Hey Team,

I have been talking with lots of people about their fundraising plans…in a word: yay! It is great to hear what people are doing and planning. In fact, there are already lessons to share.

Asking for money can be intimidating and the best way to overcome that fear is simply to do it. I know that you are all courageous and determined people: you are training to run a marathon, after all!

Remember: you are never asking for a free lunch. You are giving people the opportunity to support children with disabilities. And that is a noble thing.

Conversely, you also helping children without disabilities overcome prejudice and become more accepting of others… another worthy achievement.

Think of the campers you are helping – you can do it! Whether it is fundraising or that last surge up heartbreak hill. I know it.

So, some early tips from your peers:

• Letters work! There are a few examples of letters that you can send to your friends and family in the handbook. People are always shocked to discover just how wide their network is and how many people they know. Take a look at that Christmas card list again. Let people know what you are doing and how they can help. And wait to be surprised.

• Corporations are donors, too! One runner is hosting her first event today. She sent out dozens and dozens of letters and was shocked to discover who would donate tickets or a TV to be raffled off: ski lodges, package stores, supermarkets, and more! Raffles and events are excellent ways to increase your reach and get people involved. Throw a party and watch the support!

• Who just donated?! Our social networks (facebook, linked-in) are full of people from different walks of our life: high school, writing groups, parent associations, etc. We hardly ever even talk to them! One runner was shocked as two or three of these old high school friends, people he couldn’t even tell you why they were facebook friends, donated to him the first day he posted what he was doing on facebook.

It all comes back to me earlier point: People like to give. You are just giving them a reason why.

Happy fundraising, runners!

– Barbara