Fundraiser Blankets Shark Tank Update — Shark Tank Season 17
Turning warmth into wealth: How Fundraiser Blankets aims to redefine community fundraising on the Shark Tank show.
Barbara Serra and Joanna Jozwik showed up at “Shark Tank Season 17 Episode 3” with an intriguing idea. Super-soft customized fundraising blankets that help schools and sports teams to raise funds. They pitched their brand, Fundraiser Blankets, a unique concept and movement to help build communities.
The question that loomed is: Would these blankets warm up the Sharks to make an offer, or would the founders leave the Tank out in the cold?
About Fundraiser Blankets
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Fundraiser Blankets |
| Founders | Joanna Joswik, Barbara Serra |
| Industry | Clothing & Accessories |
| Product | Custom Blankets |
| Investment Asked | $300,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran |
| Deal Outcome | $300,000 for a 10% equity split equally between Lori and Barbara |
| Valuation | $3 million |
Barbara, a combat veteran, and Joanna, a state-level award-winning school teacher, commenced their brand, Fundraiser Blankets, in the year 2023. They turned fundraising ideas into a nationwide movement.
Therefore, they are on a mission to simplify raising money so that schools, sports teams, and non-profits can focus on what really matters.
The idea of Fundraiser Blankets occurred when both founders noticed how much schools struggle to raise money for crucial programs. Thus, they work on a bulk or pre-sell model, wherein schools just have to contact them and send their logo.
In return, they will receive a free sample of customized designs to choose from, along with a fundraising webpage and a digital mockup kit with order forms.
It is for a booster club, PTO parent, non-profit, and supporters of charity. There are no hidden charges, shipping costs, or setup fees. Schools and fundraising organizations can sell it for whatever price suits their demographic.
The brand not only helps raise funds, but it also helps in generating community pride and increasing awareness for any local causes. Let’s find out what happened at the Tank when a women-owned fundraising brand stormed the stage.
Fundraiser Blankets Shark Tank Pitch
When Barbara and Joanna entered the Tank asking for $300,000 in exchange for 10% equity, valuing the brand at $3 million, the Sharks were all bucked up. They presented samples of their blankets in two sizes to the Sharks, and investors loved the fabric of plush polyester.
However, Kevin O’Leary wanted to know the process of how it works.
Barbara, the co-founder, took this opportunity to give an idea about their business model. Schools, sports teams, and community organizations can contact them on their website. Either they can place a bulk order with customized designs, or they can do a fundraiser before ordering.
In addition, he asked about the selling price and how the organizations and communities raise money. Joanna shared that they sell it between $10.50 and $19.50, and then the schools can sell it for whatever price suits them. Though mostly in their experience, organizations further sell it for $25.
Daniel Lubetzky asked about the cost of production of each blanket. So, their blankets cost around $5.30 and $17.80. Although the $10.50 blanket costs around $5.30. After they shared their numbers, Joanna explained why they asked for $300K.
Fundraiser Blankets is a debt-free and bootstrapped business with a 49x return on ad spend (ROAS).
In conclusion to their excellent numbers, when Sharks heard their sales, they almost fell off their chairs.
In their first year of business, they made $3 million. The next year, they made more than 2x, which was $8 million. In 2025, they have projected a revenue of $10 million. The excitement was witnessed by the viewers on the Tank.
Hence, let’s see what offers the two moms receive from America’s top investors.
What Makes Fundraiser Blankets Unique?
There are a number of reasons why these blankets are unique and intriguing. Let’s name some:
- Customized designs: These fundraising blankets come in different colours with your school logo, colors, and mascot.
- Flexible business model: The community organizations can order in two ways, either they can place a bulk order or pre-sell the blankets before ordering.
- Two sizes: These super-soft blankets come in two different sizes. The first one is large, 50*60, and the second is extra large, which is 60*70.
- Super-soft: Made from plush polyester of 300GSM. These blankets are individually wrapped and hemmed.
Did Fundraiser Blankets Get A Deal On Shark Tank?
When Lori Greiner heard about the revenue generated in just two years, she immediately replied with a yes to offer a deal. Moreover, the profit after deducting expenses, which was $1.5 million, acted as the cherry on the cake for the investors.
Though there are competitors in this space, Fundraiser Blankets has outranked them based on their price point and uniqueness.
Kevin O’Leary immediately made an offer, giving $300,000 for 20%, on the condition that he wanted to participate in the distribution. However, Daniel was not satisfied with Mr. Wonderful’s offer. Lori Greiner also made a gracious deal, offering $300K in exchange for 15%.
In addition to this, she had given five-year scholarships to underprivileged women. So, she will take 2% of what she will make for this purpose.
Daniel Lubetzky, Chip, and Joanna Gaines refused to participate in the negotiations just because there were already two offers on the table.
However, Barbara Corcoran offered almost the same deal as Lori, $300K for 15% equity. While giving the offer, she made it clear that if they partnered with her, she will give them the liberty to learn from each other without relying on her own wisdom.
Lori Greiner and Barbara teamed up and gave a counteroffer of $300,000 for 20%. Hence, the deal was secured by the founders with two amazing Sharks.
Where Can You Buy It?
You can place an order from their official website by sending your logo or mascot. Also, you can check their Instagram page for more updates.
Quick Summary
- Barbara, a combat veteran, and Joanna, a state-level award-winning school teacher, commenced their brand, Fundraiser Blankets. They came in asking for $300,000 in exchange for 10% equity.
- The Fundraiser Blankets are for schools, sports teams, community organizations, PTO moms, a coach, booster club leaders, and charity supporters. They can purchase the blankets and sell them at their own price.
- Lori Greiner and Barbara teamed up and gave an offer of $300,000 for 20%. Hence, the deal was secured by the founders with two amazing Sharks.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 17 Episodes.
Interested in knowing more about other products that appeared on the same episode? Check out their business updates!
