About That Tricky Tray.. I Just Want To Say_Chapter 17 (Closed)

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

Comments

Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Spring Has Sprung ... So it was also time for a new Tricky Tray Blog Chapter. Keep the feedback and comments coming!
March 30, 2014 11:17 AM
Anonymous said…
I went to the St. John's Academy, Hillsdale Tricky Tray at the Rockleigh County Club on March 26. What an amazing event! Everything was like clockwork, very organized and very helpful and friendly organizers. There is only one thing I have to comment on, there were 525 prizes (which were all top notch) and about 650 people. It was disappointing that the ratio was that far off. Automatically 125 people weren't going to win anything. While I was leaving the event more then half the people walked out with nothing and the others had multiple prizes. If you are going to have that many people there must be at least 25 more prizes then people, it gives them a good chance of winning something. You also want those BIG spenders to come back next year. I happen to be a lucky one who won something, but I spent $300 in order to do that. I am involved with my organization's tricky tray and we make sure we have 50 more prizes then people. 95% of the attendees leave with a prize. For those 5% that don't, we have consolation prizes. Now 100% go home with something. I will go back next year because itis a great event, however I will not spend so much on tickets. Please think about either getting more prizes or less guests. Thanks! And keep up the great work! We appreciate it!
March 30, 2014 12:14 PM
Anonymous said…
Before I attend any tricky tray I contact the organizers and ask how many attendees and how many prizes. If amount is not equal I will not attend.
I also am an organizer for our TT. We always make sure to have an equal number of baskets if not a few more.
March 31, 2014 9:04 AM
Anonymous said…
I am so happy I found this blog. I am on the committee for door prizes and could sure use some advice. Just a little background although I have done tricky tray events in the past and agree with the ratio. The current event that I'm working on is a bit different. Its a school graduation party 10-2am. We get local businesses to donate as well as fundraise for this event/prizes. We are expecting an attendance of 250 graduated high school seniors with about 200 prizes so far not all seniors will wait for the drawing s. So as the Seniors sign in they will get 20 tickets to drop in the boxes in front of the desired prize they chose. Should the tickets be personalized with student name? Is 20 too many since we are adding the disclaimer only 1 prize per student? Please Help!
Thanks
April 03, 2014 6:48 PM
Anonymous said…
It's very hard to make sure there is only one prize per student because if there is a repeated winner, the ticket must be discarded and a new ticket called. This can go on for a while. What if there is only one ticket per student (with their name on it) and one prize bucket. For prize number 1 pull a ticket, prize number 2 pull another ticket from the same prize bucket, etc. They will not have a choice of which prize they win. So it goes back to being a traditional Door Prize raffle. This will ensure that each person gets one prize. After the raffle there can be a prize trade like "Let's make a Deal". Hope that helps.
April 04, 2014 10:14 AM
Anonymous said…
In reply to "It's very hard to make sure there is only one prize..."

I think your idea would be a great solution to this organizer's event!
April 04, 2014 10:30 AM
Anonymous said…
Is there anything in the gaming rules about different prices? The idea of offering 'advance tickets at reduced prices' but only letting the sponsoring group in on how to get them. It seems biased and unfair when the volunteers are given sheets of tickets for donating prizes, for working as runners, as bringing in baked goods, and then of course reduced rate tickets.

Currently there is a trend to charge admission and the price goes up right along with ticket prices while the number of prizes and value of the trays go down. Just wondering as unfortunately those advance tickets tend to be leftovers from the year before and while sort of the same color, they can be distinguished from what is sold at the door to those people who are not the workers. Just wondering - how others feel on this subject. I run into more and more people who used to go, used to post here a lot, used to enjoy supporting the local schools, churchs and volunteer efforts. And those people say the prices have been pushed to the point, it is not an enjoyable evening. The last events I went to were not sell outs, again wondering if this has been any one else's experience. The Ryan Dolan event always sells out and strictly limits the number of people in the door. Other events do not have the same reputation
April 13, 2014 4:31 PM
Anonymous said…
Did anyone attend the Tricky Tray event last year at Robert Morris school in South Bound Brook? I heard it was their first one and was pretty good. I was thinking of going this year.
April 15, 2014 10:28 AM
Anonymous said…
Recently attended the Tricky Tray at in Wantage. I have to say, this was one of the most chaotic tricky trays I have ever attended. Certain people would sell the "bundles" that were advertised on this website, other workers would not. Some of the volunteers had very poor people skills while others ran around crazy trying to accomodate guests. The gentleman calling the numbers was making several mistakes in the numbers, reversing order of the ticket numbers and became quite obnoxious as the evening went on. They didnt start calling until well after 8pm, when the website stated 7:30p calling. Will not return.
April 16, 2014 1:38 PM
Anonymous said…
Robert Morris School is having their 2nd annual TT on Friday May 16th. It is advertised here on this Tricky Tray site. For their first shot last year prizes were ok but this was the most organized tricky tray I have ever been too. They did an excellent job and I plan on going again this year.
April 19, 2014 1:54 PM
fohagal said…
I am curious what the term "well organized" means to Tricky Tray attendees. I have been to several Tricky Trays and wouldn't say any of them were disorganized. Some are organized differently in that one may call every prize, and another ran lower level silently, while another distributed lower level prizes on a sheet.
Since I am going to be helping organize a tricky tray shortly, I would appreciate the input. Thanks
April 24, 2014 2:51 PM
Anonymous said…
I consider well organized to be the following: There is a good entry system where if people are picking up or purchasing tickets at the door the line flows quick and easy to get everyone inside. Prizes are spread out where it's easy for people to move around and drop tickets without everyone being elbow-to-elbow or jammed up in lines. Table levels are clearly marked, i.e. if level 1 tickets are blue the tablecloth is blue with (maybe) blue balloons so people don't drop the wrong level tickets in. The number calling starts on time and moves quickly. Most TTs have programs so it is not necessary to read out the prize description; just say the prize number and then call out the winning ticket number. There should be a good prize to attendee ratio, i.e. if your cap is 300ppl you should have at least 250 or more prizes. That's my two cents :-)
April 26, 2014 1:39 PM
Anonymous said…
Went to the Knights of Columbus in Belleville at St. Peter's School last night, and thought my head was going to explode! This was run by the members, and the caller actually said we were going to take an 8 minute break following the end of the first round of gifts, so he could go smoke a cigar. When attendees began to protest, he actually said we had three choices, and all were tied to the length of time it takes him to smoke any one of three cigars he had with him. Unbelievable! Then another member literally screamed throughout the entire night. I thought perhaps he was ill, because it was scary when he would make an outburst out of nowhere...it was startling. Another woman told me he does this all the time...it's his thing. Well, to all organizers, there is no reason to interrupt the program if you need to take a break. Let someone else call the next set of numbers. This is not 'your' night, and honestly, anyone of the several guys up there with you could have called until you had your smoke. Our group spent heavily and won, but we are not attending this one anymore.
April 27, 2014 11:22 AM
Anonymous said…
My friend and I attended the Animal Rescue Force (ARF) tricky tray in East Brunswick last night at the high school. This was one of THE BEST tricky trays I've ever been too. I knew their cap was 400ppl but it didn't seem like that much as there were plenty of people and no crowding dropping tickets (except for, of course the "browsers" and those who don't rip their tickets at the table). Prices were cheap and prizes good; $5 admission with 1 sheet level 1 prizes and additional level 1 sheets were only $2. There were 4 main levels of prizes totalling 505 so everyone had a fair shot of winning more than once. There was a long line to get in but once the doors opened everyone got in fast. They started on time and the caller was super fast and efficient. As the cafeteria was huge there were volunteers stationed all over the place to alert the caller when there was a winner in their area. Surprisingly people were paying attention to their numbers and prizes claimed fast so this helped speed things along. I will go next year without a doubt!
April 27, 2014 11:51 AM
Anonymous said…
Here is my one wish for tricky tray ads: I wish more organizers would list 1). the cap on attendees 2). the approximate no. of prizes they will have 3). ticket prices for each tier. It doesn't have to be exact, i.e. tickets capped at 300 people and we will have over 250 prizes. When I go to a tricky tray I like to stick to a budget and want to know how much ticket sheets per tier will cost. Yes, if they are too high I'm not going to attend. As far as prizes vs. attendee ratio, if it's a charity I want to support I'll go regardless. I always find myself emailing the organizer for this info when it's easy enough for them to list everything out in the tricky tray ad. People are still going to attend the event and it seems most tricky trays always get sold out.
April 28, 2014 10:50 AM
Anonymous said…
What type of license do you need for a gift basket auction/tricky tray or do you need one? Thanks for any help
April 30, 2014 2:33 PM
Anonymous said…
Went to the Roxbury Softball event which had a lot of chaos. In relation to what an organized tricky tray should be: Know what your attendance limit is and count your volunteers and the guests as they pay the entrance fee. Do not run around an overly crowded room trying to do a headcount. That is way too late and is against firelaws!

Also, when you have an obvious traffic jam because of poor prize table layout, take charge an do something about it. Do not wait until 5 min before you are to start drawing prizes to announce that draw will be delayed beecause people have not dropped all their tickets yet. There must of been 50 people in line outside the room who had yet to get near the actual prizes. That was caused primarily because another 50 people refused to get in line and went around multiple times jumping infront of people at will and then staning and talking while the line went out the door. It does work to place volunteers who repeat over and over - get in line, go only in one direction

Unfortunately many of the events at Roxbury have the same crowded prize area because of how they the tables are positioned.
May 02, 2014 3:42 PM
Anonymous said…
Hello everyone, I'm writing on behalf of Robert Morris School in South Bound Brook. We posted our event on the site and I just wanted to let you know we updated our prizes today.
Some of the prizes are an overnight stay & Dinner for 2 at Ceasars Atlantic City, Disney Park Hopper passes, Sony Play Station 4, NY Yankee tickets vs. Boston Red Sox, outdoor fire pit, outdoor furniture,Private car ride to NYC for 2 and 2 tickets to Broadway Play, gas grill, Coach items, Vera Bradley, Kayak, Baby Items, Keurig, 3 night stay at Atlantis Casino Resort (Reno), Vermont Teddy Bear,Longaberger, Beats by Dr. Dre, Comedy Club tickets, Golf foursomes, 2 night stay at Great Wolf Lodge, luggage, boys & girls bikes, TONS of gift certificates, 50/50, lottery apron and Much Much More!
We sold out last year.
May 02, 2014 4:34 PM
Anonymous said…
At the Robert Morris TT what is the max number of attendees you will have and about how many prizes will you have?
May 03, 2014 11:28 AM
Anonymous said…
With regards to the Robert Morris TT, we are limiting to 300 people and will have between 275 - 300 baskets.

Any questions you can contact us at pto@rmschool.com
May 04, 2014 6:23 PM
Anonymous said…
Good job South River class of 2015! Their event was kind of a cross between an auction and a tricky tray.
May 05, 2014 8:00 AM
Tara said…
Note to all:

iExcel Organization's Tricky Tray at The Ukrainian Center in Whippany, NJ is now June 29th (not June 1st)

See our ad for prizes we have secured... more to follow!
May 08, 2014 7:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Only 38 seats left for Friday's Tricky Tray event at Robert Morris School in South Bound Brook. If you plan on attending, please have your pre-order form and admission to the main office (8-4pm)of the school by Thursday to guarantee a seat.
Any questions, please send them to pto@rmschool.com
May 12, 2014 1:59 PM
Anonymous said…
Let me start by saying I love Tricky Trays and attend at least 5 or 6 a year. The new thing at the last 3 I attended is to call names instead of numbers (you have to put your name on the tickets). Though I understand that this makes the calling go much more quickly as oppossed to numbers, I feel it is way too easy for people to cheat. If you are running a tricky tray and people's names are written on the tickets, then the person pulling the ticket should not be able to see into the bowl of tickets. Please put the bowl of tickets they are calling from above the eyesite of the person pulling the ticket. Also, face the people, when people have their back against the audience and you can see into the bowl, and people who help run that Tricky Tray win some of the big prizes - of course people are going to believe it is not on the up and up.
May 13, 2014 2:57 PM
Anonymous said…
I'm happy to announce that the Robert Morris School in South Bound Brook is SOLD OUT!!!

Thank you to everyone who will be attending tomorrow nights event and supporting a great school!

"One School, One Community"
May 15, 2014 8:42 AM
Anonymous said…
Attended the St. Joseph school tricky tray on May 17 in East Orange. I must say the prizes were beautifully done & there were only two levels, but the calling stunk. You cant be the ticket puller, the caller, plus running around trying to find your friends seats in the middle of calling. There's no reason why it should take 45 minutes to call 29 prizes when there was only 102 prizes. It was a Motown theme so the prizes were given Motown names & with every prizes came the singing of the song which the prize was categorized. Also the caller somewhat entertaining had to tell everyone if the basket was won by you, what she wanted out of the basket. It was just to long & drawn out & I doubt if I will attended next yr.
May 28, 2014 10:47 AM
Anonymous said…
Attended the Kennedy Elementary School PTA tricky tray on May 30. Overall was a good event, however if the committee intends to have one next year, I have a few thoughts for them to ponder over: -Doors need to open on time, not almost 20 minutes late, this only made the event go on even longer than it should have. -Way too many level one baskets. Think about combining to make larger baskets, thus making more $$. -Selling warm water & soda was a let down. -On a positive note, the callers did a good job in only stating the basket #, thus keeping a steady flow.
June 03, 2014 4:00 PM
Anonymous said…
Here's another thought for various committees to ponder. When an event has a posted start time, you absolutely can set up a table and sort out prepaid pickup of tickets, sell entry tickets and packages of tickets in advance of the doors opening. Most events have roving ticket sellers selling additional sheets of tickets as you go down the line of regular prizes. These same ticket sellers can go up and down the line of people waiting for the doors to open.
The best events have an efficient method of getting people inside and buying tickets once the doors open. The worst events (regardless of how good the prizes are) is where you are standing in a long line in the heat/rain/cold. And when the doors open you find tables with 3 or 4 volunteers staring at you. Only the slowest one sells the admission ticket. Another takes your money while the third watches. Everyone in line has to deal with this one volunteer who has no idea how much 2 or 3 or 4 admission tickets in a group would end up costing. Finally when you get your admission ticket, you step to another table where you are in line to purchase from one person extra sheets. All these lines are colocated in a tiny space.
The reality is people spend way too much time trying to give you their money. If you put thought to effeciently getting people in to drop tickets, they will have more time to purchase additional tickets. Also your event will not frustrate your guests.
June 16, 2014 4:42 PM
Anonymous said…
The Girl-Is-Good GIG Foundation Inc. Tricky Tray on June 20th @ The Knights of Columbus: In addition to the Vacation and Flat TV raffles, we will also be raffling off a mini refrigerator (Great for college dorms). Email us for tickets only a few left fundraising@thegigfoundation.org or call 201-841-7247
June 16, 2014 4:59 PM
Anonymous said…
The GIG foundation post did not have any location or timing information included.

It's an excellent idea to have people out front sorting out presale tickets, selling other tickets and basically having the line ready to walk in the door and start dropping tickets at start time.
June 21, 2014 5:40 PM
Anonymous said…
I'm interested in know what everyone's opinion is on using air horns at tricky trays. I'm fine with clappers, bells, light up wands etc. but I find the air horns to be just highly obnoxious and annoying. What makes it worse is that people who tend to win multiple times are the ones who always seem to have the air horns. I think they should be banned.
June 26, 2014 1:27 PM
Anonymous said…
I've been at events that told people to stop blowing referee whistles to claim wins. Not many brought them but it became a competition who could blow the shrillest and longest to announce their win. It was really annoying

I've never been at an event where airhorns were in use. They are loud to the point of dangerous for people nearby. Please - events should step in and tell them it has to stop



June 27, 2014 7:28 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended Joey Bella and there was the most beautiful rainbow in the sky before the calling started. A bit of rain but the ground under the tent was dry and the prizes were great. Kudos to all the volunteers who set up and prepared during the stormy afternoon. The evening was great - There was a printed prize list and calling was efficient.
July 04, 2014 7:59 PM
Anonymous said…
Is anyone going to the 4H tricky tray at Chubb Park ... 19 July? You can see the prizes and drop tickets about 4. They have a scheduled time for drawing but sometimes fair events put it off. FRI night they have fireworks
July 18, 2014 2:43 PM
Anonymous said…
Where are you finding other tricky trays to go to? I am scanning local papers, and there seem to be some listed that don't post to this site. Appreciate some feedback.
August 02, 2014 12:44 PM
Chris said…
Hi Tricky Tray Lovers,

The Hudson County Animal League is have a Matinee Tricky Tray on Saturday, October 4, 2014 - at the Heart of Jesus Polish National Catholic Church at 290 Avenue E at 23rd St. Bayonne. Out post shows that the event will start at 2 PM - because of an event before us - the time of the Event has changed to 2:30 PM with the doors opening NO EARLIER THAN 2:00 PM. - ALSO Please note: Cheryl's phone number is incorrect - the correct number for Cheryl is 201-332-7612. Thank you for your support. Hope to see you there. Chris, Cheryl and Maureen and Lorma
September 12, 2014 5:43 PM
Anonymous said…
Just found out that one of the organizers from the Roxbury Softball Tricky Tray will be assisting with the Centenary College Tricky Tray -- that is great news! Roxbury Softball always has great prizes and the people that run it are super helpful as well as very efficient. I disagree with the above comments - Roxbury's is well run - Just dumb people who did not follow the existing line! I would never not go to a tricky tray due to a line especially when Roxbury gets you out in a hurry and does not have delays in calling. Looking forward to going to the Centenary one this year it will be on Saturday, November 8, 2014.
September 15, 2014 10:25 AM
Anonymous said…
I am one that doesn't like when they make you put your name on the ticket. It takes away the fun of hearing your numbers! I also have been to some where they don't call the numbers and just bring the prizes to the table. Again takes away the fun! If they want to save time they should use the tickets where you hold onto 1 big ticket and put the little ones in the bags. This way you don't have to look through so many tickets to see if you have won.
September 18, 2014 10:47 AM
Anonymous said…
If you put off getting your St Jude entry ticket (Budd Lake), the time is now. They are very close to being sold out.
September 21, 2014 4:06 PM
KathyH said…
When I attend a TT, and if it is a good one, I buy lots of tickets. Hopefully most basket levels have sheets of tickets. If they call names instead of numbers that means I have to write my name on 25 little stubs for each sheet I buy. That takes a lot of time. And might take so much time that I can only buy a few sheets. Having them write names on tickets makes no sense to me whatsoever.
October 01, 2014 1:35 PM
Anonymous said…
Very few events have names written on tickets. It opens the door for the drawer to recognize and draw familiar names.
October 03, 2014 12:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Just back from the Pet Adoption League Tricky Tray - great baskets, well run - they really know how to put on a TT. Ran a little late, but overall a good evening.
October 04, 2014 12:31 AM
Unknown said…
I am so glad I found this site because everyone is helping me organize my first tricky tray. It seems that I was given some misinformation. We are raising funds for our annual holiday toy drive where we provide Christmas for 100 families-we are also providing 100 care essential packages for the homeless population. I was advised since its a charity, charge a $20 cover and include level 1 tier tickets. We have 3 tiers and a cap on the number of attendees. Our ticket prices will be $3 small tickets for $5, 2 medium tickets for $10 and 1 ticket for the grand prizes. Our liquor baskets will be 1 for $3 or 2 for $5. We were told to have at least 100 prizes for 250 people. Our cheapest prize is $25-what should I do to make this a more attractive event? We have great and diverse prizes already and are still accumulating. HELP!
October 08, 2014 1:13 PM
Anonymous said…
To Nicole Simpson,

Not sure where you received your information from, but I attend lots of tricky trays yearly. The price for the entrance is to high. Your tickets prices are too high & you should have more prizes the attendees. The entrance should be $10-$15 with the lower level tier sheet. You should have value packs consisting of all level of tiers except the grand prize at a discounted rate with some type of savings. Also where & when will your tricky tray be located. Also if this is holiday toy drive you can have your attendees bring in a toy for a special drawing. I hope this was helpful to you.
October 09, 2014 9:52 AM
julie lehmann NJCHERRYGIRL said…
Hi all! I am attending the Golden Knights Cheerleaders TT tonight at Prince Alberts in Fords NJ- would love to see some of my favorite TT dot comers there! Anyone going? It's me Julie - NJCHERRY - Rock Around the Clock, Over the Rainbow and Triple Crown Tricky Tray Mamma!!!
October 09, 2014 2:10 PM
Anonymous said…
At least in NJ--you have to be a charity and registered 501(c)3 to get a permit to run a tricky tray which is a gambling event...the usual consensus is that you should have about 1 prize per person...if you expect 250 people...you need to have at about 250 prize baskets (from all levels) or more....the prices for your higher levels depends on the value of the prizes..

How much are the lower tier extra tickets? is the price range is as low as $25, I would not charge more than $2 for a sheet of 25-26 tickets.

If you have not been to a tricky tray yourself...you need to go to one as an attendee.

$20 is a higher end admission price...
October 12, 2014 11:50 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended the tricky tray at the Manville VFW Hall this past weekend. One of the worst tricky trays I ever attended. The basket prizes were awful. Mostly old, donated items, like those found in someone's basement. And most of the winner's were the workers. Won't attend again.
October 20, 2014 11:48 PM
Sandra A said…
Cranford Alliance Church is holding a TT (our 1st ever) to benefit a young mother of 2yr old twin girls who has Stag4 Metastatic breast cancer and all traditional therapies have failed. She now wants to try alternative therapies that are not covered by insurance. The Tricky Tray will be Sunday, Nov 23rd from 3-6pm at the Kenilworth VFW on South 20th Street. You can call the church for tickets at (908) 276-1617. I'm grateful I found this blog. I am getting so many good ideas. If any of you have a Checklist for beginners, please let me know. We want to raise as much as we can for her but we are novices at this. You can check on her at: facebook.com/supportForSusana. She was a teacher in Elizabeth and her husband is also. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much, Sandra Ashton
November 02, 2014 11:06 AM
Sandra A said…
Another question: What prizes are in the best baskets? Level 1 for instance? Next Level up? Do you think people want fancy, elaborate prizes or things that are more practical? I made a basket to donate - It's a Laundry basket with the Swiffer Wet Jet, a package of 3 rolls of paper towels, 4 bottles of cleaners (Fantastic, Scrubbing bubbles, etc.), good quality micro-fiber cloths, sponges, Dawn Dish Detergent and some dusting cloths. I showed several of my neighbors and they loved it. Is that tacky? Please forgive me for all the questions...I'm really trying to just make this as successful as possible. Again - it's facebook.com/SupportForSusana, Nov 23, 3pm VFW Kenilworth, (908) 276-1617. THANKS SO MUCH for advice (especially on what would be a good basket and what level)
November 02, 2014 11:26 AM
Anonymous said…
I think your basket sounds awesome!
November 02, 2014 1:55 PM
Anonymous said…
Sandra..this blog is great but did not see your event on the main website...TrickyTray.com
Don't miss out on a great advertising opportunity that is free.
November 03, 2014 7:04 AM
Sandra A said…
Thank you anonymous! I was just trying to think of something that would 'free up' money that someone would have to spend money on anyway, but now that they have this stuff, they have some free money to go buy what they'd really like.

I'm so nervous about our TT. I just want it to run smoothly, everyone to have a good time and raise money for this sick woman. I wasn't aware that we should have the same number of prizes as attendees. I don't even know how many tickets have been sold to date (I believe there are 250-300 available)and I think we were aiming for 150 baskets. Now I see we must hurry and get more baskets. As I said earlier, this is our 1st time. I don't have many other ideas to come up with that many more baskets. My main idea was to try to get as many gift cards as possible to fill in the baskets (for instance, I made a smaller basket with a 'throw' type blanket, a nice small teapot, an eye/gel mask, and some tea. I plan to add a nice big mug and was hoping to get a Barnes & Noble Gift Card and have a Cozy basket to rest/read.)

Do all baskets have to be a theme?

Do you have any suggestions on how we can make this successful?

AGAIN: It's "SUPPORT for SUSANA" on Sunday, Nov 23rd, 3pm at the Kenilworth VFW, given by the Cranford Alliance Church (908) 276-1617. Please come out and support Susana. Her cancer is Stage 4, metastatic, and chemo and radiation have failed. She is trying to get alternative treatments but these are not covered by insurance, thus, the Tricky Tray. Check out her page at facebook.com/SupportForSusana
November 04, 2014 11:16 AM
Anonymous said…
went to St Leo's in Elmwood Park last weekend, anyone else go? mostly very good to great, great prizes, just about the best ticket caller I've heard, great system where he went around the room where the prizes were laid out in the gym and used a wireless mic, had two people with very large buckets, taking turns with mixing tickets from prize to prize. very crowded, the gym was filled. they only had one table selling prize tickets and the line to buy tickets overlapped with the line to put them in the containers. they should have sold tickets in 2 or 3 locations. Also, they put too many prizes into the corners which back the lines up, they started calling before we were able to drop all our lower level tix. Packages were odd, high dollar pack had no lower level tickets and $10 per sheet is too much for lower level, with well over 200 lower level, they should be 3 for $10 or $15 at most.
we may go again, we won a grand prize, so that was awesome.
November 12, 2014 3:52 PM
Sandra A said…
Really need a quick answer. As we prepare for our 1st Tricky Tray, we are overwhelmed. One of the committee leaders now wants to do ALL prizes at ONE level! That means $50 baskets and $200 baskets will all be the same tier ticket. They are saying using two tiers (plus the grand 7 prizes) is too complicated. I just don't feel that is right. What do you think? Should we use one tier only? (would be $5 or $8 a sheet I believe) or should we stick with the 2 levels (plus grand) that we originally planned. We need to know soon because we need to order the tickets really soon. THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE, Sandra A.
November 13, 2014 9:15 AM
Anonymous said…
You're right Sandra. No one does one level. All prizes would have to be about equal. You'd have to combine the $50 baskets. Then you'll have less prizes. Advise that person to go to a tricky tray to get an idea.
November 14, 2014 11:16 AM
Anonymous said…
Went to the Woodbridge HS marching band tricky tray last night. Not bad for a first event. Just the right amount of prizes. I would just skip the dinner and charge less money.
November 14, 2014 11:18 AM
Anonymous said…
Went to Tricky Tray last night for Little Falls PTA. Now, my sister and I attend these advents often, we spend a good amount of money, and yes we do win a lot!!! BUT!!!! last night was the worse event we have ever been to! They did a "SILENT AUCTION" in which no one was aware of. Okay, now that said, we found it quite strange that the people running the event won A LEAST 25 TIMES! Five in a roll! Very questionable when you have anything of value and the same "group" wins!!! When the large prizes were drawn they won twice, okay no problem with that. BUT REALLY? Any thing from "Frozen" they won! The tickets were over the top as usual. When it came to the 50/50 they ran out of tickets and started to sell another color ticket. Okay, you say no problem with that, and I agree.... BUT!!! did I fail to mention the tickets were a different size??? People did complain and IF you purchased a "different" size ticket you were able to get your money back and only on the smaller sized ticket not the large. The man that pulled the ticket had to pull twice because it was said he pulled two tickets at once. They never put the first tickets back that he pulled. As he looking at the barrel that is holding the tickets he pulls another ticket! And yes one of their friends won! Could this happen? Yes, but we see it as quite strange. My sister and I will not be going back, we did go last year and had a GREAT TIME, different people running it. Oh and before anyone thinks I may be a "SORE LOSER" I did win three times, my sister won once. Just feel this was very poorly done,and almost a buyer beware event!
November 14, 2014 12:46 PM
Anonymous said…
Re previous comment: A silent auction goes to the last bid, which shoul be the highest bid for an item. If some group won 25 times there would not be anything random about it they just put in top bids.
On the order of silent auctions, it used to be they weren't listed on TT.com. The Denville Community Church event last week had several people attending that came because it was listed here on tricky tray.com. Even though silent auction was put in the writeup, the mistaken assumption was it would have a trickytray in there somewhere. ARV's of prizes were pretty high which put the minimum bids fairly high. There were a fair number of prizes that no one had felt worthy of meeting the stated minimum bid. Asking around workers either said they didn't know but we found 3 who gave the same story. Those prizes with no bids were put to the side and next sunday after church, the congregation only could put bids on them with without any minimum bid required. hmmm
Could I suggest they should not be listed on tricky tray.com? There were 6 cars of attendees that were mislead. We all left within an hour after it was apparent, those baskets people were bidding on were pushing up to full retail. For that much money, I'd rather go purchase the right size, my choice of wine, my choice of candle or body shop product scent.
Understand ... they had silent auction in the writeup. There are events that have both a tricky tray raffle and a silent auction. This is pure silent auction
November 15, 2014 4:14 PM
Sandra A said…
There will be a Tricky Tray next Sunday, Nov 23rd 3pm at the Kenilworth VFW, 33 South 20th St., Kenilworth hosted by the Cranford Alliance Church for the benefit of a young mom with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer.

It's $20 to get in, but does include some food - hot dogs, chili & chips, unlimited soda, coffee, tea and desserts. The Grand Prizes are called the "LUCKY 7" some of which include an apron with $500 of Gift Cards on it, an i pad mini, a money tree (not sure value yet)a 1 week vacation at a time-share (multiple locations to chose from)

A good deal of the baskets are over $200.

This is our 1st Tricky Tray and it's all for "Support for Susana." You may have heard on the news that 3 churches in Cranford were robbed. One was ours where they stole some of the Tricky Tray Ticket money. NBC, CBS, ABC and local channels all covered it and if you google, "Cranford NJ Church Robberies" search the results for the NBC video where they show Susana's picture and her twin girls.

This is for a really good cause and I hope the Tricky Tray community will come out and support Susana.
November 15, 2014 8:49 PM
Anonymous said…
I do know what a silent auction is, this is what they called it, no us. You placed your tickets in the containers, when it became time to start the Tricky Tray, they took the containers with the tickets into another room; no me but the organizers where aloud in the room then they gave the runners the ticket they drew for that prize. The runner then brought it to your table if you won (table numbers were on the back of level one tickets). This is why it is so questionable. And the 50/50 as I said was just bogus...
November 15, 2014 10:34 PM
Sandra A said…
FYI - The Tricky Tray at the Kenilworth VFW on Sunday, Nov 23 is SOLD OUT!
November 18, 2014 8:52 PM
Sandra A said…
Advice on how to handle: Our Kenilworth VFW TT on the 23rd - it is our first and we never expected it to sell out. We sold a bit over the # the hall could hold but there were some people that bought tickets that said they couldn't come and were just buying the tickets as kind of a donation. But we don't know how many and now we're not sure how to handle it. A lot of people are just going to show up at the door because we thought we wouldn't come close to selling out, many of us told people to just come. Do we ask those people to wait until a 1/2 hour into it to see if all the people with tickets show up? Or do we turn them away right from the start and risk a good # not showing and less tickets in our containers? We really don't know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sandra
November 20, 2014 1:34 PM
Elaine Sipos said…
How many people can the hall hold? You could put a sold out sign outside and have it posted on the radio and in front of your church. Usually if you had posted on the tricky tray main page you could post the sold out sign right there. Live and Learn, right? Next time will be better.
November 20, 2014 3:00 PM
Anonymous said…
Traditionally, a silent auction is not a raffle. there are no tickets dropped, no random selection of winner. Instead of an auctioneer taking live bids, there is asheet of paper on which you write your name/ or assigned number and the amount you are willing to pay. Others can write down higher bids so people mill about watching for when they are overbid and by how much.
November 22, 2014 7:54 PM
Anonymous said…
What can't people just make a donation without buying a ticket? that is odd.....for future reference...when you know there is a limit to the number of tickets...don't sell any more than that....you can't assume some ticket holders will be no shows...they could show up halfway through only for the higher end prizes.
December 29, 2014 12:09 AM
Anonymous said…
i believe it is ILLEGAL to have 2 different size tickets...and a silent auction is when you write your bid on a paper..not drop tickets that are pulled elsewhere
December 29, 2014 12:12 AM
Chris said…
Hi Everyone,
The Hudson County Animal League is having a "Hugs & Kisses" MATINEE TRICKY TRAY - Saturday February 7, 2015, 2:30 PM to 6:30PM.
at the Heart of Jesus Polish National Catholic Church - 290 Ave. E at 23rd St. Bayonne. Tickets are $12 plus a can or more of cat food and if you can, an item or more for the Assumption Food Bank. For Tickets and information please call Cheryl @ 201-332-7612 or Maureen @ 201-471-7638 or Lorma @ 201-437-7263 or Chris @ 201-437-8732.
Our Matinees sell out fast - limited seating. So come join the fun, bring a friend - lots of great gifts. All proceeds are for the animals in our care.
Thanks for your support - see you on Saturday - February 7th.
January 30, 2015 11:03 AM
Anonymous said…
Attended event on Barkley Rd Fri night 2/6. The ticket price was reasonable for the regular trays but jumped way too high for prize levels that were only $50 higher. .25 to drop a ticket on regular trays up to $75 and then $3 to drop a ticket for a $75 to $125. $5 to drop a ticket for a $125 and up item. They treated $25 discount on a $99 purchase as a regular level prize. Coupons are not prizes. Tickets were dumped as soon as some ones hand went up which meant when no one claimed a prize it was put to the side and same number recalled. People were leaving after the regular trays were finished which is common. They still had doorprizes but not worth sitting around waiting for that. Left a bad feeling though.
February 08, 2015 9:45 AM
Anonymous said…
Best Tricky Tray of 2014 just posted on www.trickytray.com
February 08, 2015 10:02 AM
KathyH said…
I've noticed a trend with TTs now where they only have sheets of tickets for the first level and then single tickets or roll tickets for levels after that. When they do that it winds up costing an arm and a leg if you want to buy any amount of tickets.

Why do they do that?

Our Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter TT which is April 25th, ad to appear shortly, we have sheets of tickets for the first three levels and then roll tickets for grand and super grand. This way people get much more for their money.

If I am interested in attending tts I now make sure to contact the organization to ask how many baskets they have, how many in attendance, and how much are tickets.

If it doesn't make sense I don't go.

KathyH
February 17, 2015 11:01 AM
Anonymous said…
I agree completely with having ticket sheets for all levels except the mega levels. It makes the calling go a lot quicker as there is only one number to watch instead of many unique numbers. I wish everyone would consider using them.
February 25, 2015 6:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Is it just me or do others find that tricky trays are becoming very expensive with tickets past tier 1 at $10, $15 and $20+ dollars a sheet. I'm finding lately that I have to shell out a lot more money than in the past.
February 26, 2015 8:37 PM
Anonymous said…
I was just thinking about that. Yes, the ticket prices are outrageous! I've stopped going to many tricky trays because of that. I chose 2 to go to this year. I usually go to about 10. It used to be a fun & cheap night out with friends, now I go alone or with one other person because nobody can afford them anymore. I also don't like to pay $50 and up for dinner and then another $100 on a ticket package. Too much!
February 27, 2015 3:09 PM
Anonymous said…
I said the same thing. It's getting out of hand how much they want you to spend & then want you to purchase your ticket in advance without giving you a heads up on what the prizes are. I used to go to a lot, now I pick & choose.
February 27, 2015 4:09 PM
Anonymous said…
Organizers - please take note of the last few comments re selling sheets for multiple levels of prizes. It prices people out of buying any tickets for those levels. Went to an event last week where out of 28 prizes on the 2nd level, I was only intersted in 2. Did I purchase a $20 sheet? of course not
That's why traditionally sheets are only used for the regular trays where the bulk of prizes are. At the higher levels you often have wonderful large prizes but the elementary schools have gifts that cater to the interests and needs of elementary age kids and their families. Project Graduation often has larger prizes that relate to prom, relate to college dorm needs et cet. Families with small children do not find as many prizes that suit them.
February 28, 2015 5:07 PM
KathyH said…
Tickets are now on sale for the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter tricky tray. The event is Saturday, April 25th, at the VFW in Manville. Admission is $20, that includes on sheet of level one baskets, hot appetizers, and dessert.

We have three levels of baskets and sell sheets of tickets for those levels and we will be selling a value pack.

We also have grand prizes and maybe a super grand prize. Those are sheets of tickets.

We also have a 50/50.

We have a great variety of baskets and our baskets are not skimpy. Plus they are worth the value. We do not under value our basket.

We only hold our TT every other year, one because it is a lot of work and two because it allows us to collect items so that we can make our baskets fabulous.

We go to a fair amount of TTs and I can say that ours if one of the best I've been to.

Tickets are selling fast, they have only been on sale a week and we are already have sold about 1/3 of them.
We will sell out.

We try to keep our prices fair so that people, if they want, can buy extra tickets or multiple value packs to give them more chances.

If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them. My contact info is in the ad.
KathyH
March 01, 2015 11:07 AM
KathyH said…
Oops, made a mistake on the above. On our grand and super grand prizes we are selling single roll tickets. Sorry for any confusion.
KathyH
March 01, 2015 2:21 PM
KathyH said…
Hello all,
Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter just started selling their tickets for the April 25th a little over a week ago and we are already half way to be sold out.

Don't miss out if you want to go, get your tickets soon or you'll be on the wait list.
KathyH
March 03, 2015 5:14 PM
KathyH said…
We have already sold over two thirds of our tickets and they have only been on sale a little over a week. My guess is we'll definitely be sold out by the end of March.
Get you tickets soon or you might miss out on the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter tricky tray on April 25th.
KathyH
March 07, 2015 9:04 AM
Anonymous said…
I attended the Immaculate Conception School Tricky Tray on March 7.
AWESOME prizes - Coach, Michael Kors, Tiffany. No junk at this event!

I would say it was a little pricey, but the great prizes made up for it. Line to got in was slow because they were giving people wristbands and that seemed to be a bottleneck and made for poor flow in the lobby since you had to go back through there to get more tickets (next time sell extra tickets inside) or to get to the first level baskets.

Did I win? No. Will I go back? probably.
March 09, 2015 9:57 AM
Anonymous said…
Very disappointed with Mother Seton Tricky Tray. Bundles were only for those that pre-ordered. How would the general public know that? Way too many long lines and for people that can't stand long. Many just sat down and said forget it. I know I didn't spend anywhere near what I normally spend and neither did most of the people at my table.
March 09, 2015 8:29 PM
KathyH said…
Why would any tricky tray not sell bundles or value packs at the event? That makes no sense and I think in the end hurts them.
I will not buy value packs ahead of time. And I will not attend a TT that only sells them ahead of time.
I like to go into an event and take a look at the baskets.
I've gone to some events where the prizes were not great at all. If that happens I'll only buy one value pack. But if the prizes are really good I might buy 2 or 4 or more.
People need to see the prizes and that will determine how many tickets they buy.
KH
March 10, 2015 8:48 AM
Anonymous said…
Many will not attend events that only sell value packs within their own group. there is no mention of presale in TT.com posting or in newspaper promotion. That is unfair pricing giving a clear advantage to the incrowd.

What happened to the concept of reasonably priced tickets and reasonably priced value packs. $25 trays are the bare minimum. Quality events have 75 or $100 basic level trays and the sheets or often $4 or 5 each and then offered at a 3/!0 or 12 value pack. People should be able to get a value pack at each level.

Tickets should be priced so all your school parents can participate, not just the wealthy.

Mt Olive Band recent event had a $30 admission to get into a mediocre event. Not even the band parents turned out to support their own event. Trays went down to $15 iTune gc and way too many clearance halloween and xmas baskets.
March 19, 2015 7:03 PM
Anonymous said…
How did they pull numbers and run prizes efficiently and effectively? My group struggles with this.
March 20, 2015 9:59 PM
Anonymous said…
There are some tickets left for the Academy Learning Center tricky tray in Monroe Twp. About 270 prizes and lots of them are gift certificates. Beautiful baskets offering something for everyone. value packs being sold only that night! email Alcpto@yahoo.com to attend at the advanced fee of $15. Checks should be received no later than Thursday. See trickytray.com for more info. Make sure email is sent first to confirm that they haven't sold out yet.
March 22, 2015 10:35 PM
KathyH said…
The Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter tricky tray on April 25th is close to being sold out. I think we only have about 30 tickets left. After that I will be taking names for a wait list. But to make sure you can attend I'd buy your tickets now. Lots and lots of great baskets, over 350 prizes in all. Don't wait to long or you won't get in.
KathyH
March 23, 2015 8:47 AM
KathyH said…
Anonymous, curious as to what you mean that your group struggles with pulling tickets efficiently and effectively. This is something that I think we do quite well. I'd be happy to explain how we do it. I think the worst part of any tricky tray can be when the number calling takes forever. Then it becomes very tedious for the audience.
KathyH
March 23, 2015 8:49 AM
Anonymous said…
Effienct and effective
Announce basket number and read the ticket number: you have a printed program that everyone can read. DO NOT READ the program or describe what is in the basket. The more you say, the more the crowd will talk until you get to the ticket number. Announce color of ticket only if you have more that one color at that level.

Have spotters working the room. They write down the number called and verify that the winners in their area has the right ticket number. They stay with the winner so the prize runner delivers tray correctly but there is no need for further verification or for the drawing/announcing of the next tray winner to wait until prize is delivered.
You need multible large bowls to empty tickets into. It is extremely time consuming to put tickets in containers with lids that need to be fastidiously closed before shaking/mixing. The tickets should be in the container, mixed and ready for drawing as soon as the announcer is ready to move on to that prize. You are doing it wrong if everything comes to a halt waiting for someone to accomplish any particular function. It should be a production line with multiple people smoothly working together. The announcer is not an emcee, certainly not a stand up comedienne. Announce the numbers, verify the winners and do not take breaks. Events where the announcer announces the need for a short break is absolutely greated with groans and protests. Sign more people up as runners, let someone else announce those winning numbers and just get the job done.
March 23, 2015 1:56 PM
KathyH said…
The Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter tricky tray is not sold out.

We are in the process of taking down our paypal button. Any orders that come in from this afternoon on will be added to our waitlist.

If you want to be added to the wait list please see contact info in our ad.
Thank you,
KathyH
March 25, 2015 2:40 PM
KathyH said…
Hello all,
I have a question on 50/50s.

At the last TT we went to they were selling 2 different color 50/50 tickets. I questioned this and turns out they did it on purpose.

The psychology behind it is that people but some 50/50 tickets in one color. Then later they notice others being sold in another color so they buy more so they have some in each color.

It must have worked for them as their take was very large with the winner getting over $2000.

I'm not sure how others feel about this. I don't really like it but I see how it can raise profits for your organization.

What are your thoughts.
KathyH
March 27, 2015 11:25 AM
Anonymous said…
I think if you are going to use different color tickets.. then the person picking number should be blindfolded as not to be influenced in any way
March 27, 2015 8:31 PM
KathyH said…
We draw the ticket from a giant tub that is not clear. We usually hold it up and I reach down, so I cannot see what ticket I'm picking.
But I agree, there could be some who think this could be a way to be unfair when drawing a ticket.
Still on the fence on whether to use one or two colors.
KathyH
March 28, 2015 8:18 AM
Anonymous said…
Two different color tickets for the 50/50 or any level is not really a good thing and a lot of people don't like it. When you pick a "green" ticket and they just bought the "white" ticket - they know that they have already lost without the number being called. I don't think it is good for any of the levels either. We were lucky to run out of the main color for a level once and had to use another color and people were asking why and we had to explain we ran out of the first color. I think it is a little "greedy" to sell two different color tickets without explaining why.
March 30, 2015 4:17 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Everyone,
I posted our event for Wednesday - April 15, 2015 for the HCAngels Cheer - I hope you plan to attend - - - Do to a BIG error in double booking the event we HAVE to change the VENUE - We are now having our Super Duper Tricky Tray at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church - Community Center - 39 West 22nd Street, Bayonne, NJ - Tickets are still $15 and with Fabulous Gifts - Parking available. If you have any questions please call Lorma at 201-437-7763 or e-mail Lormalady@aol.com Thank you, see you there.
March 30, 2015 4:32 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Everyone,

Important Notice.
I posted our event for the Super Duper Tricky Tray for the HCAngels Cheer on Wednesday April 15th in Bayonne, NJ. I hope you plan to attend == BUT PLEASE NOTE THE VENUE HAS CHANGED - Do to a double booking error. It will now be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Community Center at 39 West 22nd Street, Bayonne. parking available. If you have any questions or what tickets please contact Lorma at 201-437-7263 or e-mail her at Lormalady@aol.com Thanks and hope to see you there.
March 30, 2015 4:49 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Everyone,
I posted the event venue change twice because I made a mistake in Lorma's phone number in the first one = Her correct number is 201-437-7263. Sorry for the mix up Thanks.
March 30, 2015 4:55 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Everyone,

I posted the event VENUE CHANGE earlier and with all the confusion and running around, we were given the wrong address.

The Event is the
Super Duper Tricky Tray
for the HCAngels Cheer
Wednesday, April 15th
Venue now is
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Community Center
39 EAST 22nd Street (not West)
Between Ave. E & Broadway
Bayonne, NJ
Sorry for the mix up.
For tickets and information please call Lorma 201-437-7263
or Lormalady@aol.com
March 30, 2015 7:14 PM
Anonymous said…
Fundraiser for ALZHEIMERS SUNDAY
Team Maureen for ALZ
Hosts Their 1st Quarter/Paddle Auction
Sunday April 12, 2015
The Portuguese Club
100 John Street
South River, NJ 08882
Doors Open at 12;30PM
Auction starts at 1:30PM
$15 Admission Ticket
Includes one Paddle & one chip

All Proceeds Benefit The Alzheimer’s Organization
WWW.ALZ.ORG
Dawn Buckenberger 732- 789-5720
Denise Barranco 732-754-6817

Food for puchase and cake and coffee comes with admisssion. It's like a trcky tray come join us!!
April 10, 2015 2:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Attending the TT in Hackettstown Friday night & I must say it was for a good cause it was terrible.

The caller read every word they printed on the sheet. If your giving a booklet with the prizes there's no need to read every word. Just say # (1). It was too long. It was over crowded. The closed the kitchen early so you weren't able to get food. For the $10.00 we spent to get in they didn't even have coffee or tea for free. Never again will my friends & I spend over an hour to go to this tricky tray again.
April 13, 2015 4:26 PM
Anonymous said…
Totally agree with the above post about Hackettstown. They wasted everyone's time by reading and "ad libbing" every single basket. I won't be attending this one again. It's apparent that the organizers of this tricky tray never read older comments people made with suggestions about how to have a successful event and making people want to come back to support their cause!
April 15, 2015 11:17 AM
Anonymous said…
We also attended the Hackettstown event - and yes, there were many mistakes. The 'President' felt compelled to stop every 6 to 8 people coming in and give them a 'talk' about how they had a package deal for $30. She was holding a sheet that had full details of multiple packages with prices. If she just posted it on the side of the door, it would of been much clearer. Also they charged $10 admission and nothing came with it. No coffee, no dessert just price gouging taking money and failing to give fair value of tickets for the money. No effort was made to flow people thru the tables of prizes. It was so frustrating that after going thru half the prizes everyone had to return to the crowded entry way to go down the other half of the prizes. The organization did nothing to organize the flow.
April 16, 2015 8:44 PM
Anonymous said…
Are other people having trouble getting a response from the 'point of contact' listed on various events? Lately they have an email address and there is no response. When I do get a response they sometimes say ... why are you asking me unaware that their email or phone number had been listed. I suspect that the messages are being filtered out because we are not on their white lists.
April 18, 2015 1:58 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended the Saint Raphael Tricky Tray last night!! The event was switched to casino night the past two years and I attended the first year but not the second. The Casino night was too expensive but the prizes were still great but ticket price too expensive for me to go back the second year.

I was soooo happy they brought the Tricky Tray back!! I have won great prizes in the past and last night was no exception! I went home with a coach bag and a cakepop maker with all the things needed to make them! These people just know how to run this right. The have multiple door prizes, more than enough prizes for the amount if people in the room and I love how they set up in two rooms. I was home and in bed by 11:00!! The team really seems to get along and care about us. The callers were fast and efficient. Much appreciated!! Great job Saint Raphael School! See you next year!
April 26, 2015 11:34 AM
Anonymous said…
Attended the Green Hills School tricky tray Saturday. Prizes were good. Would have gotten out much earlier, but the callers at some point decided to start describing every basket. People once again, that's why you have programs. Some many blogs I've seen with comments about the callers wasting time in descriptions when all you need to do is say the basket number & the winning ticket number. Other than that had a fun girls night out.
April 27, 2015 10:16 AM
Anonymous said…
Attended the Roxbury Softball Association TT last Friday. It was the best. Great prizes, well organized, great food. I can't rave enough!!! Thanks for a great night. Hope your event was a success.
April 30, 2015 12:17 PM
Anonymous said…
Green Hiils used to be one of my favorite tricky trays. I will not be going back. regular trays were terrible. Specials were just okay. The bigger prizes were better, but they had this section of green tickets that were really only for the people who go to the school. They made us all sit for a 25 minute interlude, while they sold more tickets, after sitting through over two hours of calling, then called their special school tickets before the largest prizes, which took FOREVER, nearly 40 minutes, they could have called the largest prize, and the 50/50 and let 75% of us go home first! And the caller took forever! We went to Stillwater's tricky tray last night, it needed better organization and flow in regards to getting people in the building...it was very congested...but the caller practically broke speed records calling out the trays, and was not long winded in the least! It was SO appreciated....and they had great trays!
May 02, 2015 3:40 PM
Anonymous said…
ONLY 50 SEATS LEFT!

Friday, May 15, 2015

Robert Morris School PTO
Location:Robert Morris School
125 Madison Street
South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Drawing: 8:30 pm
Admission: $15.00
*Adults Only*
HANDICAPPED_ACCESSIBLE: Yes
Admission includes coffee, tea, water, desserts & 1 sheet of white level tickets.
Our first three levels are sheets of 25 tickets.
White Baskets ($125 & under value).
Yellow Baskets ($126 - $250 value)
Blue Baskets ($251 - $399 value)
Grand Prizes are valued at over $400
50/50 & Lottery Apron.

JUST A FEW OF OUR PRIZES:
Overnight stay, dinner & cooking class at the Viking Cooking School for two at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City,
Disney Park Hopper passes and 2 night sty at hotel in Kissimmee, Ipad Mini, 50" TV, Outdoor fire pit with outdoor furniture, COACH, Alex & Ani, 3 night stay at Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno, Grill, Vera Bradley, leaf blower and gas trimmer, TONS of gift certificates,
50/50 lottery apron and Much Much More!
Limited seating, so reserve your seat or table now!
Credit card will be accepted the night of event for purchase of tickets.
Cash only on 50/50 & Lottery Apron.

RMSCHOOL.COM to download pre-order form (if you can drop off form at school would be very helpful and better chance of getting a seat before sold out)

More Info & Tickets:
Cheryl ~ 732-887-8254
pto@rmschool.com
May 06, 2015 10:14 AM
Anonymous said…
Went to Our Lady of Holy Angels Tricky Tray Wednesday night. I have just one word to describe it....FABULOUS!!!! Great prizes and so many of them. There had to be over 400 people in attendance. Lines flowed with ease, reasonable prices and wonderful, helpful people running the event. The caller started out great but seemed to lose a little momentum towards the end. Can't blame him, there had to be about 400 prizes and he was probably getting tired. All in all a great night and a wonderful event. That was the first time I attended but will definitely make this an annual event. Thank you for a great night.
May 07, 2015 9:42 PM
Anonymous said…
Well stated to the anonymous person who posted: "They made us all sit for a 25 minute interlude, while they sold more tickets, after sitting through over two hours of calling, then called their special school tickets before the largest prizes, which took FOREVER, nearly 40 minutes, they could have called the largest prize, and the 50/50 and let 75% of us go home first!" Totally agree with this. Maybe some of the organizers will read the posts and change some of the format or it may be time to move on as well.
May 08, 2015 9:04 AM
Anonymous said…
ROBERT MORRIS TRICKY TRAY IS SOLD OUT! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO IS SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL!!
May 11, 2015 9:43 AM
Anonymous said…
I went to a tricky tray in Pocono pines PA on Saturday and they had 2 different colors of tickets for the regular prizes, they were really decent prizes but the lady picking numbers was looking straight down at the salad mixing bowl she uses to jumble the numbers, and she can clearly see which color she was picking. And lo and behold the blue numbers she picked as all her friends and parents of the students at the school we were in and the volunteers , only a handful of white tickets did she call was for us folks unknown to her, so next year please don't go there if you don't want to be disappointed, there was one prize that I put 2 sheets of white tickets in and there were not that many tickets in that container and there were clearly only two maybe three blue tickets among those so the chances of her picking a blue ticket were practically none, and sure enough she looked down and picked a blue ticket and it was a volunteer , so you guys tel me what you would think about that
May 18, 2015 10:07 AM
Anonymous said…
I have a question for all Tricky Tray attendees. What are some Grand Prizes that you like to see at the events?
May 18, 2015 12:53 PM
Anonymous said…
Answer to anonymously asked question above is I'd like to see maybe more trips but in the USA, not to far away places where it still costs thousands in airfare and extra hotel costs , larger kids toys, bicycles, $100 or more in gift certificates, or just something more enticing for me to spend my $, on even though I may not win, at least I will feel better that I donated the $ on attempting to get good prizes than just some grill or cheap bottles of wine that claim to be in the hundreds of dollars.
May 19, 2015 9:00 AM
Anonymous said…
To be totally fair and honest, all tickets in a certain level of prizes should be the SAME COLOR! I too question the motives of an organization who use more than 1 color. I've actually been to one where they used up to 5 different colors for a 50/50 drawing, year after year! To have an equal chance many people feel the need to have at least one ticket of each color to have a fair shot at winning. I always watch to see that the person calling the numbers doesn't look into the container and that the tickets get mixed well. Pre-drawn tickets are something else I don't like. And, putting names on tickets so a person doesn't have to attend to win makes me cringe.
May 20, 2015 9:37 AM
Anonymous said…
How hard is it to buy a few extra packs or rolls of tickets to assure that the same color is used for a particular level? In my experience, we always buy extra and then return the unopen packs/rolls for a refund.
May 20, 2015 9:40 AM
Anonymous said…
We were happy to support the Netcong Elem Sch event - great prizes but they also had a very limited number of a second color of tickets that seemed to be drawn more often than what random drawing should of seen. It absolutely did not help that they had one drawer who drew out of transparent containers held low enough to see thru. They were well shaken in large enough containers but then she persisted in running her hand around and thru the tickets getting a large handful and then filtering tickets out until ... amazingly she ended up with one more pink ticket. It got very old watching the drawer turn to one particular corner of the room as she read the pink number out; if no hand went up there she turned to another location checking to see who won over there. Maybe everything was cool and it was all random, but those without 'pink' tickets got very frustrated and suspicious as the night went on. Again, it was great event with a good nmber of prizes and not overly crowded. Many people won, but the whole pink thing puts a sad question mark on whether all that filtering thru a handful of tickets was to end up with the right color. The PTA group was nice, they worked hard and it isn't the first time they hosted an event. It was a rookie mistake to not school the drawer on how to draw the winners out. Not only can't you cheat, for the protection of the organization you can't even appear to cheat, Turn the head, lift the bin up, or close your eyes and stop fingering thru the tickets each time for such a long period of time because it exactly looks like you are cheating
May 22, 2015 9:12 AM
Anonymous said…
using multiple colors could be a gimmick...hoping people with buy 1 of each color
June 23, 2015 1:10 PM
Anonymous said…
there are organizations that have 2 or 3 50/50 ticket sellers, each selling a different color. It is buy from Team Blue type situation except the goal is that everyone buy from each of the sellers so they don't get shut out from the start hearing it is the 'other' color that wins. Some organizations promote the 50/50 and the amount won is very large while others keep it simple with one color and little hype
June 25, 2015 12:03 PM
Anonymous said…
I attended a TT on Sunday. Couple comments. When a program is provided, DO NOT read the description for each item. The tickets were collected in colored cups and then dumped into an open top container, then swirled around and either the container holder or the caller pulled a ticket. I think. It was not very apparent how they were doing it, as the people were facing the wall when dumping and swirling the tickets. It was not possible to view the process. Also, the container was held very low and it looked like the people drawing the tickets were looking into the container when they were drawing. It would be much better to have a container with a lid and to actually shake up/mix the tickets and then draw WITHOUT looking in. The caller needs to properly call the numbers. For example, 00327756 would be zero, zero, three, two, seven, seven, five, six. NOT oh, oh, thirty two, seventy seven, fifty six. All of the tickets are numeric not alphanumeric. The caller should not be the spotter, it makes too many jobs for one person.
July 27, 2015 12:18 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended the Erskine lake beach club last night. It was just OK. If your not from Ringwood don't bother attended. The directions posted on TT.com does not coincide with the actually place. Everyone got lost. The prizes were OK, but all the GC were for rest in that area. Everyone kept talking so you couldn't hear the woman call the numbers.Won't be attending this again.
August 01, 2015 9:50 AM
Anonymous said…
Attending the Tricky Tray for Morris Knolls Marching Band on October 4, 2015. Attended last year and I found it to be one of the best organized and fabulous prizes. There were over 350'prizes and about 275 attendees. Plenty of prizes to go around. Check out their post on TT.com. They seem to have outdone themselves this time. This is definitely the one to attend.
September 24, 2015 11:58 PM
Anonymous said…
At the WPFD TT and now I know why I stopped attending. The caller is terrible. The prizes are not that great & he's still calling the lower prizes after 2 hrs. It is now 10:06. There still med, large grand.50/50 & some other drawing. Wtf
September 25, 2015 10:08 PM
Anonymous said…
It is now 12am & we are still here @ the WPFD TT, never again. Were just on large. There's still grand & 50/50 still left.
September 26, 2015 12:01 AM
Anonymous said…
Please, please, please if you have a program with all the prizes there's no need to read everything word for word & who donated them. Ugh.. I went to the Secaucus TT today & the caller said the number @ least 10 times plus when no one claimed the prize he asked should he call another number, who does that. I think some of these people who organize TT should attend some other ones to see how there done.
September 27, 2015 7:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Bound Brook Pop Warner is hosting a Casino Night at the Somerville Elks in Bridgewater NJ. Friday October 9th 7pm-11pm
$45 per person, includes buffet and $25 worth of playing chips.
Cash Bar
A few of the prizes to be won are Coach bags, wallets a trip to Sands Casino with an over night stay, dining gift card and donations from local restaurants.
Come on out for a fun, kid free evening.

Call Malika for more information and to order tickets (732) 430-6694
October 02, 2015 11:35 AM
Anonymous said…
Went to the Oakside Mansion event on 10/9. It is a beautiful venue, but with the heavy rain, we were so disappointed that there was nominal available parking (maybe 20-26 spaces in total) for the 250 guests that attended. A policeman directed us to a nearby street, and since everyone else was parking there, we wound up at least a 1/4 mile down a wet leafy sidewalk, and had to walk back up in the rain to get to the event. The gifts were very pretty and prices reasonable, but they ran out of value packs by 6:15pm. That was not nice. The caller used the night to tell stories, and she read the numbers as slow as could be. Really unnecessary. They set up a tent for seating which was away from the main house (where the gifts were displayed); but, there was no overhang, and so we got more wet going to the tent from the house. If you decide to use a tent, please provide fans or ventilation somehow. We sat in the back and it was very sticky there! Finally, the advertisement said refreshments would be provided. Any desserts that were provided, were gone by 6:15pm as well. Water was being sold for $2.00 a bottle. We went this year because we wanted to see this historic home. But we will not return next year.
October 12, 2015 4:28 PM
Anonymous said…
Just attended to Castle of Dreams TT.
- Caller kept repeating the numbers more than 3x. When he finally was in the middle of calling the new number, the original previous number would then try to claim the prize. Prize would go to original number.
- 50/50 prize they were advertising during the blue tickets. The would be winner would be bringing home around $2300. When they announced the winner, it was lowered to $1700.
-cappacino machine tray. Tray was announced by the caller and then without saying any numbers, moved on to the next tray. Whole table then saw them walking the huge cappacino machine to a lady. Odd?
October 15, 2015 10:56 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended Robert l Craig school last night. I will not be back. Doors opened @ 630 & didn't get in to be seated until 725. The caller was fast but still not good. At first he made ppl get up to retrieve the prize. He only picked off the top of the bucket that the tickets were already in, then somtheone @ our table told a worker that the tickets should be placed in a bowl then picked. The packages were not worth forty dollars when they used the sheets that were half if not less than the normal 25 tickets per sheet. The table I was seated @ said they will not attend this TT again.
October 17, 2015 10:01 AM
Anonymous said…
Went to St. Therese TT Friday night. What a wonderful job you did this year. Letting the pre-sale people in early worked remarkably well. It was a very pleasant evening and I applaud you. I hope your event was a success.
November 09, 2015 11:13 AM
Anonymous said…
I have a question to everyone, I'm wondering what are some Grand Prizes that you would like to win and you would pay $5 a ticket on?
November 09, 2015 1:46 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended Roger Wilson TT 2 weeks ago. It was sold out. I ran into several different ppl who also attend & said @ this TT there was cheating. They will not get the same response as they did this year if there methods are to cheat. There was some shady things going on that night when ppl from the church won pretty much all the grand prizes. Hmmm
November 16, 2015 10:59 PM
Anonymous said…
So, you ask what I would pay $5.00 a ticket on.... A very large board of lottery tix, or maybe restaurant gift cards. A good grill or maybe some sports tickets... Things people want, not scams like tooth whitening!
November 21, 2015 11:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Attended the St.Andrew the Apostle tonight. Prizes were good, but way over crowded. There had to be at least 450 ppl.. This was my first & last time attending.
December 03, 2015 11:49 PM
Anonymous said…
Why isn't anyone having tricky trays in January? Weather?
December 04, 2015 6:50 PM
Anonymous said…
Pocketbook Bingo is NOT a Tricky Tray. I'm sure it's for a good cause as they all are. It's great advertising to list it here though. Perhaps there is a small tricky tray after bingo. Also, I have enough pocketbooks! Maybe change the bingo to a Gift Card Bingo, etc.
January 29, 2016 4:04 PM
Anonymous said…
"Pocketbook Bingo is NOT a Tricky Tray. I'm sure it's for a good cause as they all are. It's great advertising to list it here though. Perhaps there is a small tricky tray after bingo. Also, I have enough pocketbooks! Maybe change the bingo to a Gift Card Bingo, etc."


What was this response in reference too..do not see a question that matches
January 31, 2016 1:39 PM
Anonymous said…
This was a comment regarding the Event Listings. There doesn't have to be a question posed.
February 08, 2016 4:30 PM
Anonymous said…
Best Tricky Tray of 2015 has been announced...new organization takes top spot.

http://trickytray.com/vote2015.htm
February 13, 2016 2:00 PM
Anonymous said…
Went to Mt.St.Dominic's last nite at the Valley Regency. 500 guests and less than 200 gifts. The program said calling would start at 8, but it didn't happen till sometime after 8:30pm. Dinner didn't get served till around 8 either. All tickets are pulled outside of the room, which I am so not in favor of. Not returning to this one any more.
March 11, 2016 12:19 PM
Anonymous said…
The TT for The Animals Need You in Garfield should not be allowed to advertise. They have this TT pretty much every month & it is Terrible. The prizes they have should be thrown out. I know it's for a good cause, but if you want ppl to attend & come back to this establishment they need to have prizes ppl can use. Just my opinion, but that stuff is GARBAGE!!!!!!
March 18, 2016 10:31 AM
Anonymous said…
Your absolutely, correct. I would never go back there & neither will my friends.
March 18, 2016 10:32 AM
Anonymous said…
Just went to the John A Forrest school for & there a sign that says sold out. I emailed them on Monday & they state I can purchase aticket @ the door. So I ask him if he can accommodate 1 more person he says nooo. I guess that was a sign I can keep my hundreds of dollars in my pocket. They will not have to worry about me attending any of their TT's again.
March 31, 2016 5:49 PM
Anonymous said…
Re John A Forrest - Most events just call it closed and don't go the extra effort of responding to emails wondering whether sold out means sold out. You got lucky and there was an extra seat available. Now you bad mouth them because they didn't have a second one for you? If they have maxed out the available seats, it doesn't matter how much money is in your pocket.
April 08, 2016 6:56 PM
Anonymous said…
To the previous email, if you can read I didn't need a second ticket.like I stated I will keep my money in my pocket. Mad, I am not. You're the one who sounds ticked off.
April 09, 2016 1:57 PM
Anonymous said…
A "pet peeve": Why is it that at EVERY tricky tray there has to be at least one person who finds it necessary to emit an ear-piercing, shrieking, screeching YELL whenever they or someone in their group wins a prize? Come on now...have some consideration for the people around you. Last evening I attended a tricky tray where I had one of these people sitting 6 feet behind me and another one sitting 10 feet in front of me. I didn't have a headache when I arrived but I sure did when I left. Even the people in their own group were 'plugging' their own ears. No sane reason for doing this except to call attention to themselves. Only one thing is worse....the person who dares to bring and use an "air-horn"!!
April 24, 2016 11:42 AM
Anonymous said…
Went to Saint Raphael School PTA Tricky Tray on Saturday. Yet again, fabulous event, amazing prizes, so well organized, clean and fun. Loved all the prize options, loved the friendly group. It's no wonder this event sells out every year! Great job to the group that puts this together and the school and volunteers.
April 25, 2016 9:10 AM
Anonymous said…
Noise complaint poster: I do believe I was at the same event you were at. Can't agree more....I get it, they're happy they won...I won twice too but I didn't put anyone into cardiac arrest with my reaction. The air horn was way over the top. There are a lot of elderly at these events too and the ones in front of me looked pained. Have fun but maybe not everyone at the table has to scream the high pitched squeal so loud each time...other than that it was an awesome tt for a really great cause.
April 26, 2016 12:53 PM
Anonymous said…
Florida, New York TT Saturday 6/4 - just spoke with the organizer. There was a typo and they do not have the 400 gifts they advertized. She said maybe 250 and they have a hall with capacity seating of 400.
June 03, 2016 4:06 PM
Anonymous said…
I attend many tricky trays. I have some general comments. If you have a program, do not read each and every description. Make some comments throughout the event that acknowledged those who donated, but do not read all of the text. That is the purpose of a program. It takes too long when each prize #, description, donated by….. is read.
The caller should read each number 3 times, at a reasonable pace. The caller should READ THE NUMBERS. For example, 904567 would be nine, zero, four, five, six, seven. NOT ninety, forty-five, sixty-seven. That is where the listeners get confused. Also, there are no “OHs” in numbers, they are zeros. All of the tickets are numeric not alphanumeric. The caller should ONLY be the caller, not the dumper, mixer, drawer, caller, spotter. Callers make or break your event. If you publicize your event on the web and outside people show up, then do not have you caller / MC talk incessantly about local stuff. Drags the event out and is painfully boring for the “outsiders”.
Ticket mixing / shaking is another issue I have noticed recently. Too many of the events dump the tix into a large open bowl, then someone (even the caller) stirs, or finger fluffs (picks up tix and lets them dribble out thru their fingers) or they shake the small ticket containers from side to side. I have even seen a paper bag used. None of those methods actually mixes the tickets. Collection containers should be dumped into a larger container WITH A LID, then the lid is replaced and the tickets are SHAKEN vigorously enough to ensure adequate mixing. This ensures that all participants have a fair chance. Another problem is ticket size. I have seen where the perforated sheets and roll tickets are used in the same prize level. Amazingly enough, most winning tickets were the larger roll tickets. Same premise here as to why you do not crinkle, mangle or fold tickets.
I strongly recommend that the hosting organization track the number series of the tickets that they use. There are “cheaters” out there that show up with their own tickets and match color. But number series is harder to match. Someone needs to monitor the numbers and ensure that all ticket numbers called are relevant to the event
June 06, 2016 12:02 PM
Anonymous said…
TRICKY TRAY CHEATING PREVENTION is a pretty new Facebook page. They are a few cheaters who take tickets out of the containers so they can have better odds at winning. Some people say they take ALL the tickets out so only their tickets can be selected. The best thing you can do is stand behind the tables watching everyone the whole time they are dropping tickets even at dinner time. Nobody should be pawing through the prizes when no one else is around. Mark tickets on the back so they can't duplicate them and close those cups. Tape them shut or use bags folded over and stapled at the top. Check out the FB page Tricky Tray Cheating Prevention. They have a lot of examples, pictures and information.
September 25, 2016 8:16 PM
Anonymous said…
St. John Paul Parish in Perth Amboy.....what happened to your food menu? My group has attended your event every year and we look forward to the Polish food....pierogies, stuffed cabbage, cabbage and noodles. Yesterday we found these items gone from the menu and were very disappointed. I realize that it's only food, but the quality of your prizes seemed to lacking also. I hope this isn't a trend.
October 10, 2016 8:16 AM
Anonymous said…
The cheating prevention page is a must-read. Thanks for posting! I have reported people for hands in the bags before. The event I went to at warren hills high last week must have read this because they were spot on with their bags. Good to see they cared about our hard earned money going to a fair and fun night for all. I never thought about the free ticket for donation situation before. Makes sense that it's against the rules.
October 17, 2016 7:40 AM
Anonymous said…
The link is live to Vote for Best Tricky Tray of 2016 at TrickyTray.com

http://www.trickytray.com/vote2016.htm
January 02, 2017 5:31 PM
Anonymous said…
What is an Apron raffle??
February 25, 2017 9:42 AM
Anonymous said…
I went to a Tricky Tray at All Saints Academy in Parsippany on February 10th. It was not well run. People were going inside the bags taking out tickets "they placed there by mistake." I saw this happen more than once. They also did not pull the winning tickets in front of everyone. They would bring the prize and ticket bag in from another room with the winning mg ticket already stapled to the outside of the bag. There is no way to know if they really pulled a ticket or had a friend's ticket stapled as the winner. The caller would call out the winning ticket 5, 6, and 7 times, then say one more time several more times. They were very reluctant to simply move on to the next ticket. What is so hard about 3 calls and done. Once a new number is called, the first winning number is void. They also loaded the big prize table with School specific type of prizes, i.e., free tuition to an after school program. Most schools make those a separate ticket item. I spent quite a bit of money at this TT, and to say I was disappointed is an understatement. Oh, and before people start thinking and saying I'm just bitter for not winning, I did win a few very nice baskets. The organizers really need to learn the gaming rules and have an open draw for each basket.
February 25, 2017 11:32 PM
Anonymous said…
An apron raffle is the raffle of an apron. Having said that, the apron is usually loaded with gift cards, or cash, and in some instances lottery tickets. They can't advertise a lottery apron anymore, since raffling lottery tickets is not allowed by law.
February 25, 2017 11:36 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks for apron info !
February 26, 2017 6:15 AM
Anonymous said…
I went to the Glenwood Baptist Church TT on February 25th at Vernon High School. Overall it was a great event. The tickets were very affordable and the selection was very nice. Everything on the Super grand table was worth placing at least 1 ticket. All of f the volunteers were friendly and very helpful. The table set up needs to be improved, while it worked great for security, it was not conducive to traffic flow. I will definitely go back to this one.
February 26, 2017 2:42 PM
Anonymous said…
I wish organizers would realize that having high prices for tickets does not help them raise money. Fill those bundle packs with lots of various tickets and charge a moderate price. Only 1 ticket can win anyway. You will make more money, because people will buy 4 $25 bundle packs, or maybe more, but only 1 or 2 tickets priced at $5.00 or $10.00 each. People always spend more when they have a perceived value. $50 bundle packs people buy 1 or 2, $25 bundle packs people buy 4 to 6. Trust me, just like taxes, lower the rate and revenue will increase.
February 28, 2017 9:54 AM
Anonymous said…
On February 24th I went to the Milton Tri-School PTA's tricky tray at the Hanover Manor. I've gone for the past few years and always look forward to it as it has always been a well organized event loaded with great prizes and good food. This year was different. First, I feel like they oversold entry tickets. The crowd was overwhelming and confused. There were only 2 or 3 volunteers who seemed to know what they were doing and mass confusion on the floor. People were dumping tickets out of containers to find their ticket that was either the wrong color or they decided they dropped in their by mistake. They tried controlling it by making several announcements, but it just did not stop. Then they allowed their security volunteer to empty containers looking for tickets for people. THAT SIMPLY IS NOT ALLOWED BY NJ GAMING LAW. Once a ticket is dropped, it's forfeited if it's in the wrong container for any reason. The containers are supposed to be sealed until the draw. Part of the problem was that the first 3 levels were not clearly marked for non seasoned first timers. As a result, I won a prize I know I did not place a ticket in on purpose or by accident, which means someone took my ticket out of another container and dropped it the other container either on purpose to increase their odds of winning the other prize, or simply by mistake rushing to replace the tickets. I know it's hard work to put such an event together, and unfortunately, I also know it usually comes down to 2 or 3 volunteers who really care and wind up doing all or most of the work, which is not fair. I truly hope next year is different. I would hate to give up on one of my favorite tricky trays.
March 03, 2017 8:06 AM
Tony Capp said…
I went to the Jefferson Consolidated PTA's tricky tray last night. What a great event. You can tell the volunteers really worked at putting this together and were very organized. Over 300 great prizes and it was so easy to walk around and drop tickets. No crowding because everything was spaced out properly. They had a lot of workers and made sure there was no cheating. The calling went great and quick. Definitely a winning tricky tray worth attending.
March 19, 2017 9:07 AM
Anonymous said…
Really confused with children and tricky trays. Are children allowed to put tickets in the baskets? Are teenagers allowed to pull and call numbers?
November 11, 2017 4:15 PM
Anonymous said…
I attended the St Therese Succasunna Tricky Tray recently. I had attended several years ago, but was a bit disturbed by this event. I found the notice on TrickyTray.com. However, I was unaware that the church bulletin notices and the Facebook post were different that the TrickyTray.com website. Apparently in those notices, people were told that they could buy tickets (actual green sheet tickets) in advance at church or at the school for a lesser price ($5). Sheets were $7 at the event. Also, people were allowed to go in and buy more tickets and drop their tickets in the prizes that afternoon, prior to the event. This information was not publicized in TrickyTray.com. Different notices for different audiences. I asked one of the workers about it, and got a “we always do it this way, sucks to be you” snarky kind of answer. The prizes were decent, general ticket pricing was pretty good. Too many people and the number of prizes to number of people was kind of low. It was apparent from the numbers being called that most of the prizes were won by people who had pre-dropped their tickets in the afternoon or the discounted pre-sale tickets. Very few of the numbers called were the number series sold in the evening. Bags of tickets were dumped into a pot (no lid) and a desultory few hand swirls sufficed as the “mixing”. Tickets were not mixed such that all people had a fair chance to win. And for the Grand / yellow prizes, you did not need to be present to win? 50/50 had 2 different color tickets in the same game. Ticket calling was not very efficient nor consistent. The callers found it necessary to describe each prize, make comments, then read the numbers 3 or 4 or 5 times, then do the first call - last call thing. First caller was more animated, but changed the pattern of calling such that people were inattentive. Second caller was monotonous, sonorous and slow. There is no reason that the calling of the number of prizes should have almost 3 ½ hours. Not sure that the pre-drop thing is in compliance with NJ gaming requirements.
December 04, 2017 12:12 PM
Anonymous said…
Does anyone know the Bayonne NJ area animal/cat rescue that used to do tricky trays (might still do them)....I know someone that might be abandoning a cat and we are trying to find a rescue to take it.
December 10, 2017 2:53 PM
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