Eastside TNT

Week 1:

• Start by sponsoring yourself = $25.
• Send out at least 25 letters and emails to friends and family (ask for a minimum donation of $26) = $650.

Week 2:

• Follow up on your fundraising letters and emails.
• Ask three additional family members (minimum donation of $26 each) = $78.
• Ask five friends to sponsor you (minimum donation of $26 each) = $130.
• Ask two co-workers to sponsor you (minimum of $26 each) = $52.
• Check with your company's human resource department to see if they offer matching gifts.

Week 3:

• Ask three additional co-workers to sponsor you (minimum donation of $26 each) = $78.
• Plan a fundraising party with at least 25 people (e.g. 50% of split cover charge of $20 for a happy hour) = $250.

Week 4:

• Ask five neighbors to sponsor you (minimum donation of $15 each) = $75.

Week 5:

• Ask your boss for a company contribution = $50.

Week 6:

• Ask three businesses you frequent for a donation (e.g. doctor, dentist, dry cleaners, etc., $37 each) = $111.

Grand Total $1500

10. Do not think of fundraising as asking for money or a loan. You are asking as an advocate for those in need.

9. Do not discount anyone. While you may not have talked to that high school friend for awhile, it's never too late to resume a friendship by telling them about your involvement with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

8. Use those who are close to you as a "mini-committee" to reach your goal. Ask them to share their Rolodex, send out letters, help plan a party or find raffle prizes.

7. You do not need to know all of your potential donors; it's okay to accept donations from people you do not know. Just remember to thank them. By carrying their fundraising letters everywhere they go, many Team In Training® (TNT) participants have received donations in bars, the subway and from passengers in elevators, in their offices or apartment buildings.

6. Ask your boss.

5. The best way to fundraise is to use a combination of techniques, including a raffle, a fundraising letter, online fundraising, a party, corporate involvement, etc.

4. Start early! There's a lot to be said for those people who get all of their fundraising done so that they can concentrate on their training as event weekend nears.

3. Involve everyone you know. Most people find that their daily contacts supply plenty of potential donors. You'd be surprised at how many people you know - even casual acquaintances - who will support your efforts. Leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers affect more than those diagnosed with the disease.

2. TNT is a program that allows people to experience the joy of helping others vicariously through you. When you participate in Team In Training, you represent not only your honored patient hero, you also represent all those who donated to your campaign. Make sure everyone realizes that their contribution will last much longer than the 30 seconds it takes to write a check or make an online donation. Mention your efforts whenever possible - you never know when someone has $20 burning a hole in their pocket.

And the No. 1 fundraising tip from Team In Training is...

1. Ask, ask, ask!

So, how did I go from being a 63 year old woman who had never considered participating in a triathlon to one who couldn’t imagine not doing one?

In March, the son of one of my husband’s co-workers was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Maggie and I had talked on the phone and met once in person. I had never met Ryan. Yet, I immediately felt a strong compulsion that I needed to do something. My friend, Barbara Ansell, participated in the Los Angeles Triathlon with Team In Training a couple of years ago. Barbara assured me that I could do it, too. Almost before I knew it, I had bought a bike and was attending practices.

With TNT, practicing for an event goes hand in hand with fundraising like the two sides of a coin. I plunged into the fundraising with as much or more enthusiasm as the team practices. I was nervous about not being able to meet my minimum commitment or my own higher goal. TNT provides a lot of support and help for fundraising and I tried to take advantage of it. Early in our training season, I spent a lot of time working on the web page and preparing a letter. Ryan’s story made for a very personal message. Very few people could fail to be moved by the picture of a beautiful two-year old boy with a port-a-cath on his chest and no hair on his head.

To me, fundraising is a fairly simple equation. You ask people to donate money to support a worthy cause. People will either say yes or no. If you ask enough people, donations will accumulate. Then you thank people. See, it’s simple.

But since some participants do have difficulty with fundraising, let’s look at some of the simple parts. Lots of people (myself included) feel embarrassed asking people to do things for them or, especially, asking for money. So it’s vital to explain that the donation will be to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and will be tax-deductible. It’s vital to explain what the money will be used for (use the resources provided by TNT to describe the work of LLS). It is very helpful to make it personal by telling the story of a particular patient. And you need to ask lots and lots of people. Send out 100 letters with the free postage bonus. Use attractive envelopes and hand address them to increase the likelihood that they will be opened and read. Send out lots and lots of emails with links to your TNT webpage. Ask your friends to forward the messages to all their friends. Be sure that you tell people to make out checks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Be sure that the link in your email “works” and will take people to your webpage. Ask for help if you have problems; TNT has volunteers to make the process as smooth as possible. Be prepared to spend time – getting the website up, writing and addressing letters, sending emails. The earlier you start, the better. And, finally, when your event is over, write and tell your donors about your experiences and thank them for their confidence in you and their support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Remember that you are investing your “sweat” equity in TNT, not just in preparing for and completing your event, but also by your time and efforts to be successful in fundraising.

Companies that match funds are a powerful addition to your arsenal. A $500 contribution from a friend turns into a $1,000 once the company matches. Coach Jason had a great experience with companies who matched his friends' contributions. He has compiled a list of 223 companies that offer a matching funds program, which is currently available in the docs page or via the Printer Friendly Format link.

Mass events like speed dating can reach a large audience. Talk with your fundraising captain to work out the logistics of a location and then start sending out your flyers. Speed dating events are also broadcasted to all other area TNT groups so you instantly have an audience. TNT'ers need love too! We've attached a flyer from one such speed dating event for March 4 at 7pm in San Monica. Please click on the printer friendly link to jump to the pamphlet.