Pledge Panic Party

How to Raise $1,000 in 10 days!

Double Your Pledges with Matching Gifts!

Set Up Your Personal Webpage

More Fundraising Tips

Fundraising Coaches

                                          Fundraising Tools

DAY 1 Start by sponsoring yourself for $50

DAY 2 Ask 2 family members to sponsor you for $50

DAY 3 Ask 5 friends to each contribute $20

DAY 4 Ask 5 co-workers to each contribute $20

DAY 5 Ask 5 neighbors to each contribute $20

DAY 6 Ask 5 people from your place of worship to each donate $10

DAY 7 Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50 (or, better yet, find out if your company will match what you raise)

DAY 8 Ask 5 businesses with which your company works to sponsor you for $50

DAY 9 Ask 4 businesses you frequent (your barber/hair stylist, dry cleaner, veterinarian, restaurants, etc.) to contribute $25

DAY 10 Buy 20 Bands of Hope and sell them for $5 each.

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What's better than a generous gift to the National MS Society? A gift that is twice as generous thanks to a third party's matching gift program!

Many companies offer employees a matching gift benefit that, in effect, doubles (or in some cases even triples) your gift to the National MS Society. By participating in these programs you and your sponsors can double your dollars and significantly increase the impact that your contribution will have in the fight against MS.

Companies have various methods by which you can submit your matching gift request: online forms, automated phone systems or a paper form that you submit to the National MS Society when you turn in your pledges. Contact your company's human resources officer (or if your sponsors company offers matching gifts, have them do the same) to find out what your options are. They will give you a matching gift application; just fill it out and send it to us. We'll take it from there!

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Online fundraising is free and easy!  Here are a few benefits of using your personal webpage:

• Customize your webpage to share your personal story of why you are participating -- even add a photo.
• Send a group email to all your friends, family & co-workers asking them to support you.
• Your donors can donate with a credit card or electronic check on our secure site. No more snail-mail hassle and waiting!
• Monitor your fundraising progress daily by seeing who has donated to you online.

As a Team Captain, use your page to monitor your members and fundraising progress.

Think Outside of the Box! Sometimes asking flat out for a donation can be hard, but there are other ways to fundraise and have fun while doing it!

• Garage Sale: Make some space in your garage for your bicycle and have a garage sale.  If you don't feel comfortable asking friends, family or neighbors for cash donations, ask them if they have any items laying around that they would like to contribute to your sale!
• Raffle: Have a 50/50 raffle, half of the proceeds will go to the winner and the other half will go towards your fundraising efforts.  Many times the winner donates their half back to the cause!
• Piggy Bank: Place it in a strategic position with a poster explaining that all the contributions will go towards your fundraising efforts.
• Book/Video Sale: Set up a table at your office displaying your used books and videos. Remember, one person's trash is another person's treasure!
• Casual Days, Prime Parking or Days Off: Ask management if you can sell reserved parking spots, a day off or a casual day to other employees.  Some people will pay $5 just to wear jeans on Friday! Using an auction format may make more $$!

Have a Party! Who isn't looking for an excuse to get your friends and family together for a party!  There are many types of parties you can host to raise money towards your fundraising efforts. 

• Wine Tasting Party: Ask local wineries to donate bottles of wine and charge your friends and family to come over for a tasting!
• Kick Off to Summer BBQ: Barbeque's are a great way to celebrate summer and catch up with your loved ones.  Host a pot luck barbeque in your backyard or a nearby park and charge your friends and family a fee to attend.

Host A Fundraising Night - Many local restaurants such as Baja Fresh and Pick Up Stix offer fundraising nights and will donate 15% of proceeds! Simply select a date and invite everyone you know to come and eat!

Ask For Donations on Payday! Timing is very important. It's just as important as who you ask.

Send Letters and Emails! Send an announcement of your plan to ride to friends, business associates, church members, family and old acquaintances.  Don't forget company, organization and school newsletters.  Sample sponsor letters can be found at Event Material Downloads to send emails that will direct sponsors to your personal web page to make a donation.

Ask Vendors at Your Place of Business! Coffee, paper, delivery service, copier technician and everyone who wants to maintain that friendly "business
relationship" are generally willing to make a pledge.

Are You a Member of a Civic Organization? Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting and ask the group to sponsor you.

Save Your Spare Change Everyday! You will be surprised how quickly this spare change adds up and makes a terrific pledge to yourself!

Learn As Much As You Can About MS, the Chapter and the National MS Society! Visit the Chapters web site for additional information ranging from MS research to Chapter & clinical programs and so much more!

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The staff at the Chapter has helped thousands of others and will help you reach your fundraising goal!  If you are interested in a one-on-one fundraising consultation please email Kelly Kerins or call (760) 448-8413 and we will schedule a consultation today!

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