STUDENTS 4 STUDENTS
The spirit of the student fundraiser lives in each and every student who commits to participate by raising money through sponsorships. Last year, 562 students participated by raising at least $150 each in sponsorships. Through their efforts, over $100,000 was raised for tuition assistance and special activities.
Welcome to the Team
Now that you have committed to raising at least $150 in sponsorships for the student fundraiser your are officially part of the team. You should plan on attending fundraiser meetings where you can turn-in sponsorship envelopes, get new supplies, qualify for cool prize drawings, and get some tips and tricks for how to get started. The first meeting is Wednesday, December 5 at 8:00 am in the new gym. The full schedule of meetings can be found under the important dates link. Here are some tips and tricks that might help you in your quest to raise money.
First, make a list of potential sponsors
Think about your relatives, family friends and neighbors. When you ask them to sponsor you, ask them if the company they work for has a "matching funds" program. Often times large companies match contributions their employees make to good causes. If they donate $30 and their company matches, you have now raised $60 in sponsorships towards your goal! Intel, Nike and ADP are just a few examples of local companies that have a matching funds program.
Before you ask anyone, prepare your sales pitch by...
Knowing what the money is used for
Tuition assistance and student activities. Indirectly, every student receives tuition assistance including you! You may not realize that the actual cost to educate a student is about 25% more than the annual tuition individual students pay. Pledges from the student fundraiser help cover the balance. Without these funds every family would be paying 25% more a year in tuition.
Personalizing the way you ask
Before calling, think about what makes Central special to you. Think about your day-to-day experience as a student and share those feelings in your presentation. When you are passionate about something it energizes a potential donor to say yes!
Practice with friends and family
Before you call, practice what you are going to say. Use one of your friends or a parent or even a sibling to practice your first call. It really does help and will make you feel more confident.
Call, write or email
If you know the person you are asking well, pick-up the phone and ask them in person. If they live in the area, make an appointment to stop by and ask them face-to-face.
If you have a list of potential sponsors that you do not know as well, write them a letter and enclose a stamped, self-addressed return envelope for them to send back their pledge.
If you have individuals email addresses and you know they like to communicate through email, go for it!
Remember to say "Thank You"
Never take a donation of time or money for granted. Thank EVERY person for their support - those who make a donation or pledge AND even thank those who said no by letting them know you appreciate their time and consideration. It is common for a person to change their mind if they are treated thoughtfully and with respect.
Campaign and Volunteer Verification
If a prospective donor has questions about the campaign that you aren't comfortable answering, you may refer them to the Central Catholic Web Site or Mary Erickson in the Central Catholic Development Office - (503) 230-1056.
Verification of your involvement in this campaign can be done using the same contact information. We will check to verify you have a signed contract on file and get back to the donor within 48 hours.
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