events | fire-truck-pull | fundraising | Fundraising Tool kit

In It To Win It

Asking for donations is never easy and it can leave even the most outgoing person with trembling knees. Just remember: what is the number one reason that people give? Because you asked! People give to people – not causes – and your passion and enthusiasm for the Fire Truck Pull and Special Olympics Texas are your best assets. Happy fundraising!

Fundraising Worksheet

Quick Tips

  1. Most Successful Idea: Mail a fundraising letter to your friends, family and neighbors with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Alternately, email your contacts and include a link to your personal fundraising web page where they can make a donation online.
  2. Team Spirit: Form a team at work or with friends. Select a captain, choose a team theme - like “Super Plungers” and dress up like superheroes. Wear matching shirts or hats to make a statement.
  3. Extra, Extra… Tweet All About It!  Posting on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram is a great way to share information about your involvement in the Fire Truck Pull, and to solicit donations. Include a link to your personal fundraising page.
  4. Double Your Fun: Challenge a friend or colleague to take the plunge!
  5. Matching Funds: Ask your supporters about matching funds from their employers.
  6. Follow Up: Always follow up, via phone and/or email.  People will appreciate the reminder.
  7. Send Thank Yous: Always send thank you letters/emails to all sponsors (and include a crazy picture, so they remember you next year).

Who Do You Know?

Make a list:

Family Members

Community

Child's Sports Team

Friends

Social Clubs

Vendors/Suppliers

Co-Workers

Fraternity/Sorority

Child’s School

Neighbors

High School/College Alumni

Colleagues/Competitors

How to Raise $400 in 10 Days

  Who to Ask Total
Per Day		 Grand Total
Day 1 Sponsor yourself for $20. $20 $20
Day 2 Ask 3 family members to each match your personal donation of $20. $60 $80
Day 3 Ask your best friend to sponsor you for $20. $20 $100
Day 4 Ask your boss for a company contribution of $20 or to match the entire amount you raise. $20 $120
Day 5 Ask 4 local friends to sponsor you for $10 each. $40 $160
Day 6 Ask 4 out of town friends to sponsor you for $10 each. $40 $200
Day 7 Ask 4 businesses you frequent (barber, salon, dry cleaner, dentist, lunch restaurant) to sponsor you for $10 each. $40 $240
Day 8 Ask 4 co-workers to sponsor you for $10 each. $40 $280
Day 9 Ask 4 neighbors to sponsor you for $10 each. $40 $320
Day 10 Ask 8 people from your church/temple/social club, etc. to sponsor you for $10 each. $80 $400

Sample Donation Request Letter

Dear [Insert Name]: I am writing to ask for your help. On [insert date of pull], I have committed to test my strength for the athletes of Special Olympics Texas by playing tug-o-war with a fire truck pull alongside other strong men and women. I know you’re probably thinking this will be impossible! This crazy feat of strength will have a positive impact on the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities that will last a lifetime. I have set a personal fundraising goal of $[insert amount], and I need your help to reach it! I’m not asking you to pull the truck alongside me and my team, but instead, I am asking if you will make a donation to Special Olympics Texas on behalf of me taking part in the Fire Truck Pull. Any amount would be appreciated – it all goes to a wonderful organization, and every bit gets me that much closer to my goal. In order to support my pull, please make your check payable to Special Olympics Texas and return it to me. Or, if you prefer the web, visit the link provided below. To learn more about this feat of strength, visit www.sotx.org/firetruckpull for all of the details. I will do my best to defy the odds and make my supporters proud! Thank you! [Pullers Name]

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