Sisters Turn Blankets Into Fundraising Empire

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Oct 10, 2025

Two sisters turned cozy blankets into a $10M fundraising empire, revolutionizing school fundraisers. How did they do it? Click to find out their secret!

Financial market analysis from 10/10/2025. Market conditions may have changed since publication.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple idea into a multi-million-dollar business? For two sisters from Michigan, the answer lies in something as cozy and unassuming as a blanket. Their story isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about spotting a gap in an outdated system and filling it with creativity, grit, and a touch of warmth. I’ve always been fascinated by stories of people who take everyday items and transform them into something extraordinary, and this tale of turning plush polyester into a fundraising revolution is one that’ll stick with you.

From Classroom to Boardroom: A New Kind of Fundraiser

Imagine this: a parent, overwhelmed by yet another school fundraiser, staring at a crumpled order form for overpriced popcorn or wrapping paper. It’s a scene most of us know all too well. Two sisters, Joanna and Barbara, saw this frustration firsthand and decided to do something about it. Their solution? Customizable blankets that schools and sports teams could sell to raise funds—practical, desirable, and a far cry from the usual fundraising fare.

Their company, based in Romeo, Michigan, has taken the fundraising world by storm, racking up an impressive $8 million in sales in 2024 alone. By offering plush, personalized blankets priced between $10 and $20, they’ve given schools and teams a product that’s easy to sell and even easier to love. The brilliance lies in the simplicity: schools buy the blankets at wholesale, then sell them at a markup, keeping the profits for their programs. It’s a win-win that’s hard to argue with.

Fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore. When you offer something people actually want, like a cozy blanket for a chilly game night, the money practically raises itself.

– Small business expert

The Sisters Behind the Success

Joanna and Barbara aren’t your typical entrepreneurs. One’s a former elementary school teacher, the other a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of service. Their diverse backgrounds gave them a unique perspective on what makes a community tick. Growing up in a family that immigrated from Poland, they learned early on the value of hard work and resilience—qualities that shine through in their business.

They started their entrepreneurial journey in 2014 with a parent company that sold educational textiles, like learning blankets and classroom tapestries, on major online marketplaces. But it was in 2022 that they hit on the idea for their fundraising-focused venture. Why blankets? Because they’re universal. Whether you’re at a football game, a school event, or just curled up at home, a blanket is something everyone can use. And when it’s customized with a team logo or school mascot, it becomes a keepsake.

  • Unique product: Customizable blankets that resonate with school and team spirit.
  • Scalable model: Schools buy low, sell high, and keep the profits.
  • Emotional appeal: Buyers feel good supporting a cause while getting something useful.

Why Fundraising Needed a Shake-Up

Let’s be real—traditional fundraising can feel like a drag. Kids lugging around order forms, parents guilt-tripped into buying things they don’t need, and schools struggling to meet their goals. I’ve seen it myself: a friend once bought $50 worth of cookies she didn’t even like, just to support her nephew’s school band. Joanna and Barbara recognized this pain point and turned it into an opportunity.

Their blankets aren’t just products; they’re a solution. Schools and sports teams have sold these blankets to over 4,000 organizations, and the numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, their first full year, the business pulled in $3 million. By 2024, that number had skyrocketed to $8 million, with projections of hitting $10 million in sales and $1.5 million in profit by the end of 2025. That’s the kind of growth that makes you sit up and take notice.

The best businesses solve real problems. These sisters saw a broken fundraising system and fixed it with a product people actually want.

– Entrepreneurship coach

The Shark Tank Spotlight

When the sisters pitched their business on a popular TV show, they didn’t just bring numbers—they brought vision. Asking for $300,000 in exchange for a 10% stake, they wowed investors with their sales figures and their dream of becoming a fundraising empire. One investor even painted a vivid picture of thousands of their blankets dotting stadiums at high school football games. It’s not hard to see why—the idea of a cozy, team-branded blanket is practically irresistible.

But it wasn’t just the product that caught attention. The sisters’ confidence in their market position stood out. They noted that while a few competitors offer similar products, their company has outranked them in online searches, giving them a strong edge. After some back-and-forth, they struck a deal with two investors for $300,000 in exchange for a 20% stake—a decision they made partly because they valued working with women who shared their entrepreneurial spirit.

YearSalesKey Milestone
2022LaunchedIntroduced customizable blankets
2023$3MFirst full year of operations
2024$8MSold to 4,000+ organizations
2025 (Projected)$10M$1.5M in profit expected

What Makes Their Model Work?

At its core, this business thrives because it taps into something universal: the desire to support a cause while getting something valuable in return. The sisters’ blankets aren’t just functional; they’re emotional. A blanket with your kid’s school logo isn’t just a purchase—it’s a memory, a point of pride. I can’t help but think of how much more I’d enjoy supporting a fundraiser if I got something I’d actually use.

Here’s why their model is a game-changer:

  1. Low entry cost: Schools buy blankets at a low price, making it easy to participate.
  2. High profit margins: The markup allows schools to keep significant profits.
  3. Wide appeal: Blankets are practical for all ages and settings.
  4. Scalability: The model works for small teams and large districts alike.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how the sisters have positioned themselves as disruptors in an industry that hasn’t changed in decades. Fundraising has long relied on the same tired tactics, but their approach feels fresh and modern. It’s no wonder they’re projecting such explosive growth.


Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

What can we learn from these sisters? For one, they prove that you don’t need a tech background or a Silicon Valley address to build a successful business. Their story is a reminder that great ideas often come from everyday frustrations. I’ve always believed that the best entrepreneurs are the ones who listen to their communities and solve real problems, and that’s exactly what Joanna and Barbara did.

Here are a few takeaways for anyone dreaming of starting their own venture:

  • Find a niche: Look for gaps in the market that others have overlooked.
  • Leverage your strengths: The sisters used their teaching and military experience to build trust and credibility.
  • Focus on value: Offer a product that people want to buy, not just feel obligated to.
  • Stay resilient: Growing a business to $10 million takes grit and adaptability.

Success comes from solving a problem better than anyone else. These sisters saw an opportunity and ran with it, proving that passion and strategy can go a long way.

– Business mentor

The Road Ahead: Building a Fundraising Empire

The sisters aren’t stopping at blankets. Their vision is to become a fundraising empire, revolutionizing how schools, teams, and organizations raise money. With their track record, it’s hard to bet against them. They’ve already outmaneuvered competitors in online visibility, and their appearance on a high-profile TV show has only amplified their reach.

What’s next? Expanding their product line, perhaps, or tapping into new markets like nonprofits or community groups. Whatever they do, one thing’s clear: they’re not just selling blankets—they’re selling a new way of thinking about fundraising. And in my opinion, that’s the kind of innovation that changes industries.

As I reflect on their journey, I can’t help but feel inspired. It’s a reminder that big ideas can come from small beginnings, and that with the right mix of vision and hustle, anyone can turn a simple concept into something extraordinary. So, the next time you’re at a school fundraiser, keep an eye out for a cozy, custom blanket—you might just be witnessing the future of fundraising.


The story of these sisters is more than just a business success—it’s a testament to the power of creativity and determination. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just someone who loves a good underdog story, their journey offers plenty of inspiration. What’s your next big idea? Maybe it’s time to start weaving your own success story.

The best mutual fund manager you'll ever know is looking at you in the mirror each morning.
— Jack Bogle
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