Looks fairly unanimous!! Just for the record - my vote was #1 as well. I just started sending letters but I've sent 80 different letters all on my own. I don't know who the 300 or so go to but at least those folks don't have 1000 of the same form letters. In fact, I've received three replies so far which is good considering I only sent the request two weeks ago. Two positive, one negative. The only reason the one was negative is because they didn't have a store in our city. The closest one is 80 miles away. Now, I'm thinking about celebrities but I think I'll curtail that more to their talent and such.
#1-Most companies want to donate only to organizations in communities where they have a facility or store. We have also had the most success in dealing with business in our community for the same reasons that pottsville states. We've had really good results with a general letter that explains the organization's purpose and the event for which we are seeking donations and then having someone personally deliver the letters. Many businesses need to have a letter on file to keep track of where they made donations.
#1 - I know if I worked in the "donation" department and I got hundrends of the same form letter, I would think twice about donating. Our success in getting donations has been with local businesses and reminding them that our parents are their customers and we remind the parents that those businesses support our school.
I read the fundraising forums so much I have a simple survey just out of curiousity. It's either #1, #2, #3, or #4:
1. I feel that people should actually do their own work and write more personable letters to companies to ask for donations to silent auction.
2. I feel that we should all share the same information thereby soliciting from the same companies year after year.
3. I feel that we should all share the same information because those companies have enough products to donate; otherwise, they wouldn't do it.
4. I feel we should all share lists because these companies have good community donation records.
