Another "I know this is the BP but feel free to ignore"...

We switched to a Fun Run based fundraiser and I LOVE it! I hate pimping expensive wrapping paper, cookies, random other over priced crap.....I'm super thankful that we have an actual *activity* and the kids actually participate in it! (versus mom or dad leaving a catalogue on the the lunchroom table.)

Back to the OP...our kids do the best they can and I also tell my kids to not expect prizes or what not. They run otherwise (track & 5Ks) so they are used to doing their best and having that be enough.

It could be worse, you could have crap to sell to reach those Prize levels" but have no one to sell to or have it be such crappy crap that no one wants to buy it!

(When our school switched to the fun run, our fundraising went through the roof! It's hugely successful!)