Tight finances are driving more and more people to pin their hopes on ‘winning big’ in contests and sweepstakes according to Greg Reynolds of EnterSweepstakesContests.com

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) --11/15/2011 -- The upswing in the number of people seeking out winning opportunities in sweepstakes and contests is noticeable since the economic slump settled on the country and that kind of activity is a win-win for entrants and sponsors.

Sweepstakes, unlike lotteries, cannot accept payment for someone to enter, nor can they favor entries accompanied by an order or payment. So entering is free, winning is free, and everyone has an equal chance to win. That concept becomes very appealing when money is tight.

Contests and sweepstakes are a win-win for entrants and sponsors. Whether you enter to win a trip, money, or merchandise, the possibility of winning is exciting. For the sponsor, their products or services reach more potential consumers and are a great way to advertise, promote their offerings, and create good will.

"We saw a huge surge in people looking for free gas or free gas cards when the price of fuel skyrocketed," said Greg Reynolds, webmaster of EnterSweepstakesContests.com. "Other popular sweepstakes are for cash, of course, but also for free trips, cars, and gift cards for merchandise.

The key is to find out about which sweepstakes are being offered, what the rules are, and what prizes are being offered. Having an online community to connect with other sweepstakes lovers while finding out about some of the newest and most popular contests is an easy way to keep your winning dreams alive.

"What's the old saying? Since somebody is going to win, it might as well be me!" Reynolds laughs. "And you certainly can't win if you don't enter. We hear from so many visitors who say that just sharing what they would do if they won a big pile of money can keep their hopes up and is fun in and of itself."

In any sweepstakes, be sure to pay special attention to the 'Official Rules.' By law, you will always see words like, "No purchase is necessary to enter and a purchase will not improve your chances of winning." But there may be other rules or terms that entrants and/or winners must adhere to. For example, if you are entering to win a trip, the rules may state that the trip must be taken at a certain time. Or you may be required to appear in 'Winners Circle' photos, events, or news. It's best to know before you enter.

It is never a good idea to pin your financial future on a game of chance. But sweepstakes and contests can be a fun way to dream about the "what ifs" of winning and who knows, you just may win something after all.

About EnterSweepstakesContests.com
Online since 2009, EnterSweepstakesContests.com provides information and tips about sweepstakes and contests, particularly those online. The website features an uncluttered appearance to make finding information about sweepstakes easy for visitors.

About Greg Reynolds
Greg Reynolds is a former executive in the computer and technology industry and is the webmaster to dozens of websites and owner of NetSense LLC.

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Across the nation, school groups are using green fundraisers to raise money and promote environmental awareness among students says Kimberly Reynolds of FundraiserHelp.com

Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/28/2011 -- School groups are increasingly turning to eco-friendly green fundraisers to raise much-needed funds while promoting environmental awareness among students and their families. Popular green fundraisers include recycling used printer cartridges, cell phones, laptops, and other obsolete small electronic items in exchange for cash payments from recycling companies.

"Green fundraisers are becoming more popular every year," says Kimberly Reynolds, author of Fundraising Success and owner of the popular FundraiserHelp.com website. "Many school groups see these types of fundraising activities as teaching positive values to the students while providing a much-needed service to the community."

"A recycling fundraiser can also be a year-round silent fundraiser just by providing drop-off boxes at schools and local businesses for disposal of used electronic items," adds Reynolds. "Providing convenient drop-off boxes at various locations around town ensures the safe disposal of used electronic items while providing school groups with considerable revenue each year."

Another eco-friendly fundraiser involves organizing community cleanup activities where supporters contribute a small amount per pound of waste collected. A Saturday cleanup of a recreational lake or nearby river can result in thousands of pounds of trash being gathered and removed from community property. To raise funds, school groups solicit family members, friends, and local business owners to contribute a penny per pound of trash removed from the cleanup site and then tally their haul.

Collecting one hundred pledges means a school group can raise one dollar per pound of trash collected or $2,000 per ton. Many groups report their volunteers collect several tons of discarded refuse from riverbanks and other illegal dumping sites while performing their community cleanup.

Fundraiser Help, http://www.fundraiserhelp.com, provides fundraising ideas covering all types of fundraisers ranging from car washes and candy sales to charity auctions and online fundraising. Articles and resource links are geared toward schools and small group activities, providing insight and experience that will help any individual or group make a real difference.

About Fundraiser Help
Online since 2001, FundraiserHelp.com provides fundraising ideas for school fundraisers, church capital campaigns, and non-profit fund raising. The website features over 1,200 pages of tips, resources, and proven strategies for maximizing your fundraising success. The website receives over 300,000 unique visitors per month and does not sell any fundraising products.

About Kimberly Reynolds
A former technology sales executive with Dell Computer and Cisco Systems, Kimberly Reynolds is the author of "Fundraising Success!" and is an active participant in school fundraising and non-profit groups.

Contact:
Kimberly Reynolds
Fundraiser Help
708 Lanham Place
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-870-8889
919-870-6466 fax
http://www.fundraiserhelp.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm