The Bard-a-thon is quickly approaching (THIS WEEKEND!), so as the top individual fundraiser in the 2nd annual Bard-a-thon (2009), I have some tips for y’all…
- Who to contact: friends and family (near and far), co-workers, teachers, mentors… really anyone you think might give money, even a couple bucks. The worst someone can tell you is no. We do recommend going to individuals rather than businesses.
- Tell them (briefly) what the Bard-a-thon is and WHY YOU’RE PARTICIPATING: This is key. This makes it a personal appeal. Even if it’s simply, “I haven’t read aloud since I was 15 and it seems like a good time,” it gives it a nice touch. If you want to throw in something about how important theatre/reading/Shakespeare/NC Stage is to you, go for it. We are kicking off the Bard-a-thon on the eve of National Arts and Humanities Month, after all.
- State your fundraising goal. If your goal is $200 and you’re sending your email appeal to 20 people, it makes it easy for them to see their place as a piece in the fundraising puzzle. (Then, when you get a response saying they’ll give, THANK THEM INDIVIDUALLY. They’ll be more likely to help you out again in the future.)
- Mention which plays and parts you’ll be reading. Tell them what time the plays you’re in begin (all plays have a designated start time), and that they can watch in person at NC Stage or online - give them the link! - fo FREE.
- If you’re in it for prizes, mention that… but perhaps less bluntly than “I’m in this to win prizes, so give me your money.” Friends like helping friends win things, ‘cause sometimes they share. (Or if they don’t share, they feel a need to reciprocate that assistance in some other capacity in the future.)
In my experience, it’s good to email early (now-ish) and then right before the Bard-a-thon kicks off (Friday afternoon), reminding them they can watch AND donate throughout the weekend. Oh yeah! Tell ‘em viewers can win prizes too!
See you soon!
-Lauren
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