Corporate Sponsors?

I was asked by the local PTA to paint (as a volunteer) at an upcoming holiday event. I know that they don't have a budget to pay, but I really need to at least be paid for my supplies. I will ask if I could at least put out a tip jar, but I wanted to suggest a corporate sponsorship. that way, I know I will recoup what I use plus I will get paid for my time. This is new to me and to them, so do you have any sugestions on how to approach this or to help them find a sponsor? What types of companies have you found to sponsor a face painter? I would like to do this, but i have already done as many freebies as I can and have used up a lot of supplies.

I think some people have suggested before that you charge an amount and the school sells tickets to recoup their cost. Could that work?

at my children's school, I charge per face and a portion goes back to the school as a fundraiser. People are more inclined to pay if they know that it will help out their school in the process.

I would think that if you're looking for a corporate sponsor, you should look for a business that would appeal to families. That way when they see that the FP is being sponsored by xyz Company, they'll get warm fuzzy feelings about that business and be subliminally led to go there and spend their money. That's how the thinking goes...right? I've never done it, so no good advice to offer about finding a willing business.

I talked to the PTA and they are giving me a free space and letting me charge whatever I want, but I am to give a small portion back to the PTA...So it all worked out. They said next year they will try to get a sponsor for me so I don't have to do PPF. It is something they want to try.

How did it go smiletime? I donated my time/services and product at my sons school. I ended up with two very large bookings each hiring 3 painters. It was well worth it. ........and I was not even agressively marketing and passing out cards