New London-opoly Proving A Fundraising Success

Most computer users consider popup ads a bit of a nuisance, but for Mia Berube one of them has proven valuable in fundraising for ’s senior class.

Berube, a New London High School graduate and owner of , is part of a parent committee that helps organize and raise money for a drug and alcohol free post-graduation party. She said the senior class has been running bake sales, car washes, and other events through the year, but was also experiencing difficulties in finding places for such events due to high rental costs.

Berube was searching online to look for more fundraising ideas when the ad from Pride Distributors in Michigan popped up. The company creates custom-made Monopoly board games based focused on individual communities. Berube ordered the starter kit, and the parent committee agreed to create and sell “New London-opoly” as part of their fundraising. Berube, who has 13 years of advertising experience, asked to be the sole person seeking advertising so that businesses wouldn’t get multiple requests.

“I would have to say about 90 percent of the people I approached said yes,” said Berube.

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Berube says the effort made a $5,000 profit on advertising alone, as she sold $15,000 in advertising while the games cost $10,000 to produce. The board properties sold for $200 to $500 each, with patron ads selling for $75. A $50 donation got your name on the board. bought space both on the money and on the backs of the property cards where, fittingly enough, players can mortgage their game properties if they need some extra cash.

Pride Distributors has an agreement with Parker Brothers to allow the production of the games, although some differences are apparent. The Go space has been replaced with Start, players acquire customers and clientele instead of houses and hotels, and New London-opoly has customized Fate and Whaler cards rather than Chance and Community Chest.

Berube said the time between getting the starter kit and starting sale of the boards was a mere five weeks. The boards first went on sale on May 1.

“They’re selling very, very well,” said Berube. “It was a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Anne Ogden of took the photos for the board cover, while Barbara Dunn designed the cover layout and Simply Inspired designed the board. Berube said parents Mary Docker, Nancy Gramolini, Michele Lucas, and Dana Vendetto have all helped out with New London-opoly and other fundraising projects through the year.

The games are on sale for $25 apiece at the following locations:

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