Wanted to let everyone know we have started a new thread -- the 2014 Ultimate Donation List to take us through the next year.
We will be closing this thread, which means you will not be able to add additional comments, but we will keep this thread on the Message Boards should you need to search it.
We are moving the list that kicked off the 2013 thread to the 2014 thread.
So in the past I've tried to avoid soliciting via email. My background is outside sales its engrained in me that it is lazy to not ask in person. However this year our annual event got moved from April to February leaving us very little time to pull things together. With a new principal who thinks we are all idiots and PTO members flaking out its year desperate times came to desperate measures. I started emailing all the restaurants that were owned by parishioners in our diocese. (Used the bulletins from area churches). Got a tremendous amount of response. Started doing the same with stores I just knew I wasn't going to make it to. I emailed out to the group and told them what I did and sent them how I worded thing. Several others took my lead and stuff is pouring in.
WHEW!!!!
Try to address the email directly to the owner if you can google and find their names. Even if it goes to the contact us email address on their website it still looks a little personal. Use facebook to find email addresses that may not be available on restaurant website.
I'm not good with asking local places for donations. What do you say for example when you go to a local business asking for a donation? Do you ask for the manager? At what point of talking do you hand the person the donation letter? How do you start asking them for the donation? I need a little "hook" if someone has one. Thanks.
