A clean, green fundraiser to raise money and definitely raise community awareness for your cause is to simply kidnap someone. This could be a favorite teacher or coach, a minister or a community leader.

Select the hostage long enough before-hand for them to clear time on their schedule. Let them know what day, but not what time the kidnapping will take place. If they’re dressed in non-work clothing, such as pyjamas or gardening clothes, so much the better!

Decide on a place to hold the hostage. For more school or community participation, make the hostage visible during captivity, so everyone can get in on the fun. A storefront window would be an ideal place, or a high traffic diner or even the library.

Be sure there’s a comfortable place for the hostage to wait, with reasonable chairs and perhaps a sofa. Restroom access is a must for all involved! Drinking water is also necessary. Be prepared to supply meals, even if it’s only a hamburger or peanut butter sandwich, in case this takes more than a few hours. There should be several people present at all times to make sure the hostage doesn’t escape!

Decide on the amount of ransom needed to gain release of the hostage and announce this on the day of the kidnapping. Make phone calls and pass out ransom notes (flyers) regarding this amount, as well as delivery instructions. Ask local radio and television stations announce and provide breaking news updates on the ‘hostage situation’, and air the ransom instructions. They may need the information several weeks in advance if it’s going to be in a public service slot.

Several weeks in advance of the kidnapping, put up posters announcing the fundraiser and the specified date. Say that someone will be kidnapped, but not who! Name the group holding the fundraiser and the planned use of all proceeds. Place the posters around the community in places such as grocery stores and other family oriented locations.

The evening of the kidnapping, post sentries in high traffic areas to get more attention - they can wear silly looking ski masks and hold jars with a photo of the abductee.  Keep announcing the amount of donations required to complete the ransom and secure release. If you have cell phones with video, you can record the hostage pleading for support, and show the footage to possible donors. Have the hostage hold up a current newspaper to prove they are still alive and unharmed.

This is a hilariously fun event and can raise a lot of money for your group. Be sure to be respectful of the hostage, and this fundraiser should bring in rave reviews from all involved!