Using a Prize Wheel for Non-Profit Success at Animal Enrichment Day

If you’re planning a fundraiser, outreach event, or family day for your nonprofit, the Prize Wheel might be the perfect way to draw a crowd, boost engagement, and raise money for a good cause. One recent example? The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s Animal Enrichment Day on July 30 in Linville, North Carolina.

This beloved nonprofit event used a custom prize wheel to add fun and increase donations — all while supporting a critical conservation mission: helping to save the endangered red wolf.

What Is Animal Enrichment Day?

Held at the scenic Grandfather Mountain nature park, Animal Enrichment Day is an annual celebration that highlights how the park keeps its resident animals — including bears, otters, elk, and cougars — mentally and physically stimulated through creative enrichment activities.

Guests got a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, played educational games, and learned about conservation efforts. But one of the biggest draws of the day? The Conservation Through Colors table, where guests could buy animal-made art and spin the Prize Wheel for a chance to win mountain-themed prizes.

Conservation Through Colors + The Prize Wheel = Big Impact

This year, Grandfather Mountain introduced Conservation Through Colors, a unique initiative that lets animals create paw print art — which was sold to raise money for red wolf conservation. But instead of just selling the artwork, the team added a fun twist:

Each purchase came with a chance to spin the prize wheel and win exciting gifts like wildlife-themed merchandise and park souvenirs.

This interactive element gave guests a tangible reason to donate, generating more excitement around the fundraiser. It also provided a memorable, family-friendly experience that connected people to the cause on a deeper level.

Why Prize Wheels Work So Well for Non-Profits

Using a prize wheel at nonprofit events creates a powerful combination of fun + fundraising. Here’s why:

• Increases Participation – People are more likely to stop by your booth if there’s a chance to win something.
• Encourages Donations – You can offer a spin with any donation or purchase.
• Customizable – Prize wheels can be customized with your logo, colors, and slot prizes tailored to your theme or mission.
• Memorable Engagement – Spinning a wheel is fun and interactive — much more engaging than just handing someone a brochure.
• Great for Kids and Families – Non-profit events that are family-oriented (like Animal Enrichment Day) benefit from activities that entertain all ages.

About Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

As a not-for-profit nature preserve, Grandfather Mountain is dedicated to inspiring conservation of the natural world through education and outdoor experiences. Events like Animal Enrichment Day are not only fun for visitors — they also serve a vital role in supporting endangered species and environmental awareness.

By integrating the Prize Wheel into a fundraising activity, the park was able to amplify its message and generate more support for red wolf recovery efforts in North Carolina.

Takeaway: Add a Prize Wheel to Your Next Non-Profit Event

Whether you’re hosting an educational fair, a community fundraiser, or an environmental awareness event, a prize wheel can help your nonprofit:

• Attract more visitors
• Increase donations or purchases
• Create meaningful engagement
• Reinforce your mission in a fun, memorable way

Grandfather Mountain’s success proves that even a simple spin can make a big difference.

Want a Prize Wheel for Your Nonprofit?

The Prize Wheel comes in various sizes, from tabletop to floor models, and they’re easy to customize for any event. You can even download templates to design your own prize slots with your organization’s branding or event theme.

They’re a one-time investment that can be reused for countless fundraisers, school events, community outreach booths, or donor appreciation activities.

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Boost Your Next Fundraiser With a Prize Wheel

Looking for creative nonprofit fundraising ideas? A custom prize wheel is a fun, effective tool that gets results — just ask the team at Grandfather Mountain.

Ready to bring more smiles and support to your next event? Spin the wheel, support a cause, and make a lasting impact.