Making school fundraising fun again
School fundraising has long been a rite of passage—selling chocolate bars, wrapping paper, or magazine subscriptions to family and neighbors. But ask any parent, and they’ll tell you: the novelty has worn thin. Families are tired of buying things they don’t really need, and schools are looking for fresh ideas that bring real results without placing heavy burdens on students and staff.
Enter Rick Smith Jr. and Magic Gives Back.
If the name sounds familiar, it should. Rick has wowed audiences around the world with his high-energy magic, appearing on America’s Got Talent, Shark Tank, and countless TV specials. He’s also a Guinness World Record holder for card-throwing (yes, he can slice through celery with a playing card). But beyond the bright lights and viral YouTube clips, Rick has a passion for giving back to schools and communities.
Over the past decade, his Magic Gives Back program has raised more than $1 million for local schools. This year alone, he’s setting his sights on adding another $250,000 to that total.
A new spin on school fundraising
Instead of pushing cookie dough or coupon books, Magic Gives Back turns fundraising into an unforgettable event. Here’s how it works:
1. Kickoff assembly – Rick and his team host a free, high-energy kickoff at the school. This rally gets students fired up to participate.
2. Simple student participation – Students register online and send email invitations to friends and family to purchase tickets for the big show. No door-to-door sales, no money collection, no product deliveries.
3. Prizes and incentives – Along the way, students earn prizes for reaching fundraising goals. These range from LED light-up pens and pizza parties to meet-and-greet passes with Rick himself. Top performers can even win high-value rewards like TVs, gaming systems, or even the overall grand prize – a $10,000 trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida.
4. The big show – The fundraiser culminates in a Las Vegas–style magic and variety show, complete with illusions, audience participation, and state-of-the-art production. Families come together for an evening of world-class entertainment, and schools walk away with thousands of dollars raised.
Results that speak for themselves
The numbers are impressive. Schools typically raise between $10,000 and $25,000 with the Magic Gives Back program. Some recent standouts include:
• Mentor Public Schools: Almost $40,000 raised over three years of shows
• Chagrin Falls: $24,000 raised over three years
On average, schools partnering with Magic Gives Back net about $17,000 per event. The program handles the heavy lifting: ticketing, prize distribution, marketing materials, and event production. For schools, the process is almost effortless.
As one parent put it: “Tickets were easier to sell than cookie dough and wrapping paper. Plus, the whole family had a great night out!” – Shannon Mitchell
Another parent shared: “We raised over $15,000 for our school and had an amazing time. Rick and his crew definitely put the FUN in FUNdraiser.” – Alicia White
Why it works
Part of the magic lies in the experience. Unlike traditional fundraisers, where families often feel pressured to buy something they don’t want, Magic Gives Back gives them a reason to be excited. Parents get a night of professional-grade entertainment without driving downtown or paying steep ticket prices. Kids get to be part of something big, earning prizes and bragging rights along the way, and schools benefit financially while strengthening community spirit.
The program is also completely risk-free for schools. Thanks to local sponsors like Calvetta Brothers Floor Show, Window Nation, and Mr. Heater, the production, prizes, and marketing tools are all covered up front. Schools simply pick a date, help promote and share in the proceeds.
Looking ahead
Rick Smith Jr. has built his career on astonishing audiences, but he’s just as passionate about inspiring the next generation. With Magic Gives Back, he’s found a way to merge both.
“I wanted to create something that was more than just a show,” Rick explains. “It’s about building excitement, bringing families together, and helping schools reach goals they never thought possible.”
This school year, his mission is clear: raise another $250,000 for local schools and keep growing from there.
Bringing the magic to your school
For schools searching for a better way to raise money—without overburdening families—Magic Gives Back offers a solution that’s both fun and profitable. Imagine turning your school auditorium into a Vegas-style theater for one unforgettable night, and watching your community rally behind it.
As one happy parent summed it up: “It was a great night of family fun. We left entertained, inspired, and proud to support our school.”
To learn more or to bring Magic Gives Back to your school, visit MagicGivesBack.com, call 440-821-9549, or email rsj@ricksmithjr.com.
~Article by Dan Miller
~Photos courtesy of Rick Smith Jr.
A new spin on school fundraising
Instead of pushing cookie dough or coupon books, Magic Gives Back turns fundraising into an unforgettable event. Here’s how it works:
1. Kickoff assembly – Rick and his team host a free, high-energy kickoff at the school. This rally gets students fired up to participate.
2. Simple student participation – Students register online and send email invitations to friends and family to purchase tickets for the big show. No door-to-door sales, no money collection, no product deliveries.
3. Prizes and incentives – Along the way, students earn prizes for reaching fundraising goals. These range from LED light-up pens and pizza parties to meet-and-greet passes with Rick himself. Top performers can even win high-value rewards like TVs, gaming systems, or even the overall grand prize – a $10,000 trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida.
4. The big show – The fundraiser culminates in a Las Vegas–style magic and variety show, complete with illusions, audience participation, and state-of-the-art production. Families come together for an evening of world-class entertainment, and schools walk away with thousands of dollars raised.
Results that speak for themselves
The numbers are impressive. Schools typically raise between $10,000 and $25,000 with the Magic Gives Back program. Some recent standouts include:
• Mentor Public Schools: Almost $40,000 raised over three years of shows
• Chagrin Falls: $24,000 raised over three years
On average, schools partnering with Magic Gives Back net about $17,000 per event. The program handles the heavy lifting: ticketing, prize distribution, marketing materials, and event production. For schools, the process is almost effortless.
As one parent put it: “Tickets were easier to sell than cookie dough and wrapping paper. Plus, the whole family had a great night out!” – Shannon Mitchell
Another parent shared: “We raised over $15,000 for our school and had an amazing time. Rick and his crew definitely put the FUN in FUNdraiser.” – Alicia White
Why it works
Part of the magic lies in the experience. Unlike traditional fundraisers, where families often feel pressured to buy something they don’t want, Magic Gives Back gives them a reason to be excited. Parents get a night of professional-grade entertainment without driving downtown or paying steep ticket prices. Kids get to be part of something big, earning prizes and bragging rights along the way, and schools benefit financially while strengthening community spirit.
The program is also completely risk-free for schools. Thanks to local sponsors like Calvetta Brothers Floor Show, Window Nation, and Mr. Heater, the production, prizes, and marketing tools are all covered up front. Schools simply pick a date, help promote and share in the proceeds.
Looking ahead
Rick Smith Jr. has built his career on astonishing audiences, but he’s just as passionate about inspiring the next generation. With Magic Gives Back, he’s found a way to merge both.
“I wanted to create something that was more than just a show,” Rick explains. “It’s about building excitement, bringing families together, and helping schools reach goals they never thought possible.”
This school year, his mission is clear: raise another $250,000 for local schools and keep growing from there.
Bringing the magic to your school
For schools searching for a better way to raise money—without overburdening families—Magic Gives Back offers a solution that’s both fun and profitable. Imagine turning your school auditorium into a Vegas-style theater for one unforgettable night, and watching your community rally behind it.
As one happy parent summed it up: “It was a great night of family fun. We left entertained, inspired, and proud to support our school.”
To learn more or to bring Magic Gives Back to your school, visit MagicGivesBack.com, call 440-821-9549, or email rsj@ricksmithjr.com.
~Article by Dan Miller
~Photos courtesy of Rick Smith Jr.
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