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Step By Step Fundraising Ideas November 2004 This month I’m featuring a wonderful fundraising success story from Anne Champine-Michels. In October she held a dinner fundraiser onbehalf of her granddaughter Autumn, who is going through treatmentsfor cancer. Dinner Fundraiser Success StrategiesThere are several excellent fundraising strategies that Anne used to maximum benefit. #1 - There’s Strength in Numbers Anne told people what she was doing and why. This is so important with any program or fundraiser! First of all, people cannot become involved if they don’t know what’s going on! The enthusiasm and strong belief that you put behind the cause can create an amazing momentum. One of the things that impresses me, is Anne’s complete determination to make this work, even though she’d never organized an event such as this before. Her excitement was contagious, and soon her friends and familywanted to help too. Your enthusiasm can be the key that will enlist hundreds of supporters. You may be thinking, “hundreds? I don’t know hundreds of people!” Yes, but you tell one person, who knows someone else, and on down the line. Just start telling people about your cause and/or event, and ask if they can recommend someone. You’ll be amazed at how the personal connections can pay off! #2 - Get Everything Donated The second strategy that is evident in Anne’s success story is that everything was donated. Her brother-in-law donated and cooked the spaghetti. All of the desserts were donated by family and friends. Raffle prizes, too were donated. So how do you get all of this great stuff donated? - see #1! #3 - Multiple Fundraisers The vast majority of the money raised at Anne’s event came from the raffles. Of the nearly $20,000 raised, approximately $16,000 came from raffle ticket sales. The dinner provides the time and place, and while they are there most people will donate more. When holding an event such as this where there’s an admission, add-on fundraisers are almost always appropriate AND needed to hit your fundraising goals. There are actually a great number of other possibilities for add-on fundraisers, such as silent auctions, food, a cash bar, and donation jars. As another example, for a concert or theatrical production, selling advertising in the programs can bring in a lot of money. No matter what your event, think of a few fundraisers that will compliment your organization and the event itself. To hear more about Anne’s inspiring story, and see photos
from the dinner, visit: That’s it for this month. As always, if you have any questions
or
To Your Continued Fundraising Success,
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