Fundraising (no, I am not asking for money)

[Jorddyn]

The husband of a friend of mine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She and I have decided to host a fundraiser golf tournament.

We have free access to a decent golf course. Beyond that, we're a bit lost.

Does anyone have any experience in fundraising? We're looking for any idea/suggestion that will allow us to raise as much money as possible.

Edited to add that the money is not for him, the money is to be donated towards MS research.

Jorddyn

[Edited on 4-12-2005 by Jorddyn]

[Ravenstorm]

I have no experience in the area at all. But logic suggests that in order to raise money, especially for something like a golf tournament, advertising is needed. Hit up the local radios stations, cable stations, news programs and newspapers and ask for some free advertisement as a donation.

Also, banks are excellent sources of donations in return for mention.

Raven

[Bobmuhthol]

Hit as many common locations as possible with advertisements is all I can say. I was involved with a school fundraiser and pretty much the entire town ended up knowing about it. The local newspaper is probably your best bet for advertising.

[The Cat In The Hat]

Yeah, call the newspaper and news, they eat up stuff like that around here. You might be able to get them to do a small story on you which would give it some good publicity.

[theotherjohn]

contact

the area business and tell them hey you donate a nice door prize and we will include your name in our advertising and allow you to set up a booth

tshirt shop....name in advertising name on shirt

food.....etc



[Edited on 4-13-2005 by theotherjohn]

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

http://www.justgiving.com/usa/charities.htm might have some info

[HarmNone]

Your local Chamber of Commerce is also a really good place to call. Just tell them what you're doing and why, and ask them if they'd like to be involved. They're a great source of information on local businesses who might wish to participate. :)

[The Korean]

Hire an army of midgets to walk through the middle of town with signs.

[Diamondback]

If you have not already, I might try to contact both the PGA and the LPGA and see if they could help out as well.

The help could be with publicity, actual donations, or perhaps best of all assistance in getting one or more pros from your from or in your area to attend and donate time.

The other thing is to not have any shame while doing this. Do not be embarassed to ask for anything and everything for free.

The worst someone can say is no and every penny saved from overhead goes towards a worthy cause.

Good luck and my best wishes for your friend.

[Edaarin]

Petition the SaveToby guy to not be a huge pile of excrement and do something worthwhile with his donations.

[Skeeter]

depends how much work you would like to do. Fish Fry's are great sources of income, easlily pulling in 5k+ in one night.

Bowling tournaments work. Texas Hold'em Tourneys are big right now.

Raffles always work, Sub and Pizza sales...etc.

There are a million ways to make money, all that is required is the work involved.

[Killer Kitten]

If any of you are members of a church or synagogue, have them ask at the church for volunteers to help man refreshment stands, donate baked goods, etc. Generally these folk are very giving people and are delighted to help their members with projects such as this.

Also your local Scouting troops are a good place to look for people to help out on tournament day, especially for jobs like cleaning the place up after the event.

Print up a ton of posters (see if you can get a local shop to donate them, a lot of places will do this or give you a discount) and get one into the window of every store in town, also on the bulletin boards of local churches and synagogues (and mosques if your town has one). Make sure one goes up on the bulletin board of your local town hall and in the local library. Also post one at every golf course in the area.

Thank God for computers, you can print up all the fliers you need and make them look ultra professional. Leaflet the town and surrounding communities.

Just remember to respect the golf course that was donated for your use. Have plenty of volunteers around for crowd control and to repair and clean up any damage. Make sure to haul all of your trash away as well. If you do that, perhaps the course will be glad to make yours an annual event.

Enjoy, and best of luck! It's a great thing to be doing.

[Jazuela]

You could try contacting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or looking around their website. They probably have a department for fundraising and would love to give you a hand. I know the American Cancer Society does that, since I used to work in the department back when I lived in Boston.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/

[DeV]

Since I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said, good luck with everything. Oh, and just to reiterate, make SURE to hit up your local and even surrounding newspapers and newsletters and place ads advertising your cause.