Janette Iker says she first got into fundraising "as a kind of adventure," and after attending a seminar about a year-and-a-half ago for people starting out in business, she launched Creative Expressions to help non-profit organizations raise funds by selling photographic memorabilia.

U.S. Women's Soccer Team trading card

Creative Impressions works with Roox™ Corporation to turn photographs into customized products, such as trading cards, post cards, greeting cards, business cards, identification cards and calendars.A major benefit for the school, church or social group that undertakes fundraising with Iker, is that she plans the campaign with them and underwrites the production costs of the items to be sold.

Typical Little League trading card

"With this approach," Iker explains, "there is no risk involved for the non-profits, because they bear no up-front costs. To make the campaign a success, I guide them through the entire process, even helping them figure out what kind of prizes to give to their top sales producers."

Sample "Life Card"

At the end of the day, she divides the sales' proceeds with the fundraising organization.

Iker said that the he hot ticket item at the moment is trading cards--everybody wants them

She pointed out that, "Little Leagues, Optimists Clubs, and the like are wild about them. They're not just for kids to sell. Everybody, including parents and grandparents, has fun with them."

The stage was set by the U.S. Women's Soccer Team, for which Roox has exclusive right to issue trading cards.

"Once they won the 1999 World Cup," Iker said, "their cards began trading like mad. That's what started the ball rolling."

Iker gravitated into her business very naturally--in fact it's been a perfect fit for her.

"I'm a single parent with a five-year old daughter and, like parents everywhere, I'm always taking pictures of her," she explained, "So what I am doing suits me to a tee. Besides, I benefit immensely from being able to work out of my home."

Another item Iker offers is called a "life card." Along with the bearer's name and photo, it contains personalized medical information, and it fits into a wallet.

"It's meant for all ages," she said, "because no age group is exempt from medical emergencies."
She has also developed a specialized identification card system for day care programs, to assure the safety of children being picked up. Parents or guardians

carry cards of their children, and the day care provider keeps a file copy. This eliminates any doubt as to who is authorized to pick up the children.

And, Iker added, "it works well for field trips too, or in case of a crisis situation."

A novel twist on an old theme that Iker has embraced is producing customized greeting cards for all six of the year's major holidays. These are especially suited to organizations that want to keep in regular touch with members or patrons.

"I want to help raise funds for the new parks and library that are so urgently needed in Doral," Iker continued, "It will be fun, and it gives me a wonderful opportunity to express my creativity."

Iker has lived in Doral since 1993. She spent a decade in Latin America and is fluent in Spanish. She thrives on giving group presentations, in order to explain the fund raising possibilities she offers.

Clearly, she believes in her mission, and said, "I want to make a difference."

For more information, call Creative Impressions at 305 994 8198.