Just Ask... Spread The Word

The countdown continues, and we still have three weeks left to get pledges for the Relay!

The number one reason people do not donate is that no one ever asked them! Your goal is to reach out to as many people as possible, and simply ask if they'd like to be involved. Most people's lives have been touched by cancer in some capacity, and they'd like the chance to help in some way — to honor, to remember or to celebrate. Below are some great fundraising tips from the ACS to get you started:

Fundraising Tips for Individuals

Sign up
Sign up to use the Relay For Life^® online fundraising Web site and make your own personal Web page. Start by clicking right here to Join Jamie's Team!! We'd love to have at least 11 more walkers!

Email Your Friends and Family
Send emails to everyone you know using our easy and fun-to-use email tool. Import your address book, use one of our email templates or create your own, track results, and follow up. Soon, credit card donations will start rolling in. Really, it is so fun to see the subject line for incoming email read: "A Donation Was Made On Your Behalf". If you need help importing your address to your Relay Team Member contacts, or figuring out how to email contacts, just email Jamie, Katie, or even me, or comment on the blog. Help will come your way!

Make a List and Check It Twice
Make a list of potential donors. Include everyone you know. Start by making a donation to yourself online. Your gift will set the tone for others to give.

One a Day
Ask a different person each day to make a contribution. If you get four $25 gifts, you will have raised $100 in less than a week. Don’t be afraid to ask for larger gifts. Cancer is an issue that affects us all, and most people are happy to donate.

Double Your Money
Many employers offer matching funds programs. Your $50 donation could turn into $100. Inquire with your personnel/HR department to complete the paperwork required to get your gift matched. Visit our Matching Gifts page.

The Mighty Pen
Send a letter in the mail to friends, family, and co-workers asking for their support. Include a printed off-line donation form (find the link on your personal Participant Center page). Let them know if you are walking in honor of someone. Explain why the cause is important to you; heartfelt messages get the best response. Don’t forget to send a thank you note to people who donate.

Bring It Along
Take your Web site's address and contribution form everywhere you go and ask everyone you interact with to sponsor you. Remember, the fight against cancer is a great cause, and most people want to help.

Talk It Up
Ask for a few minutes on the agenda of any meetings you will be attending. Explain why you are walking and ask for everyone’s support. If you are dedicating your efforts to someone who has had cancer, tell that person’s story.

Blog It!
Post details about the Relay on your personal blog, and link to your Relay Participant page so family and friends can easily pledge (for example).

Offer Food
Offer healthy treats to your friends, family, and co-workers for a small gift to the American Cancer Society. Most people can be tempted to donate.

Clean House
Clean out your garage or home and set up a Relay For Life^® donation booth in exchange for your finds. Ask your friends and neighbors to donate their stuff to you, explaining that all proceeds go to the fight against cancer.

Celebrate
If a birthday or holiday is coming up, tell your family and friends that in lieu of a gift, you would like them to make a donation to the American Cancer Society for your Relay For Life^®.

Pin It Up
Post your Web site address or walk paper on the bulletin board at church or temple, in the office, at the gym, or at school. Make sure to highlight your name, phone number, email address, and team Web page address

Send the Message
Change the recording on your voicemail or answering machine to mention Relay For Life^® and how callers can make a donation. Then, when you call people back, ask them to sponsor you. When emailing friends, add a “PS” asking for their support.

Call Us
Your local American Cancer Society office has more helpful hints on raising support so don't hesitate to call or email to make this the most successful Relay For Life^® yet!