About That Tricky Tray.. I Just Want To Say_Chapter 8 (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.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Did anyone attend the Centenary College Softball Team Tricky Tray on Saturday, February 24? Unfortunately, I could not attend and would like to know about it for future reference. How were the baskets? How many baskets? Crowded? etc. Thanks!
Anonymous said…
I would have rather of been anywhere but the Frost tt friday night? oh my. Don't know where to begin? Too many people not enough prizes?? Three even 4 people deep trying to put tickets in the cups. Cups being spilled over, baskets falling braken. A sure fire hazard waiting to happen? NICE GIFT CERTIFICATES BUT COME ON GIRLS WE ALL NEED TO MAKE MONEY BUT THAT WAS JUST TERRIBLE.
Anonymous said…
Just wanted to add my congrats to the OVER THE RAINBOW TRICKY TRAY. You all did a great job and should be proud. Food was good, prizes were simply gorgeous, NO JUNK AT ALL. Plenty of prizes, nice variety - Loved the Heart, Brain & Courage prizes and it was so professionally run. That is the biggest 50/50 I had seen in a long time too. Costumes, decorations, really you all should be proud! Hope you made a ton of money for your school. Dorothy and friends, congrats again. You have my vote and its only February.
Anonymous said…
Yes big thumbs up for Over The Rainbow TT. That was the best one I have ever been to and I have been to many. I know it is a lot of work to have one, but boy you guys made it look very professional and very easy. Your prizes fabulous, the atmosphere fabulous, the people running it fabulous! Did I tell you it was fabulous! You really could tell a lot of thought and creativity went into the event. I must admit I also really liked that I could order not only my tickets but my prize ticket package all before I get to the event. Keep up the good work I will definately be attending all of your future events!
Anonymous said…
Thanks to everyone who voted for "Our Lady of Mount Virgin School" as the best Tricky Tray of 2006. We were guided by all of the great info from trickytray.com! We are already in the process of planning this year's tt...Keep watching; we'll post our info when we get it!....Meanwhile...Our Lady of Mount Virgin School is hosting a "Casino Night" on March 10th...Call (732)356-6560 for tickets and check out our listing under the events section of this website...
Anonymous said…
i moved to new england and miss tricky trays. any good ones, easy to to alone, coming up? i'll be in westchester a few times in the near future and would love to go to one or two. Thanks.
Anonymous said…
Where is everyone going this weekend? I see a lot of signs and advertising for the one in Sussex County - Hampton. I think I might give them a try - what do you all think?
Anonymous said…
To the person in New England - they may have a different name there. Look for penny socials or maybe basket auctions/raffles or even Chinese auctions (I know they still use that term on Long Island!).
Anonymous said…
Any info on the Netcong tricky tray? Has anyone been in the past - how are the prizes?
Liz said…
Does anyone have a standard letter to thank companies after you have received their donations, if so can you send it to LIz0300@netscape.net. Thank you.
Anonymous said…
Not too sure about the one in Netcong, but I will ask my friend that lives in the town. I think a bunch of us are going to try the one in Newton or is it Hampton?
Anonymous said…
Anyone going to the Avenel 4 & 5 next weekend at Prince Albert in Fords?
Anonymous said…
Yes, I am going to the March 9th event, I heard it is going to be great they have really worked hard to get this event going. Someone told me they have over 290 prize and a grand prize of Continental Airlines tickets. Cant wait to go
Anonymous said…
Yes I heard about 300 prizes, but the first 150 have a $20 value...might have been better to combine, but we shall see. I wish them luck.
Anonymous said…
Just to let you know our prizes are not a $20.00 value, our first category is Value up to $45.00, with probably about 20 of those items having a value of under $20.00. We did combine and hope that you will be satisfied when you come and see the variety of prizes that we have. Thank you and look forward to seeing you on the 9th. Jacquie and Janet
Anonymous said…
I saw what somebody wrote about Frost TT and everyone at
our table loved it. I didn't see any ticket buckets knocked
over but alot of them were taped to the table. The prizes
were great. I think they had 4 t.v.'s. I looked in the program and there were about 315prizes. I think that is
alot. It was a little crowded but aren't they all? Everyone I
have been to around here is always like that.
Anonymous said…
Just writing about the Frost Tricky Tray. Well, I was there too and there were over 300 prizes, including a Beaches all-inclusive 4 day to Jamaica or Turks. 400 people to 300 prizes? I'll take those odds. The 50/50 take home prize was over $1400 cash. No Buckets were spilled as far as I know (my son was a runner) and I know one teapot broke and they gave the winner $20 cash instead to replace the pot. The greatest thing is that if that wasn't enough for you and you thought it was terrible, you don't have to come next year.
Anonymous said…
Frost tricky tray was great! Yes, there was a crowd, but that says a lot for their school spirit. Great prizes and good odds and wow... was the 50/50 something. That alone was worth the trip. Can't wait for next year...
Anonymous said…
Did anyone do Beatrice Gilmore last night? Curious
Anonymous said…
Who is this anonymous person talking about the Avenel 4&5 TrickyTray prizes. How many of their baskets has she actually seen or wrapped? Hopefully this person will show up with her broken crystal ball where she's obviously getting her information.
Anonymous said…
Maybe She's an ex-Cia agent hanging fron the ceiling like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. Make sure you look up. LOL
Anonymous said…
Who does this person think she is trying to knock down the worth of prizes from other schools when she had nothing to do with collection, or putting them together. There has been tons of hard work put into this event and I commend Jaque and Janet for all the hard work and time they put in. Anyway this is not a compitition this is for the children of our school anyway. It is going to be a great event and plenty of awesome prizes to go around.
Anonymous said…
That's The Spirit!!!
Tricky Tray Organizers Rule!
Anonymous said…
I agree. What I find interesting is that I know for a fact that one of those negative anonymous commentators is a woman who organizes an annual Tricky Tray for her own school. Perhaps she just wants to be sure that everyone thinks hers is the best and the only way for that to happen in her mind is to bash everyone else's. I have been a volunteer on a few Tricky Trays for my child's school and it is a hard job which requires so much time and effort. Those reading this blog should pay more attention to the positive comments and take all the negatives with a huge grain of salt.
Anonymous said…
So, where's everybody headed this weekend? I'm thinking of either Hampton Township (Newton) or Netcong.
Anonymous said…
A few of us are going to Avenel 4 & 5 to support them. All of your hard work will pay off. Just try and remember to have fun yourselves...the night goes by so quickly. Best of luck to you :)
Anonymous said…
I am the queen of trickytrays. The Frost TT was absolutely wonderful. You want a lot of people there so you can have a large 50/50 pot. The prizes were great and I think it is a great way to support your school and a fun night out.If you can't stand the crowds then you don't belong at a trickytray.
Anonymous said…
People were grabbing the buckets from the other side of the table but nothing I would say would keep me away. Instead of being so negative why not just ask them to spread it out next year. If everyone gets to the tricky trays on time you will always have enough time to put those tickets in. A tea pot broke was true but they quickly offered the $20 to cover it. Things happen and a accident is a accident. We all have broken things in our lives and this is not a reason to complain. :)
Anonymous said…
Great job Boonton High School
YOur Bingo tt was great. It was well thought out. Your prizes were very good and it moved along very smoothly.

Your doing a good job, Keep up the good work

A new client.
Anonymous said…
Is anyone out there going to Avenel 4&5 TT this weekend? I've been to a wedding at Royal Albert's and the place is huge and food was great. They could fit 700 people easily in there. I'm looking forward to a TT that's not overly crowded and their prizes look great.
Anonymous said…
I have a big thumbs down for the Hampton Twp. PTA which was last night. Most of the baskets looked lovely (but looks can be deceiving), I won a basket of childrens books and looked at them when I got home and found out that they were used (ie: pages bent, dirty pages, etc.) there were a few audio cd's that went to some of the books and they had the name "Rich" written on them. When I donate $70-$80 at an event, I don't expect to get used items!!! Shame on the family that donated this basket and shame on the organization for not looking at the items (don't people realize they are not donating to a garage sale).
Also, at some point they should have stopped letting people in, I am guessing there was well over 500 people here. Too many people, you couldn't even move around the tables and they started calling 45 minutes late. I for one was very disappointed and will not be returning next year. Between myself and my 5 girlfriends we spent somewhere between $375-$475, too bad they won't be getting our donations next year.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the great turnout at the Hampton Township PTA Tricky Tray last night. It was our first time (we are a new PTA Board) running a tricky tray and we did hit a few snags... We tried to look at every basket that was donated by the families, but as posted above one must have got by us. This might have been a tray that was wrapped by the family. You are free to have your friend email me (cllogsdon@earthlink.net) and I will reimburse her for the cost of the cassette tapes. Most of the 302 trays were worth over $100.00 and we really worked hard on decorating the trays and making sure they were worth more than the $35.00 starting point. There were a lot of people and we were not able to start at 8pm - we will not let that happen next year and we will be prepared to open the doors earlier. We felt with over 300 trays and another 40 or so Specials that the odds for 500 people were pretty good. It is basically luck anyways and it is a fundraiser for the children. We just want to thank everyone for coming and helping us make our first Tricky Tray a success!
Anonymous said…
I attended the Hampton Township PTA tricky tray and I won't be returning next year. Yes it may be for the kids which I'm all for, but when you let 500 plus people in and start late and put the refreshments away before people were done putting their tickets into the baskets because it takes them 2 hours because of the overcrowding, this gets around. I was highly disappointed as well and am actually glad I was there by myself because I would have been embarrassed to have suggested this tricky tray to my friends. If you feel the need to have this many people, then a consideration should be to hold the function at a catering facility and to have closer to 400 baskets.
Anonymous said…
Attended T.T. last night, Sat. March 3, 2007 for "Animals Need You" Group at Elks Lodge on Lanza Ave. in Garfield. Very disappointing evening. Prizes were terrible, some valued at less than $5 a gift. No baskets, just items laid out on the table. (note pads, a pouch with 2 tiny bottles of lotion, and items that looked like someone cleaned out their basement) Although it was only $6 plus 1 sheet of tickets, I had a hard time putting tickets in anything worth while. They were very stingy about giving out cake and coffee and the place is a dump. Are these people who run this for real? They are having another one on Sat. April 7th and are advertising Live Music, Door Prizes, 50/50, snacks, dessert and $1. hot dogs (the hot dogs were good) - Over 100 Gifts Available!!!
Bring the kids. (that's ok) $6.00 includes 1 sheet of tickets (what a bargain) Someone should check these folks out!!!!! It sounded like they come from the Jersey City area or West New York to do these "frequent" Fund Raisers?????
Anonymous said…
I also went to the Hampton Township tricky tray. Very crowded - I would say close to 700 people!! (but the crowd was well behaved) The line moved very slowly and I'm glad I bought just the right amount of tickets because it would have been impossible to just drop a few in here and there after going through the line once. I arrived at 6:30 and it took me till 7:45 to wind my way though and then sit down. I agree with the poster above that it was odd that you couldn't get to the refreshments once the calling started. I also heard at one point they ran out of the soda and water they were selling. Parking was terrible, too. But, I thought the prizes were good and the prices pretty reasonable. I came home a winner, but will have to think about going again next year due to the long evening and long drive to get there.

PS - Did anyone go to Netcong? That was my other option. Was is crowded and were the prizes (quality and quantity) good?
Anonymous said…
Did anyone attend the Brearley Tricky Tray in Kenilworth? Thought about it, but never got around to getting the tickets.
Anonymous said…
I went to the TT David Brearley
Middle/High School PTO in Kenilworth. The tickets besides the low prizes were TOO much money.... The small prizes were anything from 3 to 20. You really should not put a case of pepsi as a prize when people are spending lots of money. There were also too many level prizes that should have been grouped together better. More smaller prizes as well would have helped. Why didn't you have any drinks for sale??? Free coffee great for the people who drink it but that's only a handful of people. Rethink your TT before you have another one next year. I would spend the money you don't need to charge tons of money for your tickets. Make me feel like I have a chance.
Anonymous said…
hmmmmm where to start today I went to the Holy Family Church Tricky Tray in Carteret. Let's see let me think of the nice things to say. Thinking.... thinking...... still thinking...... ok let me move on to my bad points. It took way too long I have had better experiences with root canals. Way way way way too many levels. There were over 10 color strips. There is no reason to do that. Then at least 5 of them were you put in your tickets with everyone else's and if your ticket gets pulled you get what ever # price is next. If anyone is going to do a tricky tray like that. POST IT WARN US LET US DECIDE IF WE WANT TO GO TO IT! We plan our days out for these events and maybe I would have opted for a better time somewhere else where I had the option of putting my tickets in a bucket where I wanted a specific item. The doors opened at 11:30 and we did not get out of there until 6. There was no reason for it. NONE AT ALL!
Anonymous said…
I've been to a few of the "Animals Need You" tricky trays, and yes, they are for real. They have a tricky tray every month, always small, always with small prizes. The live music is a guy playing piano & he's pretty good.

It seems like they hold them so frequently that it's hard for them to come up with things, but they do the best they can to support their cause, which is to help out with food & medical treatment for shelter animals and/or animals belonging to indigent people.

I guess they do it to try & keep a steady flow of funding for the animals. But it really does go where it's supposed to; one of the organizers is a friend of a friend (and no, not an urban legend). The first time I went I won a lot of the prizes as well as the 50/50 (just $160, but heck, why not?), the second time I didn't win a thing, but my boyfriend won a few things. I'd go again, just because the people are nice & it's a good cause.

---------------------------------

That said, tickets are on sale for the Bergen County Players Tricky Tray on May 31, and they ARE selling. We've got lots of prizes & baskets, with more coming in every day, and we're working hard to get it all together, while taking the posts here to heart: NO BENT TICKETS WILL BE PULLED and we will be as organized as possible. It is NOT an unlimited-attendee event. Get your tickets ASAP!
Anonymous said…
I also attended the Brearley TT and was a little disappointed only because I've gone to them in the past and expected much more from them. I agree the 12 pack of diet pepsi, the big box of Easy Mac and 90 ct. box of Rice Krispie treats were a tad off the wall - but the ladies who run it are really hard working, nice people and unfortunately when you don't have the volunteers you need it's hard to have everything like the cafeteria open etc... 7 women can only do so much. I must say however I absolutely LOVED the caller - he was fast and kept us entertained! Hopefully next year's will be better.
Anonymous said…
I can agree that people work hard at these events but if you can't supply the event with the needs of a tricky tray then you should rethink having the event. If you only have 7 volunteers then shame on the parents. Not shame on the people who are going there for a tricky tray. It is the events coordinators who should have known better about the soda as prizes. If they didn't have enough items maybe putting the tricky tray off a little longer to get more donations or investing some of the tricky tray funds to get more prizes before hand. There also were way too many levels and there was no need. The prices jumped from reasonable to Rockefeller.
Anonymous said…
Tricky trays are to be afundraiser. Not to make you rich. Most people who attend have about $50 in pocket. They are parents raising children, mortgage tax's etc.. Why would you have so many levels. You want to go to a tricky tray and feel like you are in it to win. $50.00 can't buy you a chance at everything. I organize a tricky tray and you must have at least one prize for every person. Your door prizes should be nice becuase if you don't win anything at least you have a nice door prize. Our school spent some of the admission ticket purchases to buy door prizes and higher end gifts so everyone went home happy. We never sold more than 200 tickets. When you have over crowding it is never a good experience. Remember tt organizers at least one prize for everyone attending and should be about 25 extra gifts or more. No less the the number people attending. Another beef from people attending they don't want the caller to describe every gift. Most have programs and you just say #1 then pull the ticket. I have gone to some where the caller desribes every gift and who donated it and a comment included of thier own??
Anonymous said…
I agree with the poster above that at many tricky trays there are just too many levels. I like regulars (with a minimum value of $25), specials, and super specials. That's enough for me!
I'm not so sure you need one gift for every person attending (I've been to some where that is the case and not won anything, so to me that's more of a disappointment because of the expectations!), but certainly 1 gift for every 3 or 4 people is not enough.
I could do without the door prizes - usually they are nothing of value and take up a lot of time in the calling. And forget goody bags - they're usually filled with refrigerator magnets, pens, and useless coupons.
I want events with the right amount of quality prizes for the size of the crowd and prices that are in line with the value of the prizes (and no dinner - $10 admission fee max!). When I attend those events I will spend more money and your organization will benefit more!
Anonymous said…
I would like to thank Christine from the Hampton PTA for reading the blog and acknowledging that they had a few problems that they need to address next time. I am the person who won the basket with the used books and audio cd's and appreciate the fact that she offered to reimburse me. (which I am not going to accept because I would feel terrible about taking that money from the cause) All I would like is for that not to happen to anyone else in the future. We all understand that you want to make as much money for your cause but it can't be at the expense of the people donating. Next time you have to have a cutoff number and cannot have 700 people there, it's just too many people. Just make notes of the comments and use them to host a better tt next year.
Anonymous said…
Good evening everyone, just wanted to let you know that Avenel Street School Tricky Tray on March 9th is now SOLD OUT, thank you to everyone who bought advanced tickets and look forward to having an enjoyable evening. Jacquie and Janet
Anonymous said…
We had no clue that we would have so many people attend our tricky tray since in the past we barely had 200 people. Though some of you are saying there were 700 (and believe me it felt like that many) it was really closer to 550 - 600 since that is how many chairs the custodians ended up setting up so that everyone there had a seat. We started to turn people away, but we also got complaints about that since some people were from far away etc. We never put any refreshments away as posted by someone, but we did run out at around 8pm. The people in charge of the refreshments even tried to go around with cookies on a tray because a crowd of people were just taking all the refreshments. We tried to make sure some of the people in line got some cookies. We never ran out of water or soda for sale - we even had some left at the end of the night - so I am not quite sure why people were saying that unless it was low between refills?

I don't think there is the "perfect" tricky tray, but next year we are changing many things. We will probably offer advance tickets and open the doors earlier and possibly look into having it at the high school. We were not prepared to open the doors early since alot of our workers were not there yet. I know some of you say you won't come back, but please try to remember the nice trays we had and we really did try to do a lot of things right. Our families were very proud of the trays they put together (and yes we had one oops that I offered to reimburse - thank you for not asking, but I don't mind at all if you change your mind). I feel our ticket prices were inexpensive and the 1st level of trays were from $35.00 to some over $100.00 and they were only $4.00 a sheet or $3.50 if you bought the package deal. We had heard complaints that people put their hands in the ticket bags so we took the time and money to get plastic ontainers with lids so that could not happen. I will take all your bad comments and use them to make our 2nd Tricky Tray next year even better. I assure you it will be even better next year and if you decide not to give us another chance you will be missing a wonderful event! All of us that worked on this tricky tray were new at this, but we learn quickly and will learn from the mistakes we made. So in the meantime thanks for the advice and I hope someone out there on trickytray.com was a winner and had a nice evening. I for one enjoyed meeting a lot of different people and learning more about the "tricky tray" world. We had fun planning this evening and even though by reading all the blogs it didn't look too good - we feel like we did a good job for our school and the children. Thanks for supporting our fundraiser and for helping us improve our event for next year. - Christine Logsdon, Hampton Township PTA
Anonymous said…
Just to let everyone know - door prizes are not legal and like someone said usually useless and boring to sit through. In a perfect world everyone would go home a winner. Do all of you realize it is just luck and it does not matter how many baskets there are if your number doesn't come up you will go home a loser.
Anonymous said…
Although I love trickytray.com, I would have to say that for the most part, the tricky trays that I have heard about through word of mouth (many of which are not advertised on trickytray.com) have been better ones to attend. Anyone else have similar experiences?
Anonymous said…
Anyone going to the HB Milnes tricky tray at the Cotillion tonight?
Anonymous said…
I don't really care for the door prizes either - usually junk. I think it is ambitious to have one prize per person especially at a high end Tricky Tray but there should be a good amount of prizes depending on the value. I really admire the Hampton Township organizer who has been so gracious with the criticism of their event. At least she is willing to learn from their errors and I would love to go next year knowing that they are trying to improve.
Anonymous said…
I must say this site is very helpful to anyone planning on organizing a Tricky Tray. The negative comments should be taken as a means of advising what people want. I have organized several TT's over the years and I always look for feedback to make each event better. Callers have to be quick, no describing the baskets, no talking between, and no inside jokes and shout-outs to your friends in the audience. I read where someone doesn't like the goody bags. That's always an iffy thing. For some people, it's the only thing they have to go home with. My only complaint is when they put them on the table instead of handing them out at the door. I've been to several TT's where the people who arrive at the table first, rifle through the bags and take all the things they like out, leaving just junk or coupons for the rest. Ladies, you know it happens, don't try to deny it. All in all, Tricky Trays are held to help a group raise money, but the bottom line is...if you don't please the attendees and give them their money's worth, they won't come back, and the organization looses money and their good reputation. I applaud the organizers of these events because it's not easy, but alway think about your customers and how best to please them.
Anonymous said…
Any comments on the Friday night events? I'm sure I wasn't the only one who stayed home!
Anonymous said…
I was home too..visiting a friend in Westchester...Love to know what I missed!
Anonymous said…
For those of you who have organized tricky trays, which day of the week do you think you get the best turn outs on? And do people prefer tricky trays with a dinner included or just a light snack?
Anonymous said…
I think you'll get opposite opinions on the dinner/snack question! I personally prefer a light snack (or even nothing and bring my own food) instead of paying $40 for dinner. If you read through the bast blogs, there is a ton of discussion on this...
Anonymous said…
I WENT TO THE AVENEL SCHOOL TT THEIR FIRST. AWESOME JOB WELL DONE GREAT PRIZES. GIRLS GIVE YOURSELF AN APPLAUSE. CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR. THE MAN WHO DONATED THE HALL AND THE FOOD SHOULD BE THANKED OVER AND OVER. HE WAS A NICE PERSON (I MET HIM) AND HE REALLY WAS SINCERE IN ALL THAT HE DID. THATS A GREAT BUSINESS MAN FOR THE COMMUNITY.
Anonymous said…
I was at the Avenel School TT on Friday night and it was awesome! Years ago, I used to help run my kid's school's TT and at the time it was the biggest and best in the area. For a first time, these organizers owe themselves a big pat on the back for a job well done. Tricky trays like weddings, surprise parties and everything else - Nothing is perfect, and things can get messed up. Avenel school's TT ran as tho' they were old pros at an annual event. Looking forward to next year for sure!
Anonymous said…
I was also at Avenel Street School TT last night and WOW what an event. For $10.00 you received a full buffet dinner, and the prizes were awesome. The caller did a great job for her 1st time and everything moved along. Great job and look forward to next year.
Anonymous said…
Did anyone attend the Kennedy School TT?
Anonymous said…
I attended the Avenel TT on Friday night, i could not beleive the size of the room and how many prizes they had. I ended winning quite a few thing and I was really impressed in how the evening went. The people who ran it and the gentelman from the Palace really put on a display. Can't wait to see what they do next year. A happy TT .com custimer
Anonymous said…
What made the Avenel School one nice was they kept to their word 350 people. It is when they get greety and want more people more $$. The night then turns into a really mess. Great job ladies and big thanks to the nice gentlemen who donated the place and food.
Anonymous said…
Yes what a great tricky tray the Avenel School had. They did listen to what helped make a good tricky tray and that's why they did so well. Thank you PTA! I know its a lot of work and thanks to the owner of Palace for donating all that food, the site and paid workers to work.
Anonymous said…
Can I receive thoughts and comments regarding door prizes. What is expected to be won? What the value should be? How many should be offered? Goody Bags are not an option, but I really would like to know thoughts and feedback about door prizes. Thank you!
Anonymous said…
Personally I don't like door prizes. If they are of any value, make additional trays from them. Went to a tricky tray recently and there were probably as many door prizes as trays, so that made the evening much longer than necessary! If they are not worth much (pens, magnets, etc.), just put a handful on the tables or at the entrance for people to take if they want.
Anonymous said…
I know there's a lot of debate about dinner, no dinner, snacks. I personnaly prefer a dinner, but buffet works out better so there is a variety and you can eat at your own pace instead of relying on the kitchen staff to serve. The last TT I attended that was a sit down dinner was horrible. Gross chicken stuffed with the front lawn, service was slow and horrible, and they served dinner during the calling so that you had no room at the table to check your tickets. The hour and a half before the calling started would have been ideal to eat, but for some reason, they didn't serve until late. I prefer a Friday evening or Saturday event, but I've gone to some weeknight events as well. If you have it on a weeknight, organizers just be aware that people do have to go to work the next day, so don't drag the evening out. Everyone likes to be home by 11.
Door prizes are usually not of any value so unless you have something really nice, it's not necessary. The same TT with the bad food had only about 12 door prizes, but they were really nice. One was a fire pit. Now that's what I call a door prize. Pens, magnets, etc should be put in favor bags and distributed to the participants upon arrival. Don't leave them on the table, because even though they're not worth much except for the advertising, people who sit at the table first always seem to rummage through the bags and remove items. Very tacky...
I'm looking forward to some TT's this coming year that I read about here on Trickytray.com. They sound wonderfully organized with great prizes. I'm sorry I missed some of them.
Anonymous said…
Just another comment about the Avenel Tricky tray on Friday, they really did a wonderful job, in talking with other people there these organizers never did it before and they made it seem like they have been doing this for years and for the owner of the palace to donate his facility was great. Way to go ladies!!!!!
Anonymous said…
Now on door prizes. Don't know where to start. I have gotten from nice folding chair (like for when you go to game or picnic) to examination gloves?? Yes examination gloves. Our school took about $1.50 to $2.00 from each $7.00 entrance fee and bought about 50 door prizes for th evening. Each door prizes was about $10.00 value. Then people feel like they are going home with somethin. To help with the time used to call them use you imigination. Some put stickers under 2 chairs at each table. Some put stickers in the program, some make a typing error on front or back of booklet. at brake time (which should noy be more than 10 minutes ever) you announce and let the people bring up their booklets. I was at tt where they had centerpiece they asked two people at table who havent one take 1 of the two roses (fake ones and bring them up for a door prizes the ladies at the table were very nice about it. I have won entertainment book (value $25.00 to gift certificates to you got it examination gloves??)Goody bags are nice. You can get businesses to give samples or burger king for free kids meals etc. Just a nice gesture to people for comming.
Anonymous said…
Hats off to the ladies of Avenel TT,what a night they had. Everything ran smootly and the prizes were well worth the price. I think they deserve a vote for TT of the year, even though the year is just under way, they did a good job. Great food and plenty of space no overcrowding at all
Anonymous said…
Yes I agree with the above person, I attended two recent events for schools in woodbrige and they both put on a show, but avenel tt was not overcrowded and plenty of room, you both are good but avenel tt does deserve the vote for the great job they did with the location.
Anonymous said…
Thumbs down to the following event coordinators in sussex county for planning their events all on the same day/weekend: Franklin School, Hardyston School, & ogdensburg Firehouse. There are hardly any events in this area and when there are there are 4 in one weekend (I will be going to the one in Andover, since it's been listed for weeks) - come on, plan a little better, you will be losing money because your turn out will not be as expected.
Anonymous said…
Id like to ask what are the things you would take into consideration for "voting" on the Tricky Tray of the Year? I did not attend the winners of last year's and I have been to only 3 this year, and people are already talking Tricky Tray of the Year?
Anonymous said…
To Cherly P

The things i consider how many people and the ratio of prizes? Also is the room big enough and not too crowded. Are the prizes worth the price of the tickets? Is the callind down in a timely manner and the tickets shook well to give everyone a chance.

Avenel school best tt of the year so far>>>
Anonymous said…
I hate to rain on your parade Avenel 4 & 5, but I think the posters are either all from your school, or the real tt.commers are not posting. I heard alot of people complaining that night, but I guess they do not want to post their opinion. This is a blog to post our opinions, so here is mine. First off, I am not a tricky tray organizer, so this is simply my opinion. Yes...the hall was large and the donation of the hall was a great big plus! But, here were some of the problems that no on else has seemed to mention. We got there 20 minutes after the doors opened and they were sold out of value packets of tickets. The Level 1 prizes ranged from about $20 to $50, and there were about 175 prizes and the line just dragged along. People were jumping in the line at both ends and it really made it chaotic. Some prizes were nice..but some were things like 6 rolls of wrapping paper or free promotional items from a bank. If you would have combined some of the items I think it would have been better. Maybe 25 less baskets, but they would have improved the quality of the lesser ones. Next....the ticket prices for the Level 2 tickets were 6 for $5.00. These prizes held a $50 - $100 value. There were over 95 prizes on that level. So if you bought even 60 tickets that is $50.00? Very high priced and good thing I walked around to see the prizes first, because there were really only about 20 I was interested in. The other prizes were fine and moderately priced. Some other problems were there were many different sequences of tickets. The green tickets had at least 3 different starting numbers as did the yellow, and maybe even the pink. One big "faux pas" was that they ran out of 50/50 tickets before the calling started and they had to "temporarily close down sales" and run out to the store and buy more. This of course resulted in 2 different color 50/50s. Yes, the prize was over $1200.00, but when it was suggested to maybe pull one winner for $600 of one color and one winner of $600 for the other color we were told "absolutely not!" Another problem was the food situation. They advertised as soda, coffee, pasta & donut. This was a Friday in Lent ( may not be an issue for some, but it was an issue for some) and we called ahead to the hall to ask if it was a pasta bar and we were told yes, several different pastas and sauces were going to be offered on a buffet. When we arrived it was a full buffet with meatballs, sliced meat, chicken, pork, pork fried rice, sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers and one tray of pasta and a green salad. I completely agree that is was A TON of food for $10.00 entrance fee, but the salad and the one tray of pasta with red sauce wasnt what I would consider a pasta bar..and sadly enough, the food was cold and they ran out of donuts quite early. The caller, was rather stoic. She would only say the number she was on then bark out the number a few times. Then she would say, going once, going twice GONE! I agree I dont need a full description of the prize, but she lacked personality. Another "faux pas" was they were dumping the coffee cans of tickets into a blue (non-see through) bucket and just sorta swishing the numbers around and pulling one out. A lot of times we even saw her looking into the bucket. Clear containers WITH LIDS are always the best way to go. Again, I do not want to make it sound like I am criticizing every little detail, but to sit here and read the posts of how wonderful this tray was and how they are being compared to the other tricky tray in Woodbridge - there is no comparison - and there really doesnt need to be. Tricky Tray of the Year? You obviously havent been to many. I am also starting to think that is just a popularlity contest anyway....to see how many people you can get to vote for your own school or organization. I am not a tricky tray organizer, so this is my unbiased opinion. The bottom line is...I am sure everyone invloved with this one worked hard, just like everyone invloved in running any other tricky tray did. They had to have raised alot of money and that is what it is all about. Please take my comments as my opinion and use them to make your next one even better.
Anonymous said…
I heard the tt 3/23 at sheppard school is selling 350 admissions and 150 prizes ?? What is with that. It will be their first and last i guess. Alot of people will not be happy.
Anonymous said…
Avenel is not even my town and we go to tricky trays every week! It was an excellent tricky tray. Try going to one where the caller goes on and on. If you want entertainment watch TV. We would have gotten out too late if she took longer. Who can complain about free food?? Give them a break. I too am Catholic but a lot of people aren't so why shouldn't they be offered meat?
The tricky tray ran smoothly and we got out in a timely fashion. Price wise I've gone to some that were very expensive. This one was moderate. What little problems they had they weren't worth mentioning. And that is my opinion --Sayreville resident!
Anonymous said…
my opinion comes from toms river, and i attend many tt every week, i will agree with the sayreville resident, they did a good job and you can't please everyone. good job and good luck next year, take all the good and bad comments to make your next one even better
Anonymous said…
Did anyone attend the South Plainfield High School Project Graduation Tricky Tray on Saturday? (It wasn't listed on trickytray.com) I went and thought they had really nice prizes and a good caller. Also, very well organized. You can tell they've been doing this for a number of years (and they don't have to advertise - word of mouth and local signs is enough). A few suggestions: charge less for admission ($12 was a little steep for a school gym and you only got 10 first level tickets), charge less for the first level tickets (25 tickets for $10 for prizes that are worth $25 is a bit expensive - the rest of the ticket prices seemed ok), use sheets of tickets instead of single raffle-type tickets, and have less door prizes.
Anonymous said…
I thought the name of this blog was Speak Your Mind. I have seen alot worse things posted without so many rebuttals. People are entiteld to thier opinion and this is the place to do it.
I attended the Avenel Tricky Tray and can agree with some of what was posted and also disagree with some. There are good and bad everywhere. You just take the good with the bad and use it to improve your next one. Yes, the hall was very big and it wasnt crowded at all. I know that the owner is very generous with local businesses, schools and organizations so getting that donated was a huge plus. I can only imagine what we could have done if we didnt have to spend $6k on our hall location.
Anyway, congratulations on your first go around and it can only go up from here :) Oh yeah..and if you are going to post, why not put your name?
Anonymous said…
Jacquie and Janet would like to thank everyone for attending our Avenel event on March 9th, this was the 1st time that we ran a tricky tray and we did work very hard with all of the other volunteers we had organizing this night for the students of our school. We received a lot of suggestions prior to our event from the tricky tray community and was able to incorporate for our night. We would like to thank the Mayor of Woodbridge for coming to our event as well as Councilman Bedard for attending. A special thank you again goes to our Principal and Ms. Jackie our secretary in our office that has fielded many phone calls prior to the event and after the event from various schools in our district. Mr. Jasani did an excellent job with his facility and we really appreciate what he gives back to the community. As this is a blog and each person has their own opinion you have to take the bad with the good and we appreciate all that have responded. Good luck to all other organizers you deserve a standing ovation for all that you do.
Anonymous said…
Did anyone go to the St Virgil School tt at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany last Friday?
CheriPie said…
i'm looking to start a tricky tray can anyone help me with what i need to do?
Anonymous said…
read the blogs, get a committee, get a license, get a place, get prizes, advertise on trickytray.com
Anonymous said…
This is a shout out to Avenel Street School Tricky Tray on March 9th, just wanted to let you know that you all did a great job, I am a Tricky Trat organizer at my school and I really liked how you had the room set up and it was not overcrowded. Everyone has their views and I know how hard it is to make this night happen. It takes a lot of hard work and lots of time away from your family. I do not know who did the post about bursting your bubble but I think you have to take the good comments and run with them. You had a wonderful night and as far as the complaint about the basket values, no one makes you put tickets into something that you did not want and if you were that dissatisfied, why did you stay for the entire night.
Anonymous said…
Here here. How would you like to go to a tt I heard good shepard has 150 baskets with 350 people comming. How about st Joesphs tt comming up 700 people and $20.00 sheet. You can never make everyone happy. GREAT JOB GIRLS... AVENEL SCHOOL SHOULD BE PROUD
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Alert!!! Because of today's Tri-State weather (Fri Mar. 16th) check with your tricky tray events today if they are being rescheduled.

I have posted updates for 3 so far.

Safe Traveling to all.

Mr. Tricky Tray

PS..If you are home all day..support the web site and make a purchase at one of the many affiliates within the site.

Or Buy a shirt on site link and "wear" your support! Prices are still discounted only because I have been so busy with regular work to update prices. Take advantage!

TrickyTray.com can only stay free & alive with your support.
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
As of 1:55 pm

Known Tricky Tray cancelation for Friday March 16th.

*****
Friday, March 16, 2007
Alert!!
Date Change
Now
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Tricky Tray Sponsored By
Belvidere High School
Project Graduation 2007

****

Friday, March 16, 2007
Alert!!
Date Change
Now
Friday, March 23, 2007
Tricky Tray Sponsored By
Fredon Township School

****

Friday, March 16, 2007
Alert!!
Postponed...
Will Re-List
When Date Is Set!
Tricky Tray Sponsored By
Reverend Brown School
Location:
Pope John XXIII High School


Mr. Tricky TRay
Anonymous said…
The problem with the slow calling at the Hampton Tricky Tray was that a lot of people were not watching their tickets! It drove my friends and I crazy with the slow people in the audience. They could not remember their numbers and of course they had to take a mixed amount of numbers to make themselves more confused. We were in the back rows and could understand and hear the callers and were just getting mad at the slow "winners"! We thought they went as fast as they could and we felt bad for them that they had to have such a lazy audience. They did start too late and they were trying to hurry up the people putting their tickets in with no luck. I loved the trays and thought the specials were great and will be there next year and pray the lazy people decide to stay home or go to a different tricky tray that night!
Anonymous said…
I attended the tricky tray at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany on March 15. It was FBO The COSAC organization. Have to say great job on the great baskets for your first annual Tricky Tray. It was a bit chaotic at first as people were going all different ways to put their blue tickets into the buckets for the baskets. It wasn't until about half way through when the flow finally was one way. Also have to say the only part of the dinner that was good was the dessert and soda. I got about 4 edible pieces of meat from my steak and the rest was either fat or not cooked. Definitely not a $40 value meal served. Other than that, I will be looking for this one next year as the baskets is what will make me want to return.
Anonymous said…
I have been wanting to organize a Tricky Tray for a long time, for several reasons to benefit many families, but don't have a business or a foundation with a license for such an event. I've been told that one can register for a temporary license just for the night of the event in the town you're holding the event, but don't know how true that actually is. Can anyone help me with my dilemma?

Thank You.
Anonymous said…
I attended the TT for Avenel and was very impressed! I am from a neighboring school's PTO and thought that this event was ran on an expertise level! This was one of the first TT's that I went to that it didn't feel like I was watching paint dry by the end of the evening (everything was quick AND well executed). The prizes were GREAT! I loved the different color balloons to make sure that I had all the tickets I needed! The hall... WOW!!!!! The food... WOW!!!! This wasn't your stereotypical school TT! The owner of the hall well deserved his standing ovation for the generous donation of not only the hall , but the buffet as well! More members of the community should share his generous nature! The ladies and all the families that contributed to this event deserve so many thank you's from the member's of their school! The donation of your time, energy and enthusiasm did NOT go unnoticed! CONGRATULATIONS LADIES! You deserve a much needed vacation! Now.. if I could only get my school to agree on a TT.
All the best (from the winner of the FABULOUS COACH BAG)!!!!!
Anonymous said…
Any update on this past weekend's tricky trays? I know a lot of the Friday events were rescheduled for Saturday. Good turnouts or not so good because it was St. Patrick's Day?
Anonymous said…
What are everyone's plans for this weekend? There are so many events on Friday the 23rd - especially in Morris/Sussex county area. For those organizers out there, please give us a preview of your prizes and the ticket prices so we can make an informed decision!

The tricky tray season is in full swing!
Anonymous said…
Has anyone heard anything about the Alan B. Shepard school TT this friday?? I saw a blog only 150 baskets over 300 people??? Oh my any feedback??
Anonymous said…
I also heard no Grand prize either? Is this their first time? Just read other tt sites and see the prizes they are giving away??
brandiale said…
I attended one in Keyport, NJ over the weekend on the 17th. Keyport First aid, was pretty good. They had lots of good prizes. I won a Gucci bag and spa basket with a 30 minute massage, a $30 gc for the IHOP and a door prize. Was sold out. They had over 300 baskets.
Anonymous said…
The Immaculate Heart of Mary School (Wayne) TT was great! Awesome prizes and lots of them! Food was great but the venue was crowded. I heard they are moving to a new location for next year. Two, week long trips and a day at the spa for Gala prizes, Coach bags, autographed items, theater tickets, American Idol tickets, TV's, mountain bike and many other prizes as well! Well done, ladies! Can't wait to come again next year!
Anonymous said…
No feed back from you tricky tray people about the alan shepard school TT? 150 BASKETS OVER 300 PEOPLE. IT WILL BE DONE INLESS THAN 2 HOURS.
Anonymous said…
IHM also had a HUGE 50/25/25! Total pot was over $4000. Two winners each received over $1000!
Anonymous said…
To the posters about the Alan Shepard School tricky tray - what is your issue?

If you don't think there are enough prizes for the number of people, then don't go! There are plenty of other tricky trays that same night. And since they are now sold out at Shepard, I guess there are enough people out there who wanted to go!

And you'd rather be there until after midnight (which has happened to me) than get out in a couple of hours?

To each his own...
Anonymous said…
SO....who's going to what tricky tray this weekend??? any hint as to why you're going??? there are so many and i have never been to any of the upcoming ones....long pond frankin hardyston...give me your opinion please!
Anonymous said…
hello what is everyones thoughts on recycled baskets?? i won a really nice one a few weeks ago but wont use most of it...they are quality stuff never used by me or anybody and I want to add stuff to it as well...what is everyones thoughts???
Anonymous said…
how many times does it have to be said - no one wants to win a basket with used items in it!!!
if we wanted used items we'd go to a garage sale.
Anonymous said…
It is certainly ok to donate NEW things you won at one tricky tray to another tricky tray. But, as the poster above said NO USED items - EVER!!!! I've also won some baskets that had a couple of things I didn't want in them (they were perfectly good, new items, just not my taste), and I put those items with some other items and put together great new baskets for another tricky tray (and people were happy to win them!).
Anonymous said…
I think that "new" items can be redonated. But it is up to the discretion of the committee if it is ultimately used. We do However, attach a card to each basket that says " Please consider donating this (empty)basket back to --- for use in next year Gift Auction It would be grately appreciated" We get about 40 back each year.
Anonymous said…
Anyone going to the stanhope tt this weekend, heard its a good one???
Anonymous said…
I went to the Stanhope TT one year and the baskets weren't all that great. They may have improved, but I don't know of anyone going.
Anonymous said…
I heard Stanhope has 270 trays and great specials.
Anonymous said…
What year did you go because last year their trays were great
Anonymous said…
I'm beginning to think that some people trash some tricky trays so no one else goes and they can win more prizes!
Anonymous said…
Thursday Night was the annual Knights of Pythias TT. At the end of the evening somebody stole a little stuffed moose off of one of the tables. This item was not part of the TT and the person who it belongs to is very upset. If anybody has an information on it or has it in their possesion would you please email me at mroc468790@aol.com. I will not be mad or even question how someone could just take something off of someone elses table. Thank you
Anonymous said…
I have been to the Stanhope TT for the last few years...and it is one of the best in the area. Trays were a good variety and specials were great!!
Anonymous said…
The FCCF Tricky Tray is on the 23rd. It's advance tickets only. I've attended this one every year and it is fabulous. It's one of the highlights of TT season. It's gotten bigger each year and the prizes are wonderful. I've never been disappointed. Last year there had to be over 500 people in attendance with about the same amount of prizes. The caller was great, we were done in a couple of hours, and we had lots of fun (also won a couple of great baskets). If you've never been to this event, put it on your calander for next year. It is without a doubt, one of the best!!!!
Anonymous said…
For everyone wondering where to go this weekend...go to Stanhope's tricky tray on the 24th. Over 250 regular trays and just some of the specials to entice you...Compaq laptop computer, Coach pocketbook, Coach wristlet, Great Adventure tickets, Lion King, IPOD, GPS Navigation system, Dinner Spree, bikes and many more. Call 973-600-8560 for additional information or tickets
Anonymous said…
Just got back from the tricky tray at Franklin School in Sussex COunty. I went to that school over 14 years ago and i wanted to patronize it for that reason alone. However I will not be going again next year. There was the most blatant cheating I have ever witnessed ever. This is not sour grapes on my part. I went with my husband and between the two of us we came home with 5 trays. there were 2 colors for the regular trays chich i dont care for but so what??? however there were a lot of the yellow colors being called...95 % of the people had green tickets so how was the yellow being called time after time with such frequency?? Then i realized that EVERY time the yellow numbers were being called the caller was looking into the buckets...by the time i realized this the tricky tray baskets were half over and i called attention to it thru one of the runners...at first i thought she blew me off because she seemed very insulted about what was being insinuated...fortunately my words must have gotten thru to the caller and he stopped looking in the transparent container the tickets were being shaken in. All the sudden there were hardly any yellow tickets being called. AMazing huh???

whats even better is the fact that i was chatting with another of my fellow veteran tricky trayers i see at quite a few of these functions and she said that MANy of the people involved in the tricky tray (runners, and anyone associated with putting it together) had the yellow tickets...

I will not be attending next year thank you very much.
Anonymous said…
Anonymous said...
how many times does it have to be said - no one wants to win a basket with used items in it!!!
if we wanted used items we'd go to a garage sale.

March 22, 2007 5:20 PM

if you read my post correctly you would have noticed that i mentioned all the stuff in the tray was UNUSED.
Anonymous said…
FRanklin School...How do you respond!!!!

Why use different color tickets?

In a raffle..everyone has an equal chance..unless you know certain people possess a certain color.

You are asking for trouble.

Was the fix in?

The NJ Gaming doesn't take lightly to this. It's like a card cheat in Atlantic City.

I say launch a formal investigation. If found guilty they could loose license..or did they even have one?????
Anonymous said…
Went to Amsterdam Elementary's (ASHA) Hillsborough, and thought it was great! Everything ran smooth - prizes were great (coach bags, flat panel tv, american girl, Broadway tickets w/ Limo service). Even the lower category prizes were great quality! Also looking forward to Sunnymeade Elementary (in Hillsborough)TT on April 13th - last year it was amazing - the best I had ever seen.
Anonymous said…
I went to tt friday night alan b shepard school. 300 people attend and 128 baskets and about 12 specials?? The woman did a nice job and yes I spent about $100.00 or more and one twice. But but. I and a group of friends go around to ttabout once a week at least. We are very proud of the tt organizers who read the blog and don't use two different colored tickets and state bent tickets won't be called. I had noticed alot of bent tickets (form of cheating) and bought it to the attention of the organizer three woman looked at me like I had six heads. And ignored me completely. I explained in my town its illegal and in the liscense it states it. When I went to the special table $5.oo ticket mind you,I had already spent $40.00 I saw tickets folded to points so that once dropped in bucket your hand would go to that ticket. I wrote down one of the numbers and sure enough on prize 134 I told the people at my table the tickets number would be 8176 ending numbers. Sure as I sit here it came out 8176. They thought I had esp. I then bought to the attention of the organizer again and she said it wasn't bent maybe the woman pulling it straightened it out after it got pulled??? Why don't organizers take good critisism from us true tt people. Also the 50/50 they sold a few strips orange and then switched to red? So you spend $10.00 and they say orange ticket # what a let down. Girls stay with one color ticket. So I am not a sore loser just want a fair shake. You tt people who bend tickets know who you are shame on you...
Anonymous said…
I agree with alot of what these posters are saying...different colored tickets are terrible! Over buy, use them for next year, but to run out of tickets and then switch to another color...one of my true pet peeves! I know its hard and sometimes the numbers arent sequrntial...but organizers, do your best to keep levels the same color and number sequence. Also, when callers just reach in and grab a ticket without dumping them into a clear container with a lid...just looks shady. Bent tickets should never even be called. When I reached in (after they were dumped and shook) and I grabbed a ticket and saw it was bent, I threw it away and picked another one. We post for a reason, to help and give advice so your events run smooth and you can make alot of money for your organizations. Happy tricky traying!
Anonymous said…
Went to stahnhope tt last night. Great trays and good specials. Alot of trays 286 but it ran smoothly and pretty quickly
Anonymous said…
Hey, guys,

Just wanted to let you know the prizes are still rolling in for the May 31 Bergen County Players TT - tons of gift certificates, and prizes & baskets from all over. Everything is new, everything is of value. And the number of prizes will be comparable to the number of attendees. We've got all kinds of stuff: Restaurants, piercing & tattooing, dollhouse kit, The Melting Pot, The Sopranos, B&Bs, The Body Shop, Trader Joe's, Sci-Fi Channel, sports memorabilia, jewelry, theater tickets, Adagio Teas, Rishi Teas, books, limited edition artwork, a sightseeing flight, hayrides, and much, much more! Plus, of course, a 50/50.

No bent tickets will be pulled, that is a promise! I've even warned my own mother, who used to bend her tickets, that she won't win a thing if she tries it at this one.

We're working to keep things really organized too - arrows to show direction of travel to keep things flowing easily.

I'm really trying to take what I read here & put it into practice. Come see how well I succeed.

Tickets are selling, you MUST buy them in advance! It's only $25 for a 4-course dinner plus one sheet of entry-level tickets. I hope to see everyone there. Thanks!
Anonymous said…
Hi, Ladies: Mark your calendars for Friday, 4/27/07. Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley is holding their annual Tricky Tray in the school Gym. Doors open at 6:30, and it's a really nice and comfortable nite. It's a 'wear your elastic waistband' kind of comfortable! Tickets cost $15.00 and in addition to a sheet of 25 general tickets, you also get a beverage and dessert. Lots of people bring their own dinner type food, so it's a nice way to relax with food you really like, win some fun prizes, and help the school. GSA is located at 24 Brookline Avenue and you can call Marie Notare at 973-820-3939 for further details. Her e-mail is maria.notare@roche.com. Try to come and bring your friends!
Anonymous said…
The FCCF Tricky Tray this past weekend was in a word....FABULOUS!!! Great prizes and good callers, they kept the night moving. They had about 450 people in attendance with over 300 baskets. The only disappointing part were the people who stopped paying attention to the ticket numbers. Ladies...listen to the callers. It makes the night drag on when you don't pay attention. I think the callers handled things great by giving them three chances then calling another number. One of the prizes was a glass full of money that it seemed no one wanted to claim. Silly, huh. The 50/50 was over $2500 to the winner. That's what I call a great prize. The organizers of this event seem to outdo themselves year after year. Congratulations to a job well done.
Anonymous said…
How come the Good Sgepard in Nutley is not listed on trickytray.com
Anonymous said…
For everyone going to the Our Lady of Peace Tricky Tray in Mountainside on March 30th, a draft of the program with the basket descriptions is posted on our website www.ourladyofpeaceschool.org. Take a peek at the exciting high end baskets that could be yours this weekend!
Anonymous said…
To anonymous regarding the Good Shepherd listing. I started to list the event, and want to include more of the details of the night in the posting. In the meantime, we wanted to let people know about the date, more like a 'mark your calendar' and location thing at this point. We should have everything listed by the week-end. Thank you for your interest, and hope to see you on 4/27!
Anonymous said…
A reminder to everyone, the Long Valley Raiders Football/Cheerleading tricky tray is this Saturday, March 31 at 6:00 pm (drawing begins at 7:15 pm). Location: Benedict A. Cuinella Elementary School, 470 Naughright Road
Long Valley, New Jersey.

We have over 275 trays to be given away (and more expected to come in!!).

Featured merchandise: IPOD, wii game, playstation, Weber grill, Disney passes, summer camp tuition, American Girl Doll merchandise, portable DVD player, gift certificates of merchandise (resturants,personal care, car care, etc) and services, spa baskets, amusement park tickets, Yankee and other sporting event tickets, sports memorabilia, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

Door prizes to drawn and 50/50 to be held.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Any questions, please contact us via e-mail@: lvrsecretary@comcast.net or
Call Lisa Maciejewski at 908-208-3410.

We look forward to seeing you at a TERRIFIC EVENT.
Anonymous said…
This Friday & Saturday is a Tricky Tray Bonanza!!! Where is everyone going..might try the sandshore on in Budd lake myself.
Anonymous said…
What looks good in Sussex County? I am leaning toward the 4H one in Sparta. I see now there is one at Kitatiny HS, but not too sure if that would be any good? Any thoughts?
Anonymous said…
I heard the Kittatiny HS Tricky Tray was going to be really good tomorrow.

Last weekend we went to Long Pond and Ogdensburg TT. They were both run really well with really good prizes.
Anonymous said…
I was a litte wary of Odensburg since it was there first one so I went to Stanhope, it was pretty good. I always heard Long Pond is a good one.
Anonymous said…
This Saturday, March 31st, you are all invited to the tricky tray put on by Morris Conservatory of Music.

THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 31
DOORS OPEN 6:30, CALLING AT 8:00
STS. CYRIL AND METHODIOUS PARISH
215 HILL STREET
BOONTON, NJ
$10.00 ADMISSION INCLUDES A SHEET OF REGULAR TICKETS AND A HOT DOG/CHIPS/SODA

There will be some very nice prizes! Come and enjoy the evening with us as we keep music alive in Morris County!!!
Anonymous said…
i went to the kittatiny one a few years back and it was so crowded they didnt shake the bucket and it was just OK....i have a friend running the 4 h one and its going to be good i hear...
Anonymous said…
I went to the St. Joe's tricky tray last night and was sorely disappointed. It cost $20 to get in and with that only came complimentary beverages. They had well over two hundred baskets that weren't anything special. It cost $20 for a sheet of 26--I think they increased their prices this year. They had about 25 upper level prizes and one grand prize. The ticket buckets were open and people were putting their hands in and out of them. One bucket I saw tipped. I peaked in another and there were bent tickets. There had to be well over 750 people at this event and we were packed in like sardines. Odds of winning anything were SLIM. There was one rude caller all night and the night droned on and on. If it weren't for the good company, food, and drinks, I wouldn't put myself through such torture. This event has definitely gone down hill.
Anonymous said…
Hey anyone know of any good TT's for April 1st?
Anonymous said…
"I was a litte wary of Odensburg since it was there first one"

?? Ogdensburg has been running tricky trays for years. there are lots of smaller functions that haven't always been listed. Most regulars appreciate the better odds of winning even though the grand prizes can be less grand
Anonymous said…
Amazing how regular trickytray goers have so much knowledge about this fundraiser ... but everyone seems to have blindspots. Most of the blog comments are vague references to a certain school/church and don't specify who the fundraiser really was for.
Many functions do deserve to be put on our shortlist of 'Do not attend in future' but lets be specific who the fundraiser was for instead or where it was held. Recently there have been comments for and against Stanhope. Makes perfect sense if you know there are at least 3 different ones held during a year.
Anonymous said…
I went to the Longvalley Tricky tray tonight.....and boy do the people that ran it need help!!!! I don't think anyone who ran it had ever been to a tricky tray before. The whole process of the different levels were soooo confusing, mostly because they ran the levels together....making no breaks in the baskets caused many people to put the wrong tickets in. People were then opening the containers and pulling out there tickets. Because of the confusion over "what colors go where" the lines were VERY slow moving.
They also were to start calling at 7:15 and were still selling tickets at the door at 7:30....needless to say they started calling very late.
They also made people get up to collect their door prizes...Isnt that what runners are for?????
Prizes were good?????but not well organized....a 40 Ipod on a GRAND PRIZE table?????
The list could go on and on.
I hope the people who run it go to a few tricky trays, and learn a few things, before the next one.
Anonymous said…
I went to the Longvalley Tricky tray tonight.....and boy do the people that ran it need help!!!! I don't think anyone who ran it had ever been to a tricky tray before. The whole process of the different levels were soooo confusing, mostly because they ran the levels together....making no breaks in the baskets caused many people to put the wrong tickets in. People were then opening the containers and pulling out there tickets. Because of the confusion over "what colors go where" the lines were VERY slow moving.
They also were to start calling at 7:15 and were still selling tickets at the door at 7:30....needless to say they started calling very late.
They also made people get up to collect their door prizes...Isnt that what runners are for?????
Prizes were good?????but not well organized....a 40 Ipod on a GRAND PRIZE table?????
The list could go on and on.
I hope the people who run it go to a few tricky trays, and learn a few things, before the next one.
Anonymous said…
I went to the 4_h in Sparta Friday night. I was very pleased with the SIster who called the numbers. there were ovr 250 basket and she called them out within 1 hour and 45 minutes. Great job done by the runners and the SIster also a big thanks to the people behind the secenes organizing this great function
Anonymous said…
Responding to Long Valley

Experience will make them better.
Anonymous said…
Rangel...the sister who ran it is the one that also ran it for Camp Auxilium's tricky trays...she is very efficient and fair and i know that the people at the 4H specifially asked her to run it for them because of this. Great Job!!!

I went to the Hope tricky tray and it was a good one but i always have to say please people out there running these tt's, get a bucket to shake in that has a lid so you can shake them well and not just stirring it and whatever.
Anonymous said…
I went to the Order of Amaranth tt last night for diabetes at the St. Demetrius Comm. Ctr. in Carteret. I must say I will never go again. A young lady who purchased a ton of tickets missed her number after the caller called it it 3 times, once he called another number, she rant and raved about how she asked him to wait. After she caused this scene the woman who organized the tt tried to make her happy by slyly giving her a few free 50/50 tickets. Do I have to tell you who won the 50/50?? Yes, the ranting young lady. I don't have to say how upset I was. After it was over, I spoke to the organizer and told her how unfair that was and if the tt was not for a good cause I would request my money back. However, $5 worth of 50/50 tickets wouldn't put a dent in the $125 that I spent. To the young lady that bought all of those tickets and could not keep up, I must say next time either buy less tickets or pay better attention. I buy alot of tickets myself, but I know how many I can handle. You were WRONG and you know it. As for the organizer, I know you tried to appease her, but it could have been done another way besides giving her free 50/50 tickets. Next time think of all the other people there spending money and not just this one unhappy customer who should have been paying more attention.
Anonymous said…
Allamuchy tt on Friday night, was awesome. One I have gone to for the last two years and will continue to go again.

ORGANIZED-AWESOME PRIZES-GREAT FOOD

Kudoos to the organizers!
Anonymous said…
Long Valley had a good idea going - they wanted to make it sports related; but stick with the classics....Too confusing....Bronze (with green tickets), silver, gold and platinum levels with no dividers between them made people crazy. Sooooo many people were opening the buckets and dumping out the tickets to pull their own back out. The organizers tried to stop them; but just too many people were doing it. They couldn't figure out where levels ended. Ticket buckets were not attached to anything near the prizes; so over the night, people kept moving the buckets. After a while, you had no idea what you'd put your tickets in and had to hunt down the correct bucket. The prizes were really nice and the free desserts were fabulous. Please, for next year though, do you have another way of seating people? Grown up behinds (at least mine and my friends) don't fit on those little tables meant for children to eat lunch at.
Anonymous said…
Mr. Tricky Tray - is there any way to summarize and translate the legaleese of the state rules for Tricky Trays and post it on your site for organizers to see. There seem to be so many interpretations of the rules and it would be great to have it broken down somewhere. Also a suggestions from loyal tricky trayers list would be great. things like no bent tickets, shake really well, etc. and one that makes me nuts- people going the wrong way in the line. They stop and give evil looks at you waiting for youj to move when they are the ones going the wrong way.
Anonymous said…
How was the Kittatinny Tricky Tray for the Seniors? I was going to go to that one or the 4-H one in Sparta and then couldn't make either. Did I miss much?
Anonymous said…
To LONGVALLEY HAD A GOOD IDEA- Are you refering to my behind...LOL Yes seating was tough.....My back and butt are still killing me. I should have gone for no table and sat in the chairs in the back.

Great items.....just confusion galore!!
Anonymous said…
Long Valley had no clue and really should have spent more time on figuring out how to RUN a tricky tray. I won't be going back next year that is for sure!
Anonymous said…
To Experience will make LV better.

Lets hope they get some before next year. Perhaps they should contact someone who has run one before to help them out with some of the ins and outs of running a succesful tt.
Anonymous said…
Just wondering if any of you experienced organizers can answer this question. Is it legal to charge a child admission to a tricky tray? I recently attended a tricky tray where children were allowed to attend, 10 and under were free. So, I paid for my 11 year old daughter and she received a sheet of tickets. I just thought it was odd because I thought children were allowed to attend some tricky trays but definitely not allowed by law to participate since it is a form of gambling. Does anyone know what the law in New Jersey is about charging children admittance to a tricky tray. Thanks!
Anonymous said…
Hi, A friend of mine looked it up in the NJ state laws for tricky trays. It is indeed legal for children to go. They can not bid on liquer, lotter tickets (which I belive are not allowed anyway) nor can they participate in the 50/50. We were both surprised that children can attend, as long as they just put there tickets in merchandise baskets and not the items listed above. Go figure. To me gambling is gambling....but that is what the law states.
Anonymous said…
I called the NJ commission to get the straight facts about the rules regarding children's partipation in attending and helping at tricky trays. I also asked what is and is not legal to put in the baskets.
1.) Children may buy tickets, may put their own tickets in the raffle, and may also claim their own prizes, provided that the basket does not contain alcohol.
2.) Children may not participate in any way in the running of the raffle. They can not help pull tickets. They can not be runners. They can not sell tickets.
3.) Thanks to a recent law change, alcohol is allowed in the raffle BUT each basket that contains alcohol but be clearly marked that the winner must be at least 21 years old to win the prize.
4.) Lottery ticket and cash prizes are not allowed in any shape or form.
Our group just had our event last night and we decided to adhere to all the rules and do it right, rather than to risk our liscence being revoked. Feels good to do the right thing!
Anonymous said…
Thank you so much for all the info regarding children at a tricky tray. I'm still surprised that they can participate since it is a form of gambling, but I'm even more surprised that they are not allowed to be runners because I have been to numerous tricky trays where the cheerleaders or boy scouts are the runners. There was even a time about six months ago at a tricky tray they asked my daughter to be a runner (she said no because she is shy and didn't know anyone). Usually, when I bring my daughter, she just lets me know which prizes she likes and I put the ticket in but I guess I can give her her own tickets from now on. It'll probably cost me more more now :)
Anonymous said…
I attended the St. Clare School TT in Clifton this past week-end, and it was generally lovely. The luau theme was supported with a for-sale menu of authentic foods and fresh fruit. Very novel. The $15.00 admission fee included TWO sheets of general tickets. Also very nice. The process of calling the numbers, however, was beyond slow because the caller didn't use sufficient assistance in getting the next basket ready for calling. So, it took forever between calling numbers for each gift, and that caused the crowd to get restless. After the din got consistently loud, the caller began EVERY number announcement with an admonishment to 'Keep It Down!' which really set people off. Not good. Two thoughts for organizers: 1)It would be great if programs were written to adequately describe each gift, and someone could assist the caller by focusing on having the next gift's tickets ready for them. Then, the caller could just focus on calling numbers at a comfortable pace. 2) The largest prizes which were very nice and valued over $200.00 were priced at $10.00 EACH. Tickets need to be priced to encourage guests to buy more tickets. These are fundraisers above all else. Pricing needs to take into account who your guests are, and what they can afford. Beside the Broadway Ticket gifts, most of the high level gift containers were pretty empty. Just prior to beginning to call the tickets, some ladies actually went up to survey which gifts were light on tickets, and then put their tickets in. Example: a beautiful DVF travel wheel bag, Hilton Hotel overnight and brunch for two, had less than 10 tickets in the bucket. If tickets are not attractively priced, you have done your organization's fund raising goal a great disservice. Tricky Trays are labors of love, and we can always improve the fun quotient, but I enjoyed the event, and especially liked the fact that it started at 5pm on a Friday nite. It didn't seem to matter, as there were over 250 people there, and we were back out on the road before 10pm.
Anonymous said…
Morris hills TT sat night ROCKED!!! lots of great prizes! I just wish cute girl from last year was running it.
Anonymous said…
Just wanted to chime in and thank everyone for coming to the Raiders Tricky Tray in Long Valley on Saturday night.
Yes, it was confusing as far as the tickets and set up were concerned - but, we managed through it.
This was our first "official" fundraiser that our organization has ever had and of course, there were many bumps along the road - but we all learned from our mistakes. It wasn't a complete catastrophe and I think everyone who attended seemed to have fun and enjoyed our announcers commentaries on certain prizes. Fortunately, we didn't start calling right away - but we did go as fast as possible once the calling began.
As far as coming up and claiming your door prizes - we wanted to zip through them - that's why it was done that way - not to take up a lot of time and to get back the Bigger Prizes.
Not sure when we will have another fundraiser like this one (next year or the year after...)
- but, as it was stated - we learned from our mistakes - and experience will make the next one better!
Also - for those who won certificates and needed to contact a name and number to claim the "real" thing - please do so now, rather than later - some of the dates for the games are coming up VERY SOON!
Thanks to all who attended and made our event a success.
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Mr. Tricky Tray was at the Sandshore-Budd Lake tricky tray on Saturday. That's Right...I was out and about. Had a good time but didn't win anything. The Sandshore Tricky Tray had alot of great prizes and variety and was very organized. Good Job!

Thanks Lisa P

Mr. Tricky Tray
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
To poster about legal aspects on website..I do not want to get into more then supplying link & phone# (which I do) to NJ Game commission.
Don't forget..the Tricky Tray craze is spreading to other states. I'm not a lawyer and do not want to start posting legal advice for every state that can change at the drop of a hat. ..then have a lawsuit..you know how that goes..but below is info from an email with NJ gaming commission in Feb 2006 with questiones I asked.
Again check with your state and local goverment for changes.

I have discussed these issues with the legal department and the
following are the answers to your inquiry:Raffles, including tricky
trays, are subject to the provisions of the Raffles Licensing Law,
N.J.S.A. 5:8-50, and the regulations, N.J.A.C. 13:47-1. Organizations
that have questions about the proper conduct of the raffle may contact
Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission for assistance
973-273-8000

*******************

Specific questions posed:

1- Can children attend and be present at a tricky tray event legally?

Commssion rules do not address specifically the presence of children at
such events , but as noted below, persons under the age of 18 may
participate in certain tricky tray drawings. Organizations should check
with other agencies to determine if there are limits to their presence
(for example, Alcoholic Beverage Commission rules may apply).

2- Can children participate and buy tickets to win baskets of
merchandise?

The general rule is that persons under the age of 18 may not
participate in a draw raffle. HOWEVER
NJSA 5:8-59 permits persons under the age of 18 to play an on-premises
draw raffle, including a Penny auction, where any prize offered and
awarded consists of merchandise only. (Note that persons under 21
cannot participate in a drawing that offers alcohol as a prize).

3- Can children buy and participate in a 50/50 Drawing?

Persons under the age of 18 may not participate in any manner in a
50/50 drawing as the drawing awards money as a prize. The Commission
has interpreted this to mean that a person under18 may not sell tickets
for the drawing nor may the person under 18 draw the ticket to determine
the winner(s).


4- Are 50/50's legal at a tricky tray with license & permit or does it
have to be specified on application for?

The raffles license that permits an organization to conduct a Tricky
Tray does not permit the organization to run a 50/50 raffle. If an
organization wishes to conduct a 50/50 raffle at the event, the
organization must apply for and receive a separate raffle license for
the 50/50 raffle.

5- What items are not permissable as a tricky tray gift or basket?

NJAC 13:47-6.20 lists the following as prohibited prizes:
real estate or any interest therein, bonds, shares of stock, securities
or evidences of indebtedness, weapons, live animals (except a gift
certificate redeemable for live, edible seafood), foreign or domestic
coins (except collector pieces or sets that are marketed as such and are
clearly not intended for use as legal tender), tobacco products, motor
vehicle leases, or any merchandise refundable in any of the foregoing or
as money or cash.


There you have it!
Anonymous said…
Did anyone ever have someone at the Tricky Tray offer to buy the basket that they won from them? It happened to me this past Friday(basket was a week of dance camp at a local dancing school). I was so surprised that I am not even sure I heard the woman correctly, but she said something like "if you are not really interested in it, my daughter goes to school there". Is this common?
Anonymous said…
I went to the tt in longvalley on Saturday night. To the person who wrote above....I would make sure next year you seperate the levels more clearly and stick with the color that the tickets actually are, ex. green-green-not green-bronze. Also by color coordinating tickets with, perhaps balloons, table clothes, lables or ribbon...will make it easier to know which colored tickets go where. To me that was the most confusing.
Also....you must have people selling extra tickets at each level. You really need one line to sell addmission and at least one more to sell extras....having a person stationed at each level is best.
Anonymous said…
To "Did anyone....This has never happened to me. I would have offered it to her for twice the value LOL-who knows maybe you could start your own auction out in the parking lot!
Anonymous said…
To "Did anyone....This has never happened to me. I would have offered it to her for twice the value LOL-who knows maybe you could start your own auction out in the parking lot!
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Sorry..the years go buy so quick.

That Legal info I (Mr. Tricky Tray) posted for NJ came from email in Feb 2007...not 2006 as stated. Sorry for typo.

Mr. Tricky Tray
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
and "Buy" should be "by"....or maybe not..do we really "buy" another year in our lives :)
Anonymous said…
We couldn't decide between Sandshore School and Long Valley last week. Long Valley posted more information and prize items on this website, so we ended up going there. It really helps to list as much info. as you can. We heard a lot of good afterwards about Sandshore and might have gone there (the two schools are very close to each other) if they had more info. here or on their school website link. It's definitely worth updating the event listing when your tricky tray gets closer.
Anonymous said…
WE WENT TO "OUR LADY OF PEACE"/"FLY ME TO THE MOON" ON MARCH 30TH AT LAFFAIRE.
BASKETS WERE BEAUTIFUL "BUT" MANY WERE NOT WORTH $2.00 A TICKET!!!!!ALL THE BASKETS RANGED (SO THEY SAID) FROM 75.00 TO 500.00. REGARDLESS OF THE BASKET, EACH TICKET WAS THE PRICE OF $2.00!!!!!! VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE EVENING. THEY ALSO PROVIDED A DINNER OF EGGPLANT THAT THE WOMEN AT OUR TABLE SAID IT CAME FROM COSTCO AND WAS NOT COOKED PROPERLY. IT WAS STILL RAW.
THE MACARONI WAS DRY AND TASTELESS. HERE'S THE BEST PART OF THE NIGHT:
THEY CLAIM THIS IS THEIR 13TH YEAR.
THE CALLERS WERE CHANGED 3 TIMES.
FIRST WE HAD A WOMAN WHO SCREAMED IN THE MICROPHONE AND ANNOUNCED THAT THE EXTRA LITTLE COUPON ON YOUR TICKET SHEET THAT IS ATTACHED TO YOUR STUB WILL NOT BE VALID!!! IF IT IS PULLED,
THEY WILL NOT CONSIDER IT!
SHE DIDN'T LAST LONG, WE COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HER SHE SCREAMED SO LOUD.
THEN WE HAD THE FATHER, HE WAS MESSING UP THE NUMBERS EVERYONE WAS SCREAMING AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY ABSURD. HE ONLY LASTED 5 MINUTES. THE NEXT AND FINAL CALLER PROCEEDED TO CALL EACH NUMBER
5, 6 , 7, 8, AND YES EVEN 9 TIMES.
THAT SAME NUMBER OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!
PEOPLE WERE YELLING THAT THERE WAS A WINNER AND SHE STILL KEPT YELLING THE SAME NUMBER. SHE WAS YELLING THE NUMBER SO LOUD IN A CONSECUTIVE ORDER SHE COULDN'T HEAR ANYTHING ELSE. WE WILL DEFINITELY SCRATCH THIS ONE FROM OUR LIST!!!
Anonymous said…
Just wanted to say that Tricky Trays seem to be a great idea for a unique fundraiser. Judging by how many events are posted, it seems well received.

Maybe a few of the organizers at certain Tricky Tray events could benefit from a page of "how to" tips.

Keep up the good work!

Kimberly
Anonymous said…
We also went to the Our Lady of Peace Tricky Tray and partially agree with the posting above. The baskets were absolutely outstanding. I can honestly say that I did not see anything worth less than $75 and the majority were in the $150 - $300 range. Many, many were $300+ which is a bargain at $2.00 a ticket! The one price $2.00 ticket was what they had advertised so I don't know why you were surprised. No one forced you to put a ticket in a basket that you did not think merited that price and it was MUCH easier than trying to decipher 4-5 different ticket colors/prices. I don't know if it is their 13th year but I have gone to at least six of theirs. I will agree the eggplant was not good, but I have had very good meals there before so I don't know if the Tricky Tray organizers had control over what came out of the kitchen - they should note that they should NOT serve that entree again, especially at the price they charged for the dinner. I also have to agree with the comments on the callers, as I said I have been there before and the callers were the worse this time. I happen to know that the father is the pastor of the school and one of the other ladies was a nun. I am sure the organizers think they are honoring them by including them but they should think about their paying customers and find a decent caller. I would still go again because the baskets (which is the main reason I go) were so outstanding.
Anonymous said…
Has anyone ever been to the Stillwater TT coming up in April? If so, what are your thoughts on attending this years?

Thanks.
Anonymous said…
I also went to the TT given by the Order of Amaranth for Diabetes in Carteret on Saturday March 31st. I will never attend that one again. First of all the woman who could not keep up with the numbers missed a prize and got all upset and was given free 50/50 tickets. She won the 50/50, I too purchased a lot of tickets and I am able to keep up. This whole event seemed so fixed. The woman who won the grand prize which was a trip was the daughter-in law of one of the event coordinators who happend to be the person who picked her name. Before her name was even called she was already standing up ready to go claim her prize. This was for a good cause and they had a lot of nice prizes, but seemed to be very shady.
Anonymous said…
TT organizers should be up on all the rules,(or TT etticate) and they should be followed and announced (if applicable) before they start pulling tickets. Some of these are just suggestions. They are things that I and my friends like to see at a TT.

1.NO BENT TICKETS WILL BE PULLED.

2.NUMBERS WILL BE CALLED THREE TIMES ONLY, THEN A NEW TICKET WILL BE CALLED.

3.There need not be an entire discription of a basket, when calling, simple dispcription or basket number only. (helps move things along)

4.callers should not tell JOKES, CHAT WITH THE ATTENDEES OR MAKE RUDE COMMENTS ON THE BASKETS.

5.Levels should be clearly marked, so there is little if any confusion on which colored tickets go were. Levels should never run together. There should always be some sort of obvious division.

6.TT organizers should take a little time and fully understand a baskets value. (40.00 IPod on a grand table..no good).

7.Prices of tickets should be affordable to the attendees. Me personally will buy 30 or 40 dollars worth of tickets if Im getting a decent number of them. If they are 10 each or 5 each, Im only going to buy one. The goal of the tt is to make money...I think people will spend more money if you get more for your money.....only one ticket wins so why not sell as many as you can.

8.SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE THE TICKETS. DO NOT FLUFF. They should be taken out of the original container, put in a lidded container and SHAKEN.... We like are tikets shaken not stirred :)

9.Callers should NOT look in the basket when calling numbers.....
Anonymous said…
oh folks and number 10 should be...use only ONE color of tickets for each level...it cuts back on cheating and it irks most people when they have 2 diff colors
Anonymous said…
i agree with the above rules...
Anonymous said…
I love the one color rule. Yipee some good tt'ers out there.
Anonymous said…
I'm still lost as to why you think the Apple Ipod was worth $40.... any Apple Ipod on the market (unless it's used) is worth well over $125.
Anonymous said…
Not true....what it was was a shuffle and its the nanos that are expensive...go ck walmart...I may be off a bit but NO way is it worth 125.
Anonymous said…
Sorry my mistake...the shuffle which is what they had is worth 79.00 STILL NOT WORTH being on the biggest prize table. It is the nano that is worth a grand prize status.
Anonymous said…
A shuffle is about 60 bucks and a shuffle clip is 79. I'd love to win a video ipod. Still trying.......(makes me crazy to think I could have bought a bunch of them with what i've spent over the year. But it's the chase that's so fun and makes me sooooo happy....
Anonymous said…
what a dull weekend no tricky trays.
Anonymous said…
Anyone ever go to the Lafayette tt at the Walkill HS? I will be is the area that weekend (April 27)? Is it worth our time?
Anonymous said…
Does anyone have any kind of a checklist for tricky tray organizers? We are organizing one to benefit the American Heart Association and would appreciate some guidance. We are located in Walden, NY which is in the Hudson Valley. You can e-mail me at ssl@jacobowitz.com with any tips.
Anonymous said…
The Paradise Knoll PTA is hosting the "A Night in Monte Carlo" Tricky Tray on April 26th at the Regency House in Pompton Plains. The $30 ticket includes dinner and a sheet of regulars. 973-697-1711 for tickets. We're working hard preparing and hope to provide a great time to those who support us. ;) Thanks
Anonymous said…
i was at the lafayette tricky tray once...dont remember much about it it was a few years ago and the only reason i havent gone to it in recent years was conflicts with scheduling and stuff but when i went i think it was pretty good...sandyston one last year was great tho...i will be going to that one definitely. Its the same night but it was great kast year so i am going to go again :)
Anonymous said…
I went to the Lafayette one for the past 3 years and I have to say it's very professional. Lots of trays but the caller moved it along pretty fast. They have a very large 50-50 raffle also. The trays are wrapped very nicely and the quality of the items are great. The trays are in the hallway and cafeteria and the calling is done in the auditorium which has comfortable seats. I along with alot of others who attend tricky trays quite often say it is worth the trip from all around and definitely one of the best in Sussex County.
Anonymous said…
Great list of rules for tricky trays. Bent tickets is cheating and only cheaters complain about the tickets being disqualified. I think the stir or shake question deserves a 'it depends answer'. Shaking is only effective if the container is big enough to give the tickets space to move around in. Otherwise they pack in and the whole lot stays pretty much in order as its flung to the top and then the sides. Make everyone happy with the tickets being well shaken and then give them a stir before the winning ticket is selected.
It's painfull to watch the bags being emptied the same way and the caller always picking out tickets from either the bottom or top of the pile.
Anonymous said…
By looking at this website sounds like the lafayette tt at wallkill hs is the place to be on the 27th. Lots of good prizes listed. Ive been there before and will go again this year. This group always does a great job, great trays, great values, really big supers. They also dont stand for bent tickets, Ive seen the signs posted there saying so. Calling goes quickly, lots of free goodies to snack on. Last year they had a georgous patio set (I didnt win it!)Ill see you all there!
Anonymous said…
Has anyone else gone to the JFK tricky tray in Iselin on saturday night? It was GREAT. Definitely one of the BEST we have ever been to. The baskets were different price levels but very affordable and beautiful and alot of the prizes were double and triple baskets and prizes. It was unbelievable.This one goes on our list for next year.
Anonymous said…
Has anyone ever gone to Noah's Ark TT in past years? If so, is it worth spending the time and $$?
Anonymous said…
I went to Noah's Ark last year. As I recall, there were a good number of prizes (250+) and tickets were well matched to the value of the prizes. It was quite crowded, though. Not the best tricky tray I've been too, but certainly not the worst. I would consider it average. Look through the blogs from this time last year - I'm sure you will find additional comments there.
Anonymous said…
I went to the Roosevelt School tricky tray in Lodi on Sat 4/14, it was one of the absolute worst! Doors opened at 6:30, line was like 30 min to buy tickets, too many levels. Were supposed to start calling at 7:30 didn't start until after 8:30 because we had to wait for the people who worked there to put in there tickets. In the meantime they had this black guy who thought he was a comedian doing stand up telling way off-color racist jokes. This was not the place for that. Calling was horrible because he started and was making a racist comment about everything then some other guy took over. We didn't get out of there until midnight. It was so poorly run with I think only 2 people in charge, seating was right on top of each other so there was no room for the runners. On top of all that they had people at the tables picking the winning tickets then the kids, which is illegal but also took extra long. There were prizes on the XL table that belonged on the small. Overall, it was terrible and totally not a place for just racist jokes.
Anonymous said…
Sounds liek Imus was at the Roosevelt tricky tray!!LOL
Anonymous said…
Hi,
I am organizing a TT now and would love some input on pricing...we have entry $12.00 with 3 level 1 sheets...We have 3 more levels price ranges 50-75, 75-149 and 150 and up...Suggestions please?
Price for 50/50 as well?
Thank you!!
Anonymous said…
I am one of the organizers for the Green Twp. PTA Tricky Tray this Saturday April 21st. We've been on this site for the last 2 years so I'm a little bummed not to get any comments about us. We have 4 levels of prizes: $25 to $75, $76 to $125, $126 to $200 and over $200. Ticket prices are: $4 per sheet, 2nd level 2 for $1, 3rd level 6 for $5 and 4th level for $5. We have over 270 trays this year including Grand Raffle prizes: 42-inch LCD flat panel TV, $1500 VISA gift card, $1200 Cape May Weekend. Those tickets are $5 each with the chance to win all 3. In the other levels we have a grill, 5 pc. patio bar set, 3 person canopy swing, golf outings, luggage, fire pit, air hockey table, ping pong table, iPod nano, lots of gift certificates, plus mystery prizes. No one knows what they are but take a chance and help the Fire Department and Rescue Squad. New this year: win everything basket. A ticket will be put into each of the 1st level prizes and the stubs will be awarded as the first basket. You could win it all!! Our 50/50 tickets are 10 for $5 and usually nets the winner around $1000. We have tables for your comfort, complimentary coffee and tea plus sandwiches, salads and desserts sold by our 7th Grade class for their 8th grade trip. I've taken a lot of suggestions from this blog and strive to run a clean operation. No bent tickets! Give us a try, I hope you won't be disappointed!
Anonymous said…
Hi Green Twp. I went last year, loved it and a bunch of friends and I are coming back Saturday night. I was really impressed with your specials and the way they were themed. Glad to hear you keep updated with the forum here. Even if I don't win, it's easier to go home with a smile when I know everything's been done fairly. See you Saturday!
Anonymous said…
Thought I'd post a sampling of prizes/donors for the May 31 Bergen County Players TT in Garfield: Adagio Teas, a NJ sightseeing flight for 2 people, dance lessons, MP3 player, art lessons & supplies, Waterford Vase, theater tickets, comedy club passes, Bed Bath & Beyond, several adult & child costumes, IKEA, handcrafted quilts, florists, lots of restaurants, gold, silver, and costume jewelry, limited edition art, Dunkin Donuts, electronic appliances, The Melting Pot, face painting for a party, framing, Goodman's Hardware, lots of the area sports teams, salons & cosmetics, hayride tickets, leather briefcase, Bill Blass Watch, collectible doll, books, CDs & DVDs, actor-autographed items, The Joker's Child, Tennyson Dollhouse Kit, Sopranos gift basket, Thomas Kincade items, Picnic baskets, Medieval Times, a massage, Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Store, The Body Shop, Planet Beach Tanning & Spa, Pleasurable Piercing, Rishi Teas, Shutterfly.com, Silk City Tattoos, SimplicityGiftBaskets.com, personal training, Treasure Trove Consignment Shop, toys, games, puzzles, Wooden Duck Inn, World Gym. For more info & tickets, check the TT events section! NO BENT TICKETS!
Anonymous said…
Went to the St. John the Apostle spring tricky tray in Clark last night and it was pretty good. Prizes were good and the people running it did a great job.

I also want to thank all the nice people around my table for all the fun we had. Will have to go back again..

"TRICKY TRAY TONY"
Anonymous said…
I went to the Reverend Brown TT in Sparta, held at the Pop John High School, last night......

...I WILL NEVER GO AGAIN....

People who run tt's need to get the help and advise of people who frequent tt's......it would make for a much better experience then the one I had last night. (i'm not the only one who felt this way, as others were complaining also).

The CALLER, who was the schools principle....was aweful. JUST CALL THE NUMBERS PLEASE....NO JOKES, NO RUDE COMMENTS. NO COMEDY ACTS. It took from 8, maybe 8:15 till 11:00 for him to call all the baskets...they did have nice baskets and quite a few....but easily could have had them done in under 2 hrs.

SHAKE, SHAKE SHAKE the tickets...dont just put them into a bowl and flip flop them back and forth. They need to be put in a large, container with a lid and it needs to be shaken up...

It looked to me like they had never done this before. They were so unorginized...as far as the calling of the tickets went....
I could go on about that for another hour, but ill spare you...

just know this THE CALLER STUNK! AND I WILL NOT GO BACK!
Anonymous said…
This is to the person who posted on 4/21/07 at 6:27AM regarding the Reverend Brown TT. Please read what you've written and correct your grammar and spelling before you submit comments to this blog. The extensive errors detract from the valid points you were trying to make.
Anonymous said…
So I read this site often....and try and take away from it the things that seem to be most important to everyone and implement them into my tricky tray. So I was shocked when at my tricky tray last night I got yelled at by not one but THREE small groups of women (at seperate times) who AFTER placing all their tickets decided to read the cover sheet on the prize brochure which contained the rules for our event - one of them being "no bent tickets will be pulled". Am I misreading what I see on this site? Do you not speak for the masses or only the small group who post here? Shold I have posted these rules differently? We had a real nice event - good people, nice prizes (more baskets than people)but that was overshadowed by a few groups who made a stink about this rule that I thought was "tricky tray 101".
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