GAPTADAD, you are so funny. While I like to think I look like Anna, I then wake up and realize I look more like Roseanne!

I think following up a letter by going in person guilts a few people into donating. I have heard several times that yes, they got my letter, but they just hadn't had time to respond and I get my donation there on the spot.

That being said, it's time for baseball/softball banner renewal time. I send letters out for these, but usually have to follow up in person with about 90% of them. I usually always get them to renew, they just don't do it by letter.

In my opinion, no. My membership is composed of approximately 95% teachers and 5% parents. Keep in mind, the 5% part encompasses the president, secretary, and treasurer plus five others. The age demographic is mid 30's to early 50's on those folks. As far as the teachers, we have some that are 22 and 24 straight out of college that would "look the part" but I'm a little hesitant to ask them because of my daily association with them. I need an Erin Brokovich who's not going to get me records from the Water Department but is able to get me donations for the organization to enhance the school. Am I making any sense or am I totally out of my mind?

Is there someone else in your PTA group or whichever group you are doing this for that would be willing to help you out with this? Can you get another mom to pitch in and do this part? I would look into that before I paid someone to do it.

OK, folks, so tell me what you think about this one. I'm figuring that I just don't have the "look" for soliciting local business donations. However, I'm thinking of paying a 19 year old girl that looks like Anna Kournikova $100 to go around and follow-up on the letters I already sent. She would have a copy of my original letter and a copy of our tax-exempt letter. Let's just say there's a "demographic" in my town that I'm not tapping into and I think she will help. Your thoughts?

There are about 5 of us from our school that will ask anyone for anything! However, we had our Chamber of Commerce (which our PTO is a member of) print us the labels for all of the Chamber members. We then mailed a donation letter and 2 flyers that each business could post in a window, door, or bulletin board. It was an expense (because we mailed everything in a large gold envelope so that nothing had to be folded,) but many businesses called us with donations, gift certificates, etc...and many others also posted the flyers so that we were advertising as well!!! It definitely paid off for us...or goal to was get the community involved...and we did!

I always ask to see a manager. The store clerks have no authorization to do anything.

I'm glad that you have had luck with out-of-town businesses. My luck with them has been so-so. And then it is only successful when I contact them personally.

Out most popular items are usually hunting items from some of the sporting stores. Our least popular items tend to be car care type. I think people have certain places they trust and don't want to take their car just anywhere. Another thing we learned is that is someone wants the oil changes for a particular company they don't want the tire rotation from somewhere else so we don't put those things together anymore.

There is one fundraiser I do (for the baseball program) that I send a letter, but then I follow up with a personal visit. I usually get a few renewals with the letter, but I usually get 95% with the visit.