As the receptionist at DiPardo Baldacci & Co. accounting firm, appearance matters to Cathy Abercrombie, who greets all customers.

So on Nov. 8, Ms. Abercrombie, 44, and her son, Bryce, 24, both of Green Tree, had their teeth cosmetically whitened by Skin Beautiful Medical Spa.

Mother and son each paid $149. It was a good deal for them -- and for some others.

The procedure took place in the play room for 2-year-olds at South Hills Assembly in Bethel Park as a fundraiser for the faith-based, nonprofit Compassionate Connection.

The innovative money-raiser is reflective of the growing trend to eschew the traditional -- carwashes, Monte Carlo nights, hoagie and bake sales -- in favor of unconventional money-makers.

Compassionate Connection, which is housed in the Christian church, received $60 from the South Side-based spa for each of the seven customers, for a profit of $420.

"It was the least work of any of our fundraisers," said Kay Stepp, of Bethel Park, executive director of Connection. The only work she had to do was publicize the event and then set appointments.

Compassionate Connection seeks to meet the needs and affect life transformation for South Pittsburgh residents through its counseling center, life management classes, support center and human services, like toy drives.

Other unusual fundraisers are a lot of work, say organizers, even though they are profitable.

A second Victorian Tea to benefit the Allentown Adult Day Services, a program of the Allentown Senior Citizens Center, will be held if enough caregivers are willing to spearhead it again, said program manager Michelle Silliman.

The first tea, in May 2007, drew 115 people at each of two sittings who paid $12 each to step back into a slower, more formal time when etiquette ruled.

Guests, in fancy hats and gloves -- some even in full Victorian costume -- dined from a three-tier tray of selections, such as mushroom pate on pumpernickel, cheese cup, lemon pecan spread on nut bread, mixed berry scone with strawberry preserves and devonshire cream.

"It was such an undertaking, with lots of planning and work. People came out of the woodwork to attend this, and I had to refuse some of them for space reasons," Ms. Silliman recalled.

While she declined to reveal an exact amount raised, she did say it was "more than we ever imagined."

At Pleasant Hills Middle School, the annual talent show is so popular "we have to hold auditions as it would be an all-night event if everyone was allowed to participate," said Chris Ellgass, secretary of the Parent Teacher Association.

Profits of $3,000 to $3,500 every year from ticket prices and refreshments for the show, which highlights performance talents of middle and high school students, are used for unbudgeted programs or purchases.

It also serves to bolster self-esteem at an age when youngsters are typically grappling with identity issues.

"We recognize our athletes so much, and this recognizes kids with other interests," said Mrs. Ellgass, of Pleasant Hills.

The 19th annual show is planned for April 18, 2009.

At the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, traditional fundraisers are not an option.

"As we're all volunteers, our members' time is very limited.

"To try to get enough people there to do, say, a carwash, is a little tough,'' said fundraising committee chair Vevette McCaskey.

So, on Nov. 8, the department held its second over-21 "Funny Fundraiser,'' featuring three local comics, that drew 80 attendees.

"We made more this time than last time,'' said Ms. McCaskey, but she wouldn't say how much.

The comics, lights, sounds, tickets and more were booked through Slapsticks Comedy Productions, in Crafton, which has staged more than 50 such fundraisers this year, with five booked for 2009.

"I have access to practically every type of entertainment, but my focus is on comedy shows,'' said Slapsticks owner David Kaye, who operates the Comedy Loft club upstairs of the Royal Place Restaurant in Castle Shannon.

Tickets for the 90-minute shows, which would not exceed a PG-13 rating for language and content, said Mr. Kaye, are $15. The organization receives half..

His clients include boys soccer and amateur hockey clubs.

"The nice thing is it is an opportunity for parents, who put so much time and effort into their kids, to leave them at home and socialize with other parents they see at practice, but don't get a chance to know," he said.

"It's a one-night event that is a nice alternative," he said.