Band Mom - We send out thank you's when the donation is received - unless follow up is requested. Ex: Chicago Bears send auction end worksheet so they will know what exactly it went for.
Advice: Should you send thank you letters out right away when you receive a donation, or should you wait until the event is over?
This list has been extremely helpful! Thank you to all who have contributed!
Has anyone had any luck asking local realtors for donations? If so, do you have a letter template you can share? I thought I saw one in the file exchange, but now, can't seem to find it. Thanks.
This Donation List should be more on getting ideas as to who and what type of companies to ask. You see Wheel of Fortune said yes, so reach out to Price is Right or Jeopardy,if game shows is what you need for your event. If you see a toy company, reach out to others. That is how I did it and it worked. I asked a few of the shows that are playing in NYC and I just got a yes from one for two tickets valued $79.50 each. It doesn't matter which show, pick the shows your group would want to see and find a way to contact them by checking their website. Same with amusement parks and food venders. Everyone asks General Mills but what about Kelloggs, Hunts or Wonder Bread? Our event is in two weeks and we are lucky enough to have almost 200($50-$99) level one baskets,110($100-$249) level two baskets,28($250-$500) level 3 baskets and we are working to have 15 level 4 baskets. We only have 8($500+) so far. That's with 2 people doing 90 percent of the work in going door to door and companies. We worked hard and if they told us to come back or to call in a week, we did. At times 3 or 4 attempts with local. I went to a local Verizon store only to be told to come back. Went in when again and I was told to come back again. Called on that day before going and was told to give them a few more days. Yes I called again and they said to come in. What did I get? 4 $50 gift certificates and coupons for 400 goody bags. Must never be rude or roll your eyes each time they ask you to come back. In this case it was worth it.
I have to agree with Krystin. Companies that we use to get donations from now no longer donate due to the overwhelming donation requests from other parties. So instead of 40, we have gotten 3 this year so far with a lot of nos. Even from companies that we have a very long working relationship with.
Sadly this is hurting our charity for kids as well as other note worthy programs. So please if you don't need to get a donation from a company, please don't. You are only taking away donations from more worthwhile charities.
Here is the mailing address for the Wheel of Fortune donation:
Wheel of Fortune
10202 W. Washington Boulevard
Robert Young Bldg, Suite 2000
Cluver City, CA 90232
Also, if you are not a previous customer of Pointer Brand I wouldn't bother sending them a request. Here is the email response I received from the owner of the company:
Jack This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to me
Kaci
We do this but only for those customer's who have supported us. I can't find where you actually bought any of of items within the last 10 years. Should I be wrong let me know.
Jack King
4th generation owner of LC King Manufacturing Company
