Here are the two letters that I have written to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. As you will see there are some elements that are similar in each.

First, with TNT letters I think it’s very important to be personal. Most, if not all, of the people you’ll send your letter to are people you know, including friends and family. Eventhough they know it’s a form letter of sorts, they should feel you wrote it just for them.

Including information about WHY you are raising money is also important. In fact, studies prove that by using the word “because” will improve the response rate! You can say something like, “please send a donation today because… ” and then include info about your interest in the cause, your honored heroes, and the need to fund cures and treaments for leukemia.

As I stated in the Guide to Writing a Fundraising Letter, it’s important to give a requested response date. This serves two purposes, one it increases the sense of urgency for the reader, making them more likely to send a donation. And second, it will help you keep track of your fundraising so that you can reach your goals.

Team in Training Letter, 2001

Dear Friends & Family,

Without a doubt, I am getting ready for the biggest challenge of my life. On June 24, 2001, I will be racewalking a marathon in Anchorage, Alaska! That’s 26.2 miles, and yes all at once. Luckily, I am not doing this on my own. I have joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. Through this program, I have great coaches, mentors and teammates whose support will help me cross the finish line.

More importantly even than my physical commitment to the program is my commitment to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its effort to battle Leukemia and related cancers. These diseases strike some 107,000 Americans each year and acute leukemia is the number one cause of death of children under the age of 15.

One of the greatest contributions of the Society is toward research. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of this disease, and researchers are now optimistic that they will find a cure within 6 years!

I am not only walking this race for the Society, but also in honor of two young Leukemia patients in particular. In December of last year Adam received a bone marrow transplant, and is still undergoing treatment. Tony is an energetic little boy. He is currently in remission. Finding a cure for this disease will mean a long, healthy life for these boys.

Research is the key to finding a cure, and funding for this research is essential. I have set a personal goal to raise $4000 toward this effort.

As I walk the 26.2 mile marathon, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to walk stronger and faster to the finish line. A donation of one dollar per mile is suggested, but whatever you can do to contribute matters…it all adds up! With over 75% of your donation going directly to research, you truly can make a difference.

If possible, please send your donation along with the enclosed pledge form by March 19th so I can monitor my fundraising efforts. However, I will continue to accept donations until the day of the race.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

p.s. visit my website for more info and the latest news on my progress! [web address was included here]

Team in Training Letter, May 2004

Spring Training has Begun!

No, not baseball. Marathon Spring Training!

Yes I am at it again! 3 years ago I walked a marathon in Anchorage, Alaska in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This time I will be a little closer to home.

I am walking a half-marathon in Dallas on May 16th, 2004. That’s 13.1 miles, and yes all at once. Luckily, I am not doing this on my own. I am training with other runners and walkers who are also getting ready for a race.

More importantly even than my physical commitment to the program is my commitment to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its effort to battle Leukemia and related cancers. These diseases strike over 107,000 Americans each year and acute leukemia is the number one cause of death of children under the age of 15.

One of the greatest contributions of the Society is toward research. Great progress has been made in the treatment of this disease, and continued funding for this research is essential. I have set a personal goal to raise $1500 toward this effort.

I am walking this race in honor of two Wichita Falls residents. And I am happy to say both of our honored heros are in remission! In fact Daniel, who is 29, will be running a marathon with us! Desi, a sweet 7 year old boy, is also an honored hero and has been in remission from Acute Leukemia for 5 years! His mom is also joining us on this journey this season.

As I walk the course, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to walk stronger and faster to the finish line. A donation of one dollar per mile is suggested, but whatever you can do to contribute matters…it all adds up! With over 75% of your donation going directly to research and patient services, you truly can make a difference.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

p.s. visit my website for more info and the latest news on my progress! [web address was included here]

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The website survey was a big success. All of the comments and suggestions were extremely helpful. If for some reason you missed the survey, and you’d like to submit comments such as what features you’d like to see on the site or general suggestions, you can always send me an email.

The winners of the survey prize contest are:

Pam Ferris of Catnap From The Heart
$50 Gift Certificate from Amazon.com

Laura Donmoyer of American Cancer Society, Lebanon County, PA Relay
$25 Gift Certificate from Amazon.com

James R. Stickels of Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin
“The Beginner’s Guide to Fundraising” CD $24.95 Value

Congratulations again to the winners, and thanks again to everyone for participating!

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Alex Scott, the little girl who raised money to fight cancer by holding lemonade stands, is now featured on a national billboard campaign. The series of ads are sponsored by The Foundation For a Better Life, which places billboards, TV and movie preview type commercials highlighting values.

Visit The Foundation for a Better Life to see more images

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I’d like to say thanks to everyone who’s completed the fundraising survey. The results so far have been amazing — thank you for all of your comments and suggestions. It’s been very helpful!

Now there’s just one week left to let your voice be heard — and get a chance to win in the drawing. The survey will be open until May 17, 2005. Prizes will be announced via email on May 19, 2005.

Prizes are: First prize (1) amazon.com gift certificate, value $50; 2nd prize (1) amazon.com gift certificate, value $25; 3rd prize (1) “The Beginner’s Guide to Fundraising” CD, value $24.95.

Click here to start the survey

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