FUNDRAISING!!FUNDRAISING!!FUNDRAISING!!FUNDRAISING!!

#1 Way

• ASK: The easiest way to raise money is to ask your friends, neighbors, relatives, and anyone you know to make a donation to Relay for Life. Explain your commitment and why you are involved– Why is Relay for Life so important to you?– The worst thing they can do is say no. It is worth a

try!– Think about a few things before asking a friend or

family member to donate:• What would catch your attention if you received a

letter like this? What would encourage you to donate your money?

Ways to ask!• LETTER WRITING

– Write personal letters to your family, friends and coworkers and let them know how cancer has impacted your life. Share your feelings and the stories of those you know who have survived the battle, have lost the battle or are still fighting the battle against cancer

– Make it easy for people to donate; include a self-addressed envelope when you mail it!

• E-MAIL (a college student’s favorite)– Similar to the letter writing, but sent through email instead!– Include the link to your team’s site. Make it as quick and

easy as possible. The easier it is, the more likely the person is going to donate.

• Sample Letter as provided by a friend of Carli Culjat:

Dear Family and Friends,

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 and is now the largest voluntary health organization in the world. To date, they have funded 40 Nobel Prize winners and have contributed to most of the major cancer research breakthroughs of this century, including the Pap smear, mammogram, bone marrow transplant, radiation, chemotherapy treatment, and even the CAT scan.

Dedicated volunteers are committed to fighting cancer in their communities year-round, but once a year, they gather at Relay For Life to celebrate survivors and caregivers, remember loved ones lost and to gain inspiration for the fight. More than 4,800 Relays are held a year nationwide. Each relay is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags with the goal of keeping a person on the track at all times. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of eliminating cancer.

This year I am actively involved in the American Cancer Society: I am a captain of a "Relay for Life" team with (insert # here) members, myself included. "Relay for Life" is an overnight event that brings our community closer together to while helping to support the American Cancer society and its lifesaving mission. They aim to eliminate cancer. Our goal as a team is to raise (insert $ amount here). The American Cancer Society has contributed to almost every major discovery in cancer research. Millions of lives have been saved as a result, including people you may know. The American Cancer Society is second only to the federal government in total dollars spent on cancer research. For those people and countless others, the research the Society has funded is resulting in better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. Every dollar you donate makes a difference to people in your community whose lives are touched by cancer.

Your contribution is tax-deductible and will make a difference in the lives of individuals facing cancer and also provide hope for loved ones. Please make checks made payable to the American Cancer Society. Checks and money can be sent to (insert your info here)

Sincerely,(Your name here)

For those creative kids out there…

• Do you like to sing or act? What better way to share your talents,

have some fun and raise money for a great cause than selling sing-a-grams! Valentine’s day is coming up! Dress up like cupid (or have your best friend dress up) and have your friends and peers donate money to sing to their loved ones!

For those creative kids out there…

• Do you like to dress up/act?– March 17th is St. Patrick’s day. Dress

up as a Leprechaun and have people pay to take pictures with you! Let people know that the money is going toward Relay for Life

For those clever salesmen in the room…• Put your persuasive talents and

creativity to work!• Need Ideas?

– Homemade cookbooks– Baked goods– Services (car washes, yard work, house

cleaning, errand running…)– Valentine’s cards

For those of you who enjoy planning…

• Restaurants to the Rescue:– Ask a local restaurant or café to contribute

a portion of the proceeds for a day. It could be for a certain menu item or ask the owner if a special Relay item can be on the daily special. Create a sign letting customers know if they purchase this special, the owner will donate half the money to the American Cancer Society

For those of you who enjoy planning…

• Envelopes at Restaurant Tables:– Get donations by getting permission

to place a Relay for Life envelope at every table. Waitresses check envelopes after each seating.• Example envelope: “Please Support Our

Relay For Life Team and the American Cancer Society”

• Is your purse too heavy? Do your pockets have holes in them from carrying too much change?– Find a container and collect all of your

change in it for Relay for Life! An easy way to lighten your bag, protect your pockets and give money to a great cause!

Any Questions or Ideas?

• Contact Kitzi Hendricks– Email: kitzihendricks@creighton.edu– Phone: (916) 402-7954– Nic Olari– nicholasolari@creighton.edu– Phone:(402) 960-7995

Thanks so much and happy fundraising!!