Sample Letter

Hello again!
  I've had several emails asking if there is a pre-written letter when asking a friend, colleague or family member for a donation.  I researched all over the place and did not find one single letter!  Make it as personal as possible.  People respond and relate to a personal cause rather than an organization.


Dear [MAKE EACH ONE PERSONALLY ADDRESSED IF YOU CAN!],
      As many of you are now familiar, it has become a yearly event for me to participate in "A Walk in the Park - Northern Colorado's Team  Hope Walk for Huntington's Disease". A Walk in the Park raises money to fight Huntington's Disease (HD) and to raise awareness of this horrible disease in the community. It is a community-developed event run by volunteers and coached by HDSA staff. It honors those affected with or by HD and remembers those who have lost their lives to this unfair disease. I started this walk three years ago when my dad, Kent was diagnosed.  I have been blessed by meeting so many people that have stood in my shoes before.  The HD community has become like a second family to us.

     So, as you also know, part of this event is fund-raising, and I would like to ask you to sponsor me to walk in this event.  Our event is Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Fairgrounds Park in Loveland, CO.
If you would like to donate, please go to: www.NoCoWalkforHD.org and click on "Fundraisers".  From there, you can click on my name "Jenna Schaefer" and my fundraising page will show.  Towards the bottom of that page, you will see a green button "Donate".  

    If you would like more information, please contact me. I'd be happy to get any information you'd 
like. If you would like to become involved, I'd be happy to assist you, or contact your local HDSA office. Team Hope takes place in more than 100 cities across the U.S. Since its inception in 2007, Team Hope has raised more than $4 million thanks to the support like yours!

Sincerely,
Jenna Schaefer
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jenna-schaefer/thwloveland2013

Let's Get Started!

FUNdraising sometimes can have the fun taken right out of it.  I've created a list to help you and/or your team get started.  Each month, I will post ideas for FUNdraising!  Leave a comment below if you have any ideas too!

1.) FRIENDLY COMPETITION is alllllways a huge pusher.  Incentivise your team with a prize of some sort for who can raise the most money OR who can get the most people signed up or involved!

2.) LETTER CAMPAIGN if done the right way can make a HUGE impact on your fundraising totals.  The great thing is this can be done individually or on a team basis.  Share your heart for Huntington's Disease, why it's important to you and send it via snail mail or email to everyone!  Send it on to local business too!

3.) BOWLATHON!!  Seriously, who doesn't love a great time out with friends bowling?  You may not be getting signed anytime soon from the National Bowling League (I know I'm not) but this is a great way to have fun, raise awareness for HD and raise moolah!

4.) MATCHING GIFT - Take some of the pressure off by asking a corporation or individual to match any donations your organization collects in a specified amount of time. Then, contact potential donors about giving to match the gift.

5.) EATING FOR A CAUSE - You got to eat anyway!  Ask a local restaurant to donate 20% of their profits on a designated night for your cause in exchange for encouraging supporters to eat there.  Plus, a great way to advertise for A Walk in the Park by leaving Save the Date flyers on their tables!

6.) GARAGE SALES are a great way to do a little spring cleaning and raise money at the same time.  Last time we took this approach, we raised over $600!

7.) APPLEBEE'S is has a generous charitable campaign!  Before the restaurant officially opens for lunch, they will provide a cook, manager and a breakfast consisting of all you can eat pancakes, sausage and  beverage for $1 per person.  This means, you sell the tickets that Applebee's provides you with for whatever you want to charge per person!  Tickets for $6 = $5 profit per person!

8.) RESTAURANT FUNDRAISING CARDS are always a big hit.  Whether it's QDoba, Subway, Blackjack, Nick 'n Willy's, Pizza Hut.... People love purchasing these discounted cards/coupons that usually have a BOGO deal, FREE appetizer, FREE dessert, etc.. All you have to do is go in and request the cards!  Simple.

Hopefully this list either helps get you started or gives you ideas for bigger and better ideas!  If you have ideas, please leave a comment in the box below.  We would love to hear them!