair.
Glad to see some winter events getting posted. Here's to fair events and wins for all in the New Year!
Anonymous said…
Happy New year to all! And good luck to organizers & tricky tray goers in 2009. Let's have fun in the new year.
Anonymous said…
Jonesing....must....have....tricky....trays........soooooooon.
Anonymous said…
Sounds like you are in a celebratory mood -- too much champagne perhaps? Can't figure out what you are saying -- with or w/o proofing. LOL
Happy 2009.
Cat said…
Hi there..new to site, but lots of great info! I am with our local PTA, and thin this would be a great fundraiser. Do you think in April would be agood time to have one? I was thinking it would be before Mothers and Fathers Day and that might help. Also, is it best to do these on a school night or weekend? Serve food or just desserts? How muich to get in or do you buy a sheet of tickets to get in? Anyone have a sample donation letter we could send to or take to our local businesses? Any help appreciated-thanks!
Anonymous said…
I am running my first tricky tray this year. Any thoughts on ticket prices?
Anonymous said…
Here's what I like (of course others may have different opinions):

Keep ticket prices in $5 increments, give price breaks for multiple tickets, don't overcharge! If your high level prize tickets are too expensive (or can become that way by having too many prizes at that level), you'll get less people to buy tickets.

regulars: $5 per sheet for prizes valued around $50
specials: 6 tickets for $5 for prizes valued around $100
super specials: 2 or 3 tickets for $5 (gas grill, Wii, Xbox, etc.)
grand: $5 per ticket (think large flat screen tv, computer, etc. - these are the really big prizes)
Anonymous said…
I'll help answer the easiest part first. On the food, it's fine to let people bring their own or depending on the kitchen you will have it could be hot dogs and easy stuff. Also you could have the workers make something and bring that to be sold as well.Then the admission cost, just take a look at this websites events and see what you get for that admission cost. I can tell you I have paid admission of $55.00. That covered the food only but it was a black tie event. So take a look at what you might be providing with the admission and go from there. Then the ticket cost, look at the items you have for the trays and the super specials. For instance if you went to the Garfield one this past weekend they still had the same stuff but increased the admission and tickets cost. I love the charity but come on, the increase is not worth the items they have. please go to some of the events posted on this site without admission cost and see how much they charge for what they have. If you have cheap items please do not charge $5.00 per sheet. If you have really nice baskets and gift certificates then $5.00 if fine. I hope this helps in a small way and please post your event on here. We love the new ones. Good luck.
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Hi Everyone,
Hope you had a Great Holiday!
It's the New Year and that means time to vote for
BEST TRICKY TRAY of 2008 !

I have posted the vote link
on home page and events page.
www.trickytray.com

Let your voice be heard!

Mr. Tricky Tray
Anonymous said…
Hey all,

Any ideas where people order their road signs to advertise tricky trays? We are having ours in March and want to order signs soon, I am in Long Valley, thanks!
Anonymous said…
Any comments about the tricky tray taking place this saturday ???
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Need Signs..try this company.Info came Highly recommended from organizer who has used them.

www.signoutfitters.com
1-800-513-1695
Anonymous said…
Just called point of contact phone and 1/10 tt St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
has been rescheduled to 1/24
Anonymous said…
Need signs, our organization gets ALL of our signs from this great place called "Visual Efex" they are located in Linden,NJ but do work all over NJ. Here's their site: http://www.visual-efex.com
Anonymous said…
thx for sign info everyone.
Anonymous said…
"Nutley school 'Mother's Club' treasurer sentenced to prison for theft"

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/nutley_school_mothers_club_tre.html

I heard they were just going to give her "a slap on the wrist" until they heard she was calling bent tickets too!!! :)
Anonymous said…
We are starting to wrap baskets for our March tricky tray and would love to know if anyone knows where to get the clear plastic wrap at wholesale prices - we need a lot!
Anonymous said…
Hi All,
Next Saturday (1/24) New Spirit Booster Club is sponsoring its first Tricky Tray and we hope you all will support. We are a newly formed Parents Club supporting the Northern Elite Wildcats Cheerleaders in Flanders. We have been reviewing comments on this blog; hoping to avoid alot of the problems experienced at other Tricky Trays. Thanks!!
Anonymous said…
Another Tricky Tray theft!

"Wharton mom indicted in $75K PTA theft"


http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200901150405/COMMUNITIES48/901150326
Anonymous said…
To the blogger asking where to get lots of clear plastic: Floral supply stores like Mueller's in Newark and G&G in Paramus not only have wholesale plastic on rolls, but more conveniently, they also have various sized plastic bags, into which you put your completed basket, and just tie the top with a ribbon! These save so much time, especially for those of us who aren't magicians with wrapping! Good luck on your event.
Anonymous said…
Has anyone attended the Roselle Catholic event before?
Anonymous said…
Casey1231 - we use shrink wrap bags whenever possible - try http://jdw.everestondemand.com/Amazing/index.asp
Anonymous said…
Hello TT Bloggers!
Just wanted to give you some infor on a TT at Radix Elementary School in Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County).
The event is on Friday, Feb 27 - doors open at 6:30 (we were at capacity by 7:10 last year!!)
Admission is free and all tickets must be purchased that night. $30 for 64 tickets (25 up to $50, 25 $50-$100, 12 $100-$200 and 2 $200-$500 - these can all also be purchased individually) Grand Prize tickets are $5 and last year our 50/50 split was $1670!!
Our Grand Prize is a 7 day/6 night vacation package to Myrtle Beach.
Our goal for 2009 is to exceed the 197 prizes we had last year!
We do not accept bent tickets, refreshments are complimentary, we think our emcee keeps things fun and moving quickly. We even distribute programs to people waiting in line so they have a chance to look it over even before the doors open - if the weather is nice we even sell the ticket packages to people in line!
We had a wonderful turnout last year and hope to have a great event this year as well.
Our event posting should be up soon - hope to see you there!
Anonymous said…
Does any one out there know when the Tricky Tray is for Sts. Mary & Elizabeth in Linden? I don't see them listed yet, want to make sure we don't miss it!
Anonymous said…
Roselle Catholic is very packed. Hard to win but nice items! They also have at least 6 or 7 levels. We like it and go back every year. I don't win but it's a fun night with my friends. We go because of location to us all.
Anonymous said…
Roselle Catholic is very packed. Hard to win but nice items! They also have at least 6 or 7 levels. We like it and go back every year. I don't win but it's a fun night with my friends. We go because of location to us all.
gabyzee said…
I've got a question for anyone who's run a tricky tray: We're having our first tricky tray in May and we're starting to assemble baskets and running into a bit of a problem. Where the heck do you store all these assembled baskets!?!

We don't want to wait until the last minute to put them together (since it takes FOREVAH) so I was wondering what other groups have done.

I can't even THINK about getting them to the hall the day of the event! :)
Anonymous said…
Can anyone answer this question? I was at a Tricky Tray in Phillipsburg on Friday and the person pulling tickets was looking at each number before she pulled a blue or white ticket. Anything she wanted or her friends or family were white tickets and of course that's what she pulled. The blue tickets that were pulled in between were for items they did not want for themselves. I was so upset at this because if you are sitting in the front you can only sit and watch the garbage going on. I would love to know where to report them.
Anonymous said…
gabyzee,
we are lucky - our principal gives us a locked room at the school (since all the money goes to the school anyway). When that wasn't possible, we used to keep them at someone's house (basement or garage) and then move them to the school the week of the event and store all but the big ticket items on the stage. Not perfect, but they were hidden behind the curtain and it would be pretty obvious if someone walked out with a big basket
Anonymous said…
re New Spirit Booster Club event
What are your higher level ticket prices and how many gifts do you have at the various levels? Unfortunately people cheat. Just be tough and disqualify those bent tickets because cheaters do not deserve to win. The last two events had a couple of people licking their tickets so they would stick together and be more likely to be drawn. yuck The real double yuck was how effective it was since they won many of the larger gifts.
thanks and g'luck
Anonymous said…
Does anyone know what a "birthday board" is? I see it advertised on one of the upcoming tricky trays and was wondering what it was and if we should have it at our event.
Anonymous said…
For anyone winning a store's gift certificate: please use them quickly. In this economy, companies are closing overnite. I won a $100 GC to a great, highly reputable and longstanding Clifton restaurant, and planned to celebrate my husband's birthday there. I called to make reservations, and learned it went out of business! I also won a GC to a hair salon and no one's there anymore.
Anonymous said…
Re: New Spirit Booster Club

ADDITIONAL TICKETS
Regular (blue sheets)
$5.00 each 5/$20

Special (yellow ticket) - approx 19
baskets
$2.00 each 3/$5 or 7/$10

Super Special(grey ticket)- approx 12 baskets
$5.00 each 5/$20

Mega Prize (green ticket) - 1
$10.00 each 3/$25


Thanks for the tips...
Anonymous said…
Hi everyone. Just wanted to announce Bishop George Ahr H.S. 30th Aniversary tricky tray on Feb 27th, 2009. $20 admission includes tea, coffee, soda, water and cookies. Door prize is a diamond/sapphire bracelet valued at $100. Many nice prizes including a Tourneau men's watch valued at $1400, 3 family memberships to the YMCA, a helicopter tour of NY, and many other fantastic items. We are selling value bag tickets. We have table gifts also. Hope many of you will come. Doors open at 6:00.
Anonymous said…
Bishop George Ahr H.S. 30th Anniversary tricky tray

$20.00 admission is too expensive.
Tea, coffee, soda, water and cookies do not add up to anywhere near $20.00. Nor do I want junk food. There is no justification for this admission fee. After all there are many TT's that do not charge admission.
Anonymous said…
well you're entitled to your own opinion. but you know the saying, "if you don't have anything nice to say.........
Anonymous said…
There was a multitude of nice prizes to win at the Bishop George Ahr High School, Edison, NJ tricky tray in 2008. The "Wizard of OZ" theme in 2008 was a wonderful idea. The theme for 2009 is "Diamond Jubilee", which marks their 30th anniversary. That is another awesome idea! Please attend their next tricky tray at Bishop George Ahr HS, Edison, NJ on Friday, 2/27/09. It's worth the $20, and you will enjoy an wonderful experience! I'll see you there!
Anonymous said…
To the Bishop Ahr tricky tray: how much are the prize tickets and how many prizes do you expect?
Anonymous said…
New Spirit Booster Club:

Thanks for giving us the ticket prices. How may regular prizes will you have and what is the value of those prizes?
Anonymous said…
RE: New Spirit Booster Club

We have 110 regular prizes valued at $25-$50.
Anonymous said…
Bishop Ahr are you expected to sell in the excess of 600 tickets like some of the other Catholic High schools?
Anonymous said…
Has anyone ever been to St. Elizabeth tricky tray ?
Anonymous said…
Usually very crowded at St. Elizabeth's. Perhaps the crowd tonight will be a little smaller with another tricky tray just down the road in Budd Lake.
Anonymous said…
Regarding Bishop Ahr H.S. last year we reached almost our capacity of 600. In the high 500's. This year tickets are value package for $40($45 value) includes 15 pink tickets worth $25 for prizes in the $100-$200 range, 1 sheet of yellow tickets (26 tickets) worth $5 for prizes in the $50-$100 range, 4 blue tickets worth $15 for prizes valued over $200, and 1 orange ticket worth $5 for prizes over $500. Tickets can be purchased without buying the value pack. We also will have a 50/50. Our door prize is a diamond and sapphire bracelet worth $100. We also have table centerpieces to give away plus each person gets a special gift at their seat. Some of our prizes are a 3 month family membership to the YMCA, a $1000 SAT scholarship, 5 piece luggage, a Tourneau men's watch valued at $1400, a $350 nursery gift cert, gift cert for a medical spa, teeth whitening, a helicopter tour of NYC, and many more great prizes. We are still logging in prizes. We will update frequently. I hope many of you who have never been to our tricky tray will try us out.
Anonymous said…
I am coordinating the Tricky Tray for Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Edison, NJ on February 6th. I've been reading these boards now for close to a year to take into consideration all the suggestions that have been mentioned on how to make our event a success. There are still 90 tickets left for anyone still interested in coming. I posted the ad on the event listings and the ticket link is on there as well. I know I saw people complaining about a $20 entrance fee (Which is what our tickets are priced at, but the prizes at our event are worth MUCH more than they are valued at.) I also have been shopping for a year and begging for donations from all our locals. With the monetary donations that we've recieved, I've purchased nothing but name brand top notch items. (We have A PS3, Nintendo Wii, Sony Digital Camera, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS Lite, Margaritaville, Kitchen Aid, His AND Her Biclcyles, 32" HDTV, A $200 Valentine Tree of Restaurant Gift Cards, A Garmen Navagation System, Coach Bag, Kate Spade Bag AND Wallet, Dooney and Bourke Bag, Apple I TOUCH, Apple 8G IPOD, tons of NAME BRAND Items and Small Kitchen Appliances, Luggage, Children's Bicycles, Ripstick, TONS of LENOX Baskets, Several Cuisinart Baskets, Power Tools, Baskets for Every Holiday and SO MUCH MORE...>When I tell you that I shopped all year, I REALLY DID!!!

I made only three base levels of baskets with one super prize level. I've been to many TT's and felt that the 6 different levels of prizes and the cost of those tickets sometimes are not worth it. All our gift cards, regardless if they are $25 in value or $100 in value are going to be the base ticket value. I think it is nice for those who do not purchase the higher tiered tickets to have the opportunity to win a prize higher in value.

The suggestions I took that I think are going to work are: Painting the LIds of EACH ticket container, so NOBODY could mess up by mistaking the wrong color prize with the ticket color. There are going to be signs posted about BENT TICKETS and Tickets with Writing on them NOT BEING PULLED. I have ONE caller who will be calling numbers to hopefully speed the night along, several Runners, Conatiners will also be taped down so people can not switch, steal or move them away from the basket, and there will be complimentary bottles of water and Bakery Cookies that the local Bakery is going to make for each table.

I really hope that I didn't miss anything, but if I did, please share your thoughts so I can address these issues before our event. Any other POSITIVE feedback would be appreciated. THANKS! :-)
Anonymous said…
Makes me wish I lived closer to Edison!
Anonymous said…
I attended the St. Elizabeth's tricky tray on Saturday night. There were 350 regular prizes (generally in the $25 range) - lots of gift cards! - for $6 a sheet (4/20). I was ok with that, but the next level, which included prizes from $50-$100, the tickets were $3 each and there were over 100 prizes! That's insane. Some of the prizes only had one or two tickets in the bucket.
I think I'll cross this one off my list for next year - it's just too pricey.
Anonymous said…
To Thomas Jefferson Middle School:
Thanks for the update. Approximately how many prizes do you have in each level?
Anonymous said…
For the TJ tricky tray right now I have 298 total prizes. I also have 45 door prizes that are values at 10-12 dollars each.I tried to have enough prizes to cover 1 per person. So I pretty much have just that. I know that most people will probably duplicate winning, but I wanted the opportunity to win to be there.

Also our ticket prices are bottom sheets $6, middle level sheets $8, or top sheets $10. Buy one of each together and pay $20 instead of $24. The only higher level tickets are for super prizes, those over $200, these are 2 for $5 or 5 for $10. Other than this those are our prices. Of course we are going to have a 50/50, but our committee feels we'll raise more money and be memorable with nice prizes and inexpensive prices. Hope this was helpful.
Anonymous said…
I actually forgot to answer your question. There are 150 base level, 70 middle level, 50 high level and 15 super prizes. This is just an estimate, and remember all our gift cards, certificates and tickets are base level. There are about 60 of those.
Anonymous said…
I still feel that $20. admission is too high. You get nothing tangible for the money. You'll get my $20. anyway when I buy tickets and thus feel that I got something for the money.
Anonymous said…
I'm still mulling over my thoughts on St. Elizabeth's last Saturday. I couldn't agree more with the last poster. I figured it out and you'd have had to spend $505.00 to put a ticket in everything.

OK - maybe you shouldn't have to be able to put a ticket in everything; but at least give us a chance. Like the last poster pointed out, some items only had one or two tickets so it's not as though the CYO recouped the value of the gift (as I've heard some other organizers use as a reason for high priced tickets).

But then again, St. Elizabeth's had really awesome prizes and ALOT of them.

I'll have to think more on the cost before I go next year.
Anonymous said…
I have decided that since I am a true gambler (casinos) I will pay your outrages admission .....The only other cash you are going to get from me is from 50/50 tickets ....but that's all. So just maybe I'll win the 50/50 after all somebody wins. In the mean time all you get is admission and $10.00 for 50/50. I don't really care about the prizes since I don't need anything. I just enjoy a night out.
Anonymous said…
To the Thomas Jefferson organizers: Wow, you are taking a beating and the event hasn't yet happened! Based on the last bit of blog dialogue, it sounds like whoever wrote the 1/27/09 10:07am blog was coming to your event anyway. Just focus on trying to do your best, and stop worrying about pleasing everyone. You simply cannot please everyone, and based on how thoroughly you have been working and reporting on your event, it sounds like you will not only sell out, but will be very successful as well.
Anonymous said…
I have an answer to one question and a question to pose. First, for our tricky tray I went to our local self-storage business and asked them to support our event by donating a storage unit for two months. That was easy. While we all kept a few items in our houses for a bit as things started coming in, by the time we had a lot, we had the storage. Try to climate controlled if you can.

Now my question: I would like to hear opinions from vetran tricky trayers - organizers and attendees - about what you think the optimal ratio of baskets/prizes to attendees shoul be...thanks in advance.
Anonymous said…
Dear Anonymous from 1/27 at 10:19, thanks for the advice on trying not to please everyone. You are right, but it's hard NOT to try and please all. You're right about having won over the poster who is now coming to our event despite the entrance fee. Maybe she'll/he'll have change of mind when they see all our Fabulous Prizes. But even if they don't we made our money through admission! LOL....I am just looking forward to a FUN night!
Anonymous said…
ratio of gifts to guests should be at least 1:1.
Anonymous said…
Hardyston Twsp Tricky Tray promises to be alot of fun and we even have special guest appearances this year. Grand prizes include 40" LCD HDTV, Dell Laptop, Ipod Bundle. Table seating will be offered. Pre-packs of tickets are available now and will save you money as well as allow you an hour earlier admission to the event. More details will follow as the event approaches.
Anonymous said…
To the Thomas Jefferson organizers:
You will not be able to please everyone. We have a table of tricky tray devotees going and we are looking forward to your event. We don't mind the $20 admission as long as the prizes are nice and it sounds like you have some great prizes.
We would rather pay the $20 than attend a tt that has nothing but junk from someone's basement.
Anonymous said…
Well, I can ASSURE you there is DEFINITELY NO JUNK from any Basement! All the prizes are nothing but what I would want for myself, (and not to sound conceited, I have high standards.) I've been to TT's that have had a BUNCH of Basement Junk, and our event is hopefully to raise money for the school, so my motto is, "In order to make money, you must spend money." I was fortunate to receive many monetary donations which allowed us to purchase GREAT prizes, I just hope eveyone does walk away with someone. My ratio is about 1:1, let's just hope everyone gets lucky!
Anonymous said…
To the Thomas Jefferson organizers:
I will not be going to your TT after all. Have a fun night!
Anonymous said…
To the Thomas Jefferson organizers - Interesting e-mail above (10:50am): it is so much better to cull out negative attendees right up front! You go girl!! See you at the event, and I can't wait to see the fruits of your hard work!
Anonymous said…
To the TJ event in Edison: It sounds like a great evening. I usually do not spend $20.00 for admission but the way your blogs about the event have been I will definately go. Edison is far but I'm sure it's worth it. Can't wait to go. See ya there.
Anonymous said…
Another question for you "pros" who have run events. We're going to have ~ 300 baskets and our maximum attendance is 300.

We're going to have three levels of prizes + Grand Prize level. Here's where we're stumped - how many tickets to order?!?!

Obviously, our worst nightmare would be to run out of tickets. And we're hoping to do this again next year, so if there are leftovers, no big deal.

We've got a bunch of baskets put together and, if I do say so myself, they're pretty awesome baskets! Definitely no "basement junk" as referred to upthread. Nice stuff, full baskets - just really nice in comparison to some I've seen. So I'm thinking people are going to be buying lots of extra tix once they see them.

So...any advice? Thoughts? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Anonymous said…
Well, sorry to the poster above who won't be making our TT for TJMS, you are really missing out!.....to the poster directly above this ...BUY MORE TICKETS than you need. I went to a TT last week, and they ran out of 50/50 tickets and high value tickets. Someone did run out to the store to buy more, but by that time, people were annoyed and when the tickets were replenished, the 50/50tickets were a completely different color than the starting tickets. I think that was poor planning on their behalf. So it's better to be overprepared than underpreapred. Depending on where you purchase the tickets as well, you may be able to return them if still wrapped. Or you can sell them on ebay for a bit cheaper, but I'm sure you'll find use for them.
Anonymous said…
St Elizabeth's had a real problem with the ticket pricing. The small level of big prizes might of been worth the ticket price if they would of been doubled up. And I've never seen an event change the price of tickets on a big prize right before they started to draw. The TV was a fantastic prize worth the $10/3 for $25 ticket price. First they announced adding a 10/$50 level and then at 7:30 they changed it to 25 tickets for $50.
Anonymous said…
Hi all,

Just updated the F-K PTA's info on trickytray.com and thought I would let you all know! Friday 3/6 at St. Marks in Long Valley -you can pre-order tickets by clicking on the link, seating is limited so please reserve early! $10 admission includes coffee, tea and tons of desserts, also chances for door prizes. We will sell bottled water, and you can BYO if you like. If you want a table you can reserve for 8, if you don't reserve a table you may just be seated in chairs, depending on table availability. We have tons of great prizes and beautiful baskets, and we have priced our tickets fairly I think.

Up to $75 - 1 sheet for $5 or 5 for $20.

75 - 150 - 10 tickets for $5

above 150 3 tickets for $5 (includes several $300 and greater baskets)

3 grand prizes so far (hopper passes, club seats for rangers for 4, bathroom vanity) $4 each or 3 for $10.

I have been to several TT's recently and the tickets were more expensive for lesser value prizes, also got charged for tea, cookies, etc, I was mad! This won't happen here.

We have a lovely array and still over a month to go and prizes still coming in! I have been reading these blogs and want to thank everyone for all their helpful suggestions. We will post no bent ticket signs, get large containers to shake up tickets, not charge for coffee, tea or desserts, keep admission reasonable, and hopefully have a fun night for all - please join us! We will only sell tickets at the door if they are available.
Anonymous said…
Re: the poster above who was going to attend and only buy $10 of 50/50 tix and then later posted that s/he was not attending: You are likely someone who posts repeatedly regarding admission prices (mr. tricky tray maybe you can set this up so that people have to at least have an online identity of some sort and not anonymous as an option). You may have outed yourself as someone who has no intention of spending much money or supporting the charitable organizations and gave me a reason why admission prices may be a good thing. I have no problem paying an admission, I go for fun and an evening out and with the knowledge that I am supporting a cause. Reasonable prices for tix and admission will allow me to feel I'm getting a good value. If you have no intention of spending money, and it is a sold out event, someone else could have had your ticket and supported the cause more. I realize times are tough, no exception for me, I go to less events now rather than as many as I used to, so I can still buy enough tickets to feel I have a chance to win.

Everyone is free to share their opinion, but some of us may be getting tired of the same few people repeatedly complaining about admission prices. Don't go if you don't want to.
Anonymous said…
I took no offense to the woman who said she wasn't going to come to the TJMS TT....as one of the coordinators of this event, I was rather relieved because now that opens up one more seat to someone else, plus leaves no room for her to complain on this board about our TT if we should fall short of her expectations. I know that different TT's on the same night pose some kind of competition, but she really is missing out not attending ours. I just feel bad for the TT she does choose to attend, I'm sure she will have something to say regarding whichever one she chooses to attend.
Anonymous said…
I enjoy reading this blog. Why do some of you have such a problem with tricky tray people expressing their opinion. I thought this is what this blog is for.
I personally do express myself regarding a tricky tray event. I give praise where it is due and where it isn't due.
Anonymous said…
The problem with all the opinions are just that - they are opinions. There is no right or wrong pricing or admission, it is up to each organization to set them according to their costs and their strategy for return on their investment of time and money. The organizers are telling you up front what they are charging. If it is too much for you, just don't go - there is no reason to tear into the organizers. If their strategy is wrong the market will let them know as they won't have as many attendees or they won't buy as many tickets. Some people like and are looking for high end events. I prefer them as I would rather take a chance on something great even if I win less overall, than win a bunch of little things I really don't need. I agree with the poster above that maybe this should not be anonymous anymore to prevent the blog from becoming more negative. It was great when people exchanged information about prize ideas and gave each other info on how tricky trays were historically at an organization but has now become so negative that I rarely read it anymore.
Anonymous said…
I agree about going to events with more high end prizes. It is nice to win, but coming home with a whole bunch of stuff that will be regifted is no fun to me. I like the idea of people sharing basket ideas and prizes that may be good to include at their tricky tray. I am a Professional shopper, always looking for prizes for our TT that are going to be the popular ones most people want, but on sale at a lower cost. I wish more people would share those kind of ideas. Maybe Mr.Tricky Tray could separate the blogs into 3 boards: One for people to comment on the TT's that have attended, one for the upcoming TT's that could be used as an informational blog, and then one for coordinators who have questions, ideas or items that would like others to hear about.
Anonymous said…
Just wanted to let everyone know I spoke with the woman that is running the Verona Junior Woman's Club and she was so great. She told me all about their fabulous prizes $2200 tiffany watch, 42' plasma, kitchen aid, laptop, $300 worth of gift cards to various chain resturants, portable DVD player, digital camera, and much more I can't remember. She also mentioned that each person will be going home with a goody bag and at the very least each bag will have a shower radio and cookbook. How nice to know that I will at least go home with something. She also mentioned they have almost 300 baskets. The event is Feb 20th 6pm at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover. $40 a ticket includes dinner and 1 sheet of level 1 tickets. I was just so impressed with how nice she was I wanted to posted the information. Her name is Erica 973-303-3054.
Anonymous said…
Those prizes sound great. Last year at our school's Tricky Tray some things that did really well were a $200 gift certificate to Ticketmaster. The winner could choose the Broadway play or concert of their choice. Also there was a gift certificate for uggs.com. Someone could pick high end boots without worrying about the size. In this economy I think a large gift card to a grocery store or gas station could also do well. At one TT I went to last year they had a basket of gift certificates to dry cleaners that I would have killed for. I think any donation of services is a good idea, who wouldn't want to win someone to do their taxes, draw up a simple will or powerwash a house. In terms of getting it all cheaper, you should appeal to your contributors sometimes when someone works for a particular business they get a discount - we got a Canon printer that way. Also I frequently get 10% days off a Target with my red card and have often purchased prizes for our school at a discount with it.
Anonymous said…
Has anyone ever been to the tricky at Bishop Ahr in Edison?
Anonymous said…
The tricky tray at Bishop Ahr is going to be awesome this year. It is our 30th anniversary and we are celebrating in style. All our of prizes are valued at much more than previous years. We only have 4 levels this year. We are selling value bags saving you $10. All of our refreshments are free. Bring your own dinner or munchies. Door prize and giveaways. Limited to 500 people only. We have some beautiful jewelry, a NYC helicopter tour, professional tooth whitening, medical spa services and SAT scholarship. Hope this helps!
Anonymous said…
Just to announce, The Thomas Jefferson Middle School Tricky Tray in Edison, NJ on February 6th is SOLD OUT!!!!!! Thanks for everyone who purchased tickets in Advance. You'll be part of our FUN!!
Anonymous said…
to the organizer of the TT in hackensack Nellie K Parker PTA I've been calling for days and nobody answers the phone I left messages and no luck,I just hope is not sold out its the only one close to were I lived
Anonymous said…
Ditto on the 2/5 3:57 blog - Even the school did not answer! What's going on? That's not right.
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Justed re-checked info for Nellie Carter tricky tray..it is correct..not sure what's up

here is even a link to their flyer

http://www.hackensackschools.org/hackensack/Parker/Announcements/tricky%20tray%2009%20NKP.pdf
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Update for Nellie Parker tricky tray tonight...They are Not sold out..use this phone # 201-852-5179

Print ad on trickytray.com and ask for Nancy to receive gift for inconvenience.

Tip..to print just that ad..highlight with mouse...hit print like normal but choose the option "selection"
Anonymous said…
I went to Our Lady of Lourdes School in Milltown tonight. Everything was really nice but having the prizes downstairs and everyone upstairs was a little hard on some people. That probably should have been in ad. The only real complaint was it was freezing in there. I mean freezing. People's hands and some peoples lips were on the blueish side. Other then that they had great prizes!
Anonymous said…
We went to the Thomas Jefferson School in Edison and it was so much fun.
All the baskets & super prizes were great and there were a lot of them. The caller was clear and kept it moving. Everyone at our table won something. Great Job!
We can't wait to the next one.
Anonymous said…
We also went to the Thomas Jefferson School in Edison. To the poster who didn't want to spend the $20 admission and decided not to go.....BIG mistake. The event was awesome - well worth the $20 price of admission!!! The baskets were REALLY nice, the room where they were displayed was beatifully decorated (all the baskets were tied w/pink ribbons, the tablecloths were pink) and this was one of the nicest, most efficiently run TT I've ever been to. The tops of the buckets were painted the same color as the corresponding ticket so it was idiot proof - even I managed to get all my tickets in the right buckets! Plenty of room the maneuver between the basket tables, everything clearly marked, and the baskets themselves? REALLY nice! It was also run very efficiently, with 3-4 tables selling tickets inside the hall, drawing started (pretty much) on time, and they did over 300 baskets in under 3 hours. They really moved things along at a great clip. My only "complaint" (and this is just my - and my friends' - opinion) is we're not big fans of a gazillion gift cards as stand-alone baskets. A lot of people seem to like it, but we get bored. What can I say - we have short attention spans! :)

All in all, a really nice event and we'll be sure to go back next year. Hats off to the organizers - job well done!
Anonymous said…
Question for those people who attend and those who run tricky trays - I never see laptops offered as prizes. I understand they're expensive, so that's a prohibition for including one, but do you think it would be a good draw? I'm talking a laptop you pay about $900 for.

How about a Netbook (mini-laptop) valued at around $300?

Thanks for any input.
Anonymous said…
The Alpine Elem. School in Sparta will have several computers. They don't mention what kind they are.

It's on Friday, Feb 27.
They have great prizes, more free food than you can eat. They also have NO ADMISSION charge.
I have been going to this one for at least the last 5 years. My friends and I will be attending again this year. Get there early, they sell out.
I have no association with this event.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for everyone attending the TJMS TT last night. We really worked hard to make it a Great Night. Glad to hear all the compliments and areas of concern. We'll take Gift Cards into consideration next year, (but really THEY WERE ALL DONATED!) I didn't want to turn them all away, maybe next year some will be door prizes instead!! Time to start shopping for Next Year's Event. Good Luck with all your other TT endeavours!

TJMS Tricky Tray Committee
Anonymous said…
There are 2 tricky trays on Feb 20.
Robert Frost in East Brunswick and
Hooper Elementary in Lakewood. I can not decide which to go to.
Has anyone been to either of them and where they nice?
Anonymous said…
Has anyone ever won a TV at a tricky tray? I would love to win one.I always put in a few tickets in the buckets and never win.
If you have won one did you put alot of tickets in?
Anonymous said…
Tonight I went to the Lancer Ice Hockey Association in Ringwood. It was very over crowded and started about 45 minutes late. Nothing was mixed everything was dumped into small bowls and got swoosh swoosh and picked. So most people didn't really have a chance. I was kind of surprised with this being there 13 year and all. The prizes were very nice and ticket prices were good. Maybe next year you will get someone to handle it who can focus on what he's doing. Oh and the kicker besides the 2 different color 50/50 tickets they all didn't even fit in the basket they put them in. So I would really not think they were mixed very well.
Anonymous said…
I bet that organizer never read this blog.
Anonymous said…
About the Ringwood TT: 4 different colored first level tickets were a bummer. The man who called the numbers was also the picker, and I watched him...he tried to mix the tickets up, but with 350 guests...there were tons of tickets in each container. We had two tables next to us that must have won over a dozen prizes combined...and then those of us who got there early and had an entirely different set of numbers, rarely got called. Also, how many times do we have to let organizers know...tell people you won't pull their tickets if they are bent?!? So many containers contained bent tickets, and there were no signs that cheating tickets would not be honored. That is just is so unfair.
The calling started 45 minutes late, and then after the first level tickets were finished being called, the caller said he wanted to take a 15 minute break. When he was booed, he reduced it to 10 minutes (booed again); then 5 minutes(more booing). Finally,he said there'd be 'a short' break, and inspite of more booing and the fact that it was now very late, he shut the microphone off,and that was that. Here is a tip for organizers...We don't care how important your caller thinks he or she is...switch off between callers, and get on with it. Surely, he was tired from calling over 280 gifts, and we watched him rest up and have a beverage, but... there were lots of other very articulate volunteers there, who, I am sure, could have called out the next set of gifts without more delays.
Lastly, I was at a front side table, and saw what an inadequate situation the 50/50 became. At stake was over $1,000.00 to the winner. Early in the night they sold blue 50/50 tickets which the early arrivers bought. The runners told us they then ran out of blue tickets and proceeded to start selling green ones. Just prior to picking the winner, they heaped all the green tickets on top of the blues into a too-small punch bowl. The tickets were literally piled over the top by at least 4-5 inches (no joke). You simply cannot assure adequate mixing of the tickets this way. Then they had a young man reach into the container placed well over his head to pick the ticket. He was only able to reach in by the measure of the length of his fingers (3-4 inches) (yes, I was that close to see it myself). There was no way he ever had a chance to touch the blue tickets buried underneath. As their 13th time running this event, you would think they could have gotten a giant garbage bag (at the very least)or one of the empty beverage containers on the floor next to the table to mix the abundance of tickets, when they saw the volume outstripping the size of the container.
It was a nice enough event, and they have lots of supporters. The organizers were very nice, and I did win, too, but the great events are the ones where organizers don't miss the basic details.
Anonymous said…
Love it when there are a ton of gift cards! Easy to take home and such fun shopping!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous said…
I ALSO WENT TO TJTT ON FRIDAY AND HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. THE CALLER WAS EXCELLENT. THE WHOLE THING WAS RUN SO SMOOTHLY AND THE GIFTS WERE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME THERE AND WE WERE THRILLED AND SURPRISED. UNFORTUNATELY WE DID NOT WIN, NOT EVEN A DOOR PRIZE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF BASKETS.
GO FIGURE. WE EVEN SPENT APPROXIMATELY 150. EACH. SO TELL US,THOSE OF YOU WHO WIN ALOT. DO YOU THROW ALOT OF TICKETS IN AT ONCE? THAT'S DEFINITELY NOT CHEATING ESPECIALLY THAT WE ARE BUYING THAT AMOUNT OF TICKETS. THE PEOPLE ALL AROUND US WERE WINNING 5 AND SIX TIMES EACH. MOST PEOPLE IT SEEMED, WON AT LEAST 2 TIMES. I GUESS IT'S LUCK? OR DO WE BUY MORE TICKETS? BUT ANYWAY, OUR GROUP OF 4 GIVES YOU TWO THUMBS UP FOR A GREAT NIGHT. BEST ONE THIS YEAR SO FAR......
Anonymous said…
I gotta be honest as well, I spent $100 on tickets and WON NOTHING there as well. I know the lady who spent $10 ONLY on super prize tickets and walked away with both HIS AND HER SHWIN bikes....Go figure...It has to be pure luck! Or is there a way to strategize? If there is to all you veteran TT goers, PLEASE FILL US IN!
Anonymous said…
I always spend at least 150 and very rarely win. Is there a strategy? If you really want to win something, do you put in a lot of tickets. I spend $50 on the super prizes and a few tickets in a few buckets. I was just wondering if that is not the best way to win.
Anonymous said…
I know a person who folds/bends her tickets over her finger and wins a lot.
Anonymous said…
Went to the New Providence event last night, and while the fashion show was lovely, the TT part was astonishing. The gifts were also lovely, but the process of calling tickets was so convoluted that the audience was really ruffled. Apparently, the winning tickets were pulled and placed on a list...but we weren't told that was going to be the process. Then the ticket bags were bought to the podium, and the winning number read off. They mixed up the reading of winners between the larger and smaller gifts, and many times (mostly when the man called the number) didn't provide the name or number of the basket being auctioned. It was that random. We actually couldn't figure what basket was being called...that was very strange and very confusing. At our table, there were folks who've attended this event in the past, and when they were as confused as we were, then I knew it wasn't just me as a first time attendee.
Anonymous said…
Went to the East Stroudsburg one on Saturday. It was one of the worst I have ever been to and I go to 3 or 4 for the weekend alone. The calling time was changed on the Tt site from 1:30 to 1:45. That was ok but when I got there they didn't start calling until 2:05 then to beat all people walked in at 2:15 and they sold more tickets to them and had the call start pulling door prizes so they could put in their tickets. That was extremely inconsiderate for the people that were there for 2 hours and follow the times specified. I mean it was so bad, the prizes were almost all childrens not much for adults and I can't explain enough how bad it was. I can honestly say I will give up myself and my husbands spot and let someone else pay the $10.00 admission just to get held up for 2 1/2 to 3 hours to pull 96 prizes.
Anonymous said…
I also went to E. Stroudsberg on Saturday and the other person tells it exactly as it was. It was pretty bad. The teacher that was doing the calling was very interested in the children in the audience, as any teacher would be, but the people in attendance were not amused to be held hostage there as she let them speak into the microphone and pull tickets and they were even runninginto the audience to let other people pull tickets. The pizes were mostly childrens games and other childrens items. It was an all day event that was more than tiresome. They had boxes and boxes of lettuce that they were giving as door prizes and after ahile they couldnt even give that away. They also had some crazy junk, they were names made out of plastic. They were calling out the names as door prizes "Kelly, is anyone named Kelly?" "no??? does anyone know a Kelly?" "ok lets try another name" this was not the worst that I have been to (if you can even imagine that) but it is a close runner up. I was begging my husband to take me home before it even got started.
Anonymous said…
The strategy I have for winning is that I put a lot of tickets into a basket that I really want. Sometimes it works and other times Lady Luck intervenes. Realistically if there are 100 tickets in the basket and I put in 10, I have a 1 in 10 chance of winning. If there are 100 tickets and I put in 1, I have a 1 in 100 chance of winning. I don't do this for really big prizes however. I have worked on school Tricky Trays and have been there when they counted the tickets in each basket after the event and for TVs, theatre tickets etc., there have been up to 900 tickets in these baskets. It would be too expensive to try and improve your odds on something that popular. For those I put in 1 or 2 tickets and hope and then target a less popular basket so I don't go home empty handed. I also spend about $150, and I have gone home with nothing and gone home with 5 baskets. You never know, that's why they are so addicting!
Anonymous said…
Are there any tricky trayers going to the tricky tray in Eatontown on Feb 28th? I am looking for some people to sit with that love tricky trays as much as I do.
Anonymous said…
thank u Mr. TT for the info on the Nelly Parker tt couldnt write before anyway nobody answer wen I called and wen I got there and ask for Nancy nobody new her so they didn't honor my flier, so me and my friends went to buy the entrance tickets and the lines were really long even thogh we were there on time we couldn't find a table then I realize we were not the only ones lloking for a place to seat after I follow a janitor and ask him if they were puting more tables and chairs out he said yes, after that was solved we went to the baskets and they were allright, but that was not so bad, the calling of the numbers was horrible I was one table behind the caller and we couldn't hear her, they changed callers 4 times and only with the last one was a bit better maybe because they also change the microphone sometime in the middle of all the drama. They also had some drama with a higher level basket the # was called a lot of times nobody answer so they draw another # when the 2nd person answer, the fist one also did so they took the second one to the back and give the basket to the first one that was bad. The only good thing was the FREE coffe because they even charged 25 cents per cookie and they give the left over pizza as door prizes,jajaja
Anonymous said…
I run a gift auction for the New JErsey BLind Citizens Association in Middletown. This year will be our 4th year. Because of the suggestions/comments that everyone has made, we seem to get better evey year. Last year was our best ever! We sold out (330 people) and raised the most money ever in one night! IF you attended in May of 2008 or even the previous years, I would like to know what your thoughts are, and waht can be improved! Thanks! Looking forward to this years auction on May 29.
Anonymous said…
There are still tickets available to the Bishop Ahr Tricky Tray on Feb 27th. Don't miss out on this one! Some of the great prizes are a 42" LCD tv, a diamond and topaz necklace and an x-box 360 with additonal games. Many more fantastic baskets. You won't be disappointed.
Anonymous said…
Hi all, tickets for Long Valley on 3/06 are already more than half gone, don't forget to get yours! We have 250 prizes and may have even more the night of, low admission, low ticket prices, door prizes, tea, coffee and desserts, BYO if you like, don't miss out on the fun - our preorder sheet is on trickytray.com. Hope to see you there.
Anonymous said…
I have attended the Knights of Columbus TT in Union last year for the 1st time..... It was really nice ...Does anyone have any inside info for this years...or was that a one time deal..I see it listed..What's a BMW Bike?
Anonymous said…
Comments about last night's (Feb 20) St. Mary's Tricky Tray in Hackettstown are welcome so we can continue to imporive our event. Thank you to all of our donors and participants alike!

Replies/comments can be made here or sent to stmarystrickytray@comcast.net.

An SMS TT Parent Organizer
Anonymous said…
Loved St. Mary's last night! You had everything right - and that corn soup was delish!
Anonymous said…
We go every year to Knights of Columbus TT in Union just bring lots of money. Higher levels are lots of money. Nice prizes oh and you don't get anything with your ticket to get in and your packed in like sardines. You can't even get to the restroom if your at specific tables. I know they list price if you don't get advance tickets but every year I have gone they turned walk ups away because they were sold out.
Anonymous said…
Dear Mr tricky tray,

You have a section for the best tricky trays for the year. you should really have one also for the worst. I just left the sacred heart school in bath PA tricky tray. They did not mix, shake, stir any of the tickets except for the big prize for the gym equipment. She said "the need to be mixed". What the heck for the rest of the prizes? It took 3 1/2 hours to draw the tickets for the regulars the the yellows. In description on TT.com there was no mention of not needing to be present to win. As numbers are being drawn even if you had your hand up if you won that prize they still check the book announced the name and the gave it to you. Will not go back next year. waste of money and time.
Anonymous said…
Can't wait to go to the tricky tray that the Knights of Columbus is having Saturday .. They have excellent Prizes........ Very Friendly also....... we bring ur food and they ahve a cash bar........
Anonymous said…
The Bishop Ahr Tricky Tray is officially sold out. Thank you to all who purchased tickets. You will not be disappointed.
Anonymous said…
Well done to St Mary's tt committee. Prizes were varied and ticket prices at 4 sheets/$10, 2/$1 and $1 for the 3 levels were very affordable.
Many attendees applauded when it was announced that all bent and mangled tickets were disqualified. One number was half read then rejected and apologies were made that calling numbers were slowed at times because they were removing bent tickets. Hope that other TT committees realize you can say it, you can post signs but you have to actually mean it by disqualifying the cheaters.
Anonymous said…
Help! Not sure if there are any organizers here, but our tricky tray is March 6th and we just realized we are 100 containers short (we are using the tall deli containers like you would get 2lbs of potato salad in, with lids) I went to shoprite and they said they couldn't even sell it to me without corporate approval which would take 3 weeks! Can anyone loan me their containers, if that's what you use, or I will even buy them? THANKS! You can email me directly also at kccollins@verizon.net.
Anonymous said…
Hi everybody, if the organizer from L.I.T.E TT in mahwah are reading this blog please post more information like wath kind of prizes, levels and what comes with the $15 admission thank you
Anonymous said…
Casey1231 - go to another supermarket's deli section or a chinese take-out restaurant, or go to a dollar store...they are about 4 containers for $1...we did the last one.
Anonymous said…
Or try somewhere like KFC.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for suggestions guys!
Anonymous said…
I heard Knights of Columbus Union in Union is sold out. So before you drive there call and check. :)
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Just spoke to Knights of Columbus Union organizers for tricky tray 2/28.

Still tickets available!!
More Prizes just added

Sounds like a good one.
Anonymous said…
Alpine TT in Sparta..
Please post no bent/mangled tickets will be called. Then when you pull such a ticket announce that it will not be called and rip it up. Show us that you mean NO BENT TICKETS WILL BE PULLED. No lip service please.
Anonymous said…
Hardyston Twsp PTA Tricky Tray is coming up, May 1st, 2009. We will have special guest appearances which should make it very fun and exciting. We have a music theme this year. A grand raffle which includes a 40" HD TV, a DELL laptop and an Ipod complete bundle with docking station and more.
Look for advertising in the papers, on the radio, flyers all over Sussex county. Pre paid ticket packets can be purchased which also will allow you an hour earlier admission to the event.
Anonymous said…
Hardyston PTA TT....Hope you take bent tickets seriously!
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