It varies when it comes in, so there's no right answer for that. I think everyone gets nervous.
I tend not to take too many suggestions from here because of the fact that if you see it a thousand or more other people will too. Which is why donations are low.
DONT GET ME wrong, its a great tool, & helpfulI am sure to so many!
Its just harder & harder for companies to give when more & more are asking.
When I do ask I ask for things that are more public....IE tickets to talk shows & such where there really isn't a value, its more just a giveaway that they can do. Its not costing them anything for you to sit there & it keeps the show going if people are wanting it.
BTW, We tried to auction off the ELLITE stuff ast year for the first time...even though it was explain to everyone who bid on them all the restrictions...all 3 were returned the week after our auction claiming they didnt know.....
NOT WORTH IT AT ALL! We refunded all money as its not worth making parent angry.
As the saying goes...if its too good to be true...IT IS PROBABLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
Try contacting your local mall managers....I have had lots of luck with those.
I wanted to post some very valuable information I have learned about the Elite Resort Island packages. I talked to the person in charge:
Kristine Kusmich at 954-481-8787 ext 118 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I asked about how much meal plans cost
A: $110-120 per day per person which also includes drinks and fees
I asked how many people
A: you get 2 rooms that one room has to have 2 people minimum in
then the other can have a minimum of 1 then cots for as many
people needed
I asked about if they had packages already with airfare
A: she said no but they do have travel agents that can help you with
airfare. I did a general search from Iowa and tickets were from
$650-900. So that is obviously depending on your location
I asked what is the value of the resort certificates
A: $2100-2800
I hope that helps anyone who has gotten any of the certificates from them. I
looked online and they look absolutely beautiful places but the Club Barbados
is adults only (16 y.o. and older)
Laura..... thanks for the tip on KC Zoo. I also sent a letter to Sea Life and Coco
Keys Resot (they said no)
GETTING A LITLE DISCOURAGED NOW! I HAVE PROBABLY CONTACTED OVER 350 COMPANIES AND THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN VERY VERY LITTLE AND MY EVENT IS 1 MONTH OUT! WHEN DOES THE DONATIONS OR RESPONSES START COMING IN? STILL WAITING FOR MY CHRISTAMS! LOL
I have heard from many people that it is very common to receive donations from larger companies in the last 2-3 weeks. I look at my list and I too have hundreds I have not heard back from. But I also sent out almost 600 requests and have heard back from roughly 200 (50 no's). So all in all I actually have enough prizes to run the event as it is. But I would like to add some options so I still looking forward to things coming in.
One thing I did and had great results with, is to write to the hotels that are advertising on Groupon or Living Social. I have received 5 different stays from companies on these sites. I also wrote to salons, restaurants and local event places (gyms, rock climbing, water parks, horseback riding) and I received a good result.
