• Form a list and send an email to EVERYONE on that list:
    • Put together a list of friends, family, co-workers, work out buddies, etc… (i.e. potential donors).
    • Think creatively here. Do you have neighbors, doctors, sports club members, etc… that might support you?
    • Remember, it doesn’t hurt to ask so build the biggest list you can by including everyone you can think of!
  • Use social media:
    • Use Twitter, Facebook, Google +, etc. to talk about and promote your fundraising!
    • User the hashtag #hockey4wishes to promote the event
  • Set a Fundraising goal and continue to raise It:
    • Make sure you set a goal!!!
    • Having something to aim for always helps. And 9 times out of 10 you’ll end up doing better than you originally thought so aim high!
    • Most supporters will set their personal fundraising goal very high to inspire themselves and their donors (i.e. friends and family). Normally, you set your goal when you register, but don’t forget, you can go back and raise your goal as you start to see the fundraising dollars come in.
    • Remember, you’re raising money for a cause you care about. Push yourself to raise more than you ever thought you could.
  • Remember your inspiration:
    • There’s a reason why you are supporting this cause. Make sure to remember that and bring that same energy to your fundraising efforts.
    • As you go about setting your fundraising goal and sending out personal appeals to your friends and family try including a personal message about why you’re supporting the cause and what the fundraising efforts mean to you.
    • The more personal you can make it the better.
  • Get face to face:
    • When you’re fundraising make it a point to ask the friends and family you see on a regular basis to support you by donating.
    • Dinner parties, soccer games, church, family reunions, etc. They are all great opportunities to make in person asks.
    • Remember, it’s difficult for people to say “no” if you speak with them in person.
  • Make it personal:
    • People will donate because YOU are asking them to. Simple as that.
    • They like you and respect that you’re supporting a great cause.
    • You have the space on your fundraising web page and in your emails to tell them why supporting this cause. Communicate your passion to your friends, family, co-workers and other potential donors. It’s a critical part of your fundraising success.
  • Follow Up:
    • It’s very common for people to put things off. We all live busy lives and have a lot of other responsibilities on our plates. A little reminder nudge never hurt anyone.
    • If someone has indicated that they want to donate, but hasn’t, don’t hesitate to follow-up with a phone call or reminder email. Especially as the time you have to raise funds for the event runs down. People respond to deadlines!
    • Ask. Ask. Ask. Ask. Ask. Ask. Ask. And ask again.
  • Send Thank You Notes:
    • It’s a simple thing to do, but also one of the most powerful.
    • Make sure to say thank you to everyone who supported you. Send emails, write personal notes and thank people in person. Do it every opportunity you get.
  • Here is a sample email if you are not sure where to start:

    EMAIL SUBJECT LINE:
    I NEED YOUR HELP – 24 Hours of Hockey for Wishes

    EMAIL BODY:
    Hi,

    I have signed up for the second annual 24 Hours of Hockey for Wishes and I need your help to reach my goal.   I will be playing 12 hockey games over 24 hours on July 20th and 21st to make a difference in a child’s life!

    This event is being organized to raise money to grant wishes for kids with life threatening medical conditions through Make-A-Wish® Eastern Ontario.  Not only will you receive a tax receipt for your donation but you will also be directly helping grant a wish for children that desperately need Hope, Strength and Joy.

    Thank you, I really appreciate your support!

    ____________________________________________________________

    NOTE: Don’t forget to copy and paste the link to your personal fundraising page so everyone can easily donate online!