Snow Day Fundraisers

Don't let the snow stop you from fundraising! There are plenty of "Snow Day" fundraisers that you can do right from the comfort of your own home and neighborhood. Here are 5 great ideas that anyone can do :)

• Shovel/Plow a neighbors driveway/walkway for a donation to RFL.
• Since the kids are out of school, parents are frantically looking for babysitters! If you are asked to babysit, use the money you earn as a donation to RFL.
• Start on any crafts that your team can use as fundraisers. Snow days are the best days to work on crafts such as scarves, wire angels, quilts, and any other item that you or your team can sell.
• Ask a local gas station if you can stand out at the pumps and pump gas for donations.
• While sipping on your hot chocolate in your nice warm home, start writing letters to friends, relatives, coworkers, and others you may know, asking for a donation to RFL. Here are some tips when writing your letters:

1. Compose a one-page letter. Write your own as if you are sending it to a close friend.
2. Balance fact with feeling. Include what Relay is (fact); why you are involved and what it means to you (feeling); where and when your Relay is and where the money goes (facts). Describe the Luminaria Ceremony and how to purchase a luminaria (feeling); remind them to seek a company gift-match if offered (fact); and, on the back of the letter or at the bottom of your email, re-create a luminaria sign-up form (time saving tip).
3. Early on, decide what to ask. Don’t limit your donors, but ask for a specific range.  Ask for, “$10, $20, $50 or whatever your budget will allow.”
4. Give a 10-day deadline for response. People respond when there is a sense of urgency. Tell them to write the check to the American Cancer Society and send it to your address.
5. Copy the letters, and before stuffing them into envelopes, use colored ink to write the person’s name on top and a quick line,“Hope you can support me.” Sign it to add the personal touch.
6. Mail the letters. Yes, you will be out-of pocket the postage and copying costs, but they are minor compared to the return and, of course, the cause.

Remember, cancer doesn't take a break on Snow Days and neither should you! Make the most out of your Snow Day!