What started as two resourceful moms searching for meaningful fundraising ideas to help schools, sports teams, and nonprofits raise money has grown into a nationwide movement.
Polish immigrant sisters, Joanna Serra and Barbara Kent, who grew up a couple blocks from 8 Mile are now an award-winning teacher and combat veteran duo, who have founded Fundraiser Blankets® to transform school fundraising with custom blankets families love. As proud INC5000 and Vet100 female honorees, Fundraiser Blankets is recognized as the nation’s #1 choice for custom fundraising blankets and the founders have courageously forged their way to pitch to the Sharks!
With schools and sports programs facing chronic underfunding, and fundraising likely always being a necessity, Fundraiser Blankets® was built to provide long-term, sustainable fundraising solutions that put more profit back into the hands of schools and organizations. From K-12 schools and sports teams to PTOs, booster clubs, and community organizations, Fundraiser Blankets® has helped thousands of groups raise millions of dollars. Over the years, their cozy, customizable, colorful blankets have promoted school spirit, built team pride, sparked charity, and created support where it’s needed most. This former teacher and veteran duo worked tirelessly to provide groups with fair fundraising options to fund youth programs across our country that are needed most.
On October 8, 2025, Fundraiser Blankets® will appear on ABC’s Shark Tank – Season 17, Episode 3, sharing their story, their mission, and their impact with the Sharks on the show.
Fundraiser Blankets® offers quality, custom logo blankets starting at just $10 with free shipping, a wholesale vendor pricing model designed to maximize fundraising profits with throws. That means schools and teams keep more money in their pockets for their students with this unique product fundraising idea, often making far more than traditional fundraisers like popcorn, cookie dough, or cheap trinkets.
Proudly based in Romeo, Michigan, the company is women owned, disabled combat veteran, and teacher-led.
Each blanket does double duty: it’s a keepsake wrapped in school spirit that families will use for years to come, and it’s a powerful fundraising tool that drives higher profit margins. By combining purpose and profits, Fundraiser Blankets® gives PTOs, booster clubs, coaches, and teachers a way to fundraise with heart and impact.
“When you start with genuine care, lead with mission, and keep helping others at the heart of what you do - success follows,” said co-founder, former teacher turned entrepreneur, Joanna Serra. “We’re honored to share that story on Shark Tank.”
Fundraiser Blankets® appearing on Shark Tank marks a milestone for every parent group, every PTO mom, every booster club, every coach, every teacher, and every volunteer who believed in the mission. Together, they’ve wrapped their schools in custom blankets and throws, turning simple fundraising ideas into lasting impact.
This isn’t just about blankets. It’s about communities raising more funds for students, building team pride, and proving that school fundraising can be meaningful and profitable.
“We’ve warmed thousands of communities,” added co-founder Barbara Kent, military veteran turned entrepreneur, “but can we warm the Sharks? You’ll have to watch and see.”
Fundraiser Blankets® is a Metro Detroit, Michigan based, women-owned, disabled combat veteran, military spouse, and teacher founded small business redefining school fundraising. By providing affordable custom logo blankets and throws at wholesale pricing, the company has become a trusted vendor partner to schools, sports teams, shelters, and nonprofits across the nation. Since its founding, Fundraiser Blankets® has helped organizations raise millions of dollars with easy fundraising while building school spirit, team pride, and community connection.
Fundraiser Blankets® is #157 on the 2025 INC5000 list; up from #444 on the 2024 INC5000 list. Founder Barbara Kent, West Point graduate and Army combat veteran, was recognized on the Vet100 list in 2025
For more information about Fundraiser Blankets®, visit https://fundraiserblankets.com.
October 8, 2025 at 10PM ET on ABC
“Entrepreneurs enter the Tank to pitch products including a cleaning device for homegrown eggs, a reusable paint tray, a line of superfood seasoning and customizable fundraising blankets. Chip and Joanna Gaines make their Guest Shark debut.” Episode description source, ABC
For press inquiries, founder interviews, features or blanket samples, contact:
Barbara Kent, Co-Founder & CEO
barbara@fundraiserblankets.com
Romeo, MI
www.fundraiserblankets.com
We value education. As a former educator (Joanna) and disabled woman combat veteran (Barbara), co-founders of Learning Blankets®, knew we wanted to offer schools, sports teams and community organizations an affordable opportunity to raise funds for programs important to them with high profit margins. With Fundraiser Blankets®, you can earn money for your group or team easily because everyone loves a warm keepsake that spreads school spirit. Fundraiser Blankets®, powered by Birdy Boutique, are our way to give back to communities nationwide and help fund the programs our youth deserve and need through fundraising. This custom spirited high profit way for schools to raise money that is fair and equitable envisions a world where fundraising isn't about unhealthy treats or broken trinkets but instead about creating lasting memories, huddled under a cozy blanket, wrapped in school spirit. It’s something families cherish, not only for warmth but for memories. Zero calories, allergy friendly, and something the community values without compromise.
Educationally Yours,
Co-Founders
Barbara Kent, CEO
Joanna Serra, COO
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