SPOKESCREATURES? OR SPOKESCRITTERS'?

This will be a bit of a side-step, but when I saw this recently, I couldn't resist passing it on.
  
Evidently Forbes recently reported on a survey taken in regard to  spokespeople.  (Hum, can't imagine why that would have happened. You know spokespeople are those that get paid outrageous sums of cash to represent a corporation or product - to promote it, drive it, hit it, drink it, wear it...  Anyway, you get the idea.

It seems the survey indicated that the most memorable fictional brand spokespeople may soon be replaced by spokescreatures!  Forbes went on to say that survey participants were asked to rank 800 characters on 36 different characteristics.  The characteristics (qualities)  included sincerity, likability and coolness.  For the Forbes list, characters were ranked by their overall appeal – whether people actually like the characters or not.

Ready?  Top three were:  the MandM guys, Pillsbury Doughboy and Tony the 'Tiger'!

The post went on to dryly point out that there is an advantage of having a spokes'creature', rather than a spokesperson.  It is one you and I would probably not have thought of immediately - at least, we would not have phrased like this.

It seems the spokescreatures can't embarrass the brand  Think about Tony the Tiger for a few minutes, and you'll get the drift.

This should serve as a bit of comfort that even the most callous and steel-like of corporations still must have a Good Humor Man (pardon the pun) taking up some of that valuable chair space in the boardroom.

Enjoy the chuckle and have a great day!  Until I see you next time, make sure every fundraising project is an Ultimate Fundraising Success!

Sherie Smith

The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/sheriesmith
About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the '$4,500 in 3 Hours' project, will be released late 2009 to early 2010.
Copyright Sherie Smith - All Rights Reserved
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FRESHEN YOUR SCHOOL FUNDRAISING PROJECT!

How many different 'best' fundraisers are there?  Oh my!  Cookie dough, car washes, spaghetti dinners, discount coupon books, candy sales, candle sales, magazine drives, fruit sales, bake sales, raffles, mystery dinners and on.  I could probably sit here for most of the night and still might not get them all listed. To make matters worse, we're bored by the same old, same old projects over and over again.  

At least a few weeks ago I was pleased to hear of something new.  No, not a new school fundraising idea.  just a new 'attitude' about it, which was in itself quite refreshing. 

The kids (in this case 9 year olds) were to sell cookie dough by the tub.  We all know these prices are inflated to beat the band and we could buy numerous types of similar cookie dough tubs at the local store for probably 1/3 of the price.  Still, this is what we do to help our kids, grandkids, neighbor kids, etc. 

For the first time though, (that I remember at least), the sales sheet was sent home saying that donations could also be made for 2/3 of the sale amount.  That child would still get one 'sale' credit, even though no actual dough was purchased.

Zowie!  Finally someone gets smart about this stuff.  We bought one tub of dough for $15 and then made an additional $10 donation.  In exchange our young grandson got credit for 2 purchases, and we saved $5 in the process.  (not to mention an additional inch around our waistlines if we'd bought the 2nd tub too.)

Good job school for setting the sale up like that this year.  I'm sure you'll find your revenue increases with the improvement of the project blueprint. 

What can you do to YOUR child's or grandchild's project to improve it?  Put on your thinking caps - start scrunching up all those brain cells and think of some new way to freshen up an old project.  You'll find your school fundraising project will be so more successful in the long run!

Make your project the 'Ultimate Fundraising Success'!

Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/sheriesmith


About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the '$4,500 in 3 Hours' project, will be released late 2009 to early 2010.
Copyright Sherie Smith - All Rights Reserved
You may reprint the above article as long as you include the above bio/resource box in full. Do not make any changes to the article or the resource box. Links in the resource box must be clickable to reprint this article. If you can't click the link, please ask permission to reprint.

FUNDRAISER WAS A SHINING OPPORTUNITY!

While enjoying coffee and catching up on my reading, I came across a great fundraiser that's a shining opportunity for all! The Green Halls Post Star reports on an easy fundraising idea, perfect for any area of the country as well as for any time of the year!

Residents of Saratoga Springs are working hard to restore and maintain a  favorite historical building. Formerly the Universal Baptist Church, erected in 1871, it has now become the Universal Preservation Hall.  As the site for concerts, dances, lectures, speaking events of all kinds, entertainers, weddings, etc, the Hall will now benefit all of the Sarasota Springs community.

Normally, the UPH committee utilizes more typical fundraisers, much like can be found in any city.  However, they recently held a 'Gold Party' and guests and planners alike profited nicely from the evening. Event guests brought their old or broken gold jewelry to the event to convert to cash.  Each guest went home with a nice little check of their own and 15% of the proceeds went to the Preservation Hall restoration fund.  If your club is looking for a new project to help raise money, this one is almost as easy as it gets!  Be sure to choose the most cooperative gold buyer to work with, one that will be fair to all and pay the highest!

Here's an idea of what is typically paid for used gold, according to Market Oracle:  Independent Buyers 70%, Gold Dealers 50%, and good Pawn Shops 40%-50%.  These percentages are based on 'melt' price, sometimes called 'spot' price.  Make sure the buyer has a good reputation and is willing to tell the guests how much their gold weighs and how their profit is calculated.  That way guests have confidence they've been treated fairly. 

No matter what fundraising projects your group uses, make sure everyone has a good time.  Good luck on your next project and remember, always make it an Ultimate Fundraising Success!

Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/sheriesmith
About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the '$4,500 in 3 Hours' project, will be released late 2009 to early 2010.
Copyright Sherie Smith - All Rights Reserved
You may reprint the above article as long as you include the above bio/resource box in full. Do not make any changes to the article or the resource box. Links in the resource box must be clickable to reprint this article. If you can't click the link, please ask permission to reprint.
  

2010 MOTTO: TOGETHER LET'S DO GREAT THINGS!

Happy New Year everyone!  Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and your 2010 has already started off with a bang!  Our January here in Tennessee began with long-term freezing temperatures, not unlike many of you across the country.  Even after four days of flurries, few kids across the state had enough snow to play in.  In fact, yesterday was the first day above freezing since Jan 1st!  My home state of Florida had freezing temps, sleet and even some snow.   

But on to something warmer...  This morning on Twitter I checked my new followers and found a new friend from right here in Tennessee.  Bernie Berlin runs a non-profit animal shelter called A Place To Bark. (follow Bernie at @aplacetobark or visit her website http://aplacetobark.com/)  This amazing young woman has saved over 600 animals from euthanasia, dealt with her husband being injured in severe car accident, relocated from another state on a Christmas Eve, built a new shelter facility, works with multiple animal rescue groups and in addition to all that ... she's a talented artist!

While enjoying all the posts, pictures and videos on her website, I noticed an ongoing theme - Together we can do great things!  Together we can make a difference!  When we work Together, it only takes a little bit from each of us!  As I went on finishing up my emails and Twitter posts this morning,  I couldn't get Bernie out of my mind.  Long after leaving her website, I kept seeing her face and those of her 'little charges'.  You see, Bernie has an incredible success record for rescues and adoptions.  She keeps her rescued animals - mostly dogs and cats - as long as it takes to find each one a perfect forever home.  Her patience and perserverance alone is so incredibly inspiring!

Then a thought occured to me... Most everyone on Twitter is trying to amass a large following and increase their social media footprint.  But Together - the possibilities are endless and when we work Together it only takes a little from each of us.  (a la Bernie!)

So here's my 2010 CHALLENGE to YOU!  Why not ask your  Twitter followers on your birthday (or whatever special event you choose) to make a meager $1.00 donation to your favorite charity -either in your name or not -  it doesn't matter.  (Of course, they can give more, if they like)  What matters is that everyone can spare $1.00! And when we put all those dollar bills Together, what a difference it makes.  Great things will happen and others will be blessed!    So often we feel we can't give enough and our meager donation will be perceived as insignificant.  And so ... we don't give at all!  But believe me, even the smallest donation can change a life - whether human, canine, feline or equine.

So drop me note - tell me your favorite charity and tell me if you are up to meeting my challenge in 2010!  I would recommend that you DM each of your followers so you are sure they receive your request or post the request multiple times a day on the week of your birthday since Twitter scrolls so fast.  Just think, each year the amount would increase as your Twitter following increases.  What a wonderful gift for a well-deserving charity and what a difference you and your friends can make!  And just asking for a $1?  Everyone can afford a dollar, even if it's made up of pennies, nickels, dimes or quarters.

Happy New Year everyone! Let's make huge difference for someone special in 2010!

Sherie Smith

The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/sheriesmith
About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the '$4,500 in 3 Hours' project, will be released Year-End 2009.
Copyright c Sherie Smith All Rights Reserved
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OUTSMART THE 'PIRACY' IN FUNDRAISING

Personally I think it's high time the general public became aware of just how much fundraising money is actually siphoned off by some professional fundraising companies!  I was appalled to learn that a Vermont group recently received only $48,000 out of the total $102,000 that was raised for the organization.  Granted, professional fundraising organizations should be reasonably compensated for their time and trouble on behalf of the group they are assisting.  However, in my humble opinion, keeping 53% for yourself is not reasonble!

It's not just in Vermont either.  Recently, the California Attorney General's office revealed they found professional fundraising firms had raised $356 million in cash contributions last year but gave the charitable organizations less than 44% of that money!

It gets even worse. . . the Attorney General further revealed at least 77 "professional fundraising companies" actually cost the charities more than they collected!  The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation lost more than $1 million to Futuremarket Telecenter, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas, according to this recently released information.  Back in 2007, a Virginia-based charity lost nearly $4 million using the same fundraiser!

AG Jerry Brown encouraged donors, saying that Doctors Without Borders and Special Olympics Southern California received more than 70% of money raised on their behalf.  (thank goodness) But at the same time, Mr. Brown warned charities and donors to do their homework ahead of time!

Multiple other charities around the country lost money as well...$100,000...$175,000, etc.  Let's not forget 'for-profit' thrift stores that raised $18.5 million by buying product from the charities, but then only passed down 7% to the charitable organizations, as reported by this same California source.  Some commercial thrift stores that were paid a fee or commission by charities raised $4.2 million but only passed 4.19% to the actual charities in 2008.  Previously, in 2007, only 3.7% was passed back to the charity.

PEOPLE, it is high time we stand up for what is right!  This is piracy, just like what is going on off of Somalia.  In today's economy, even the smallest of donations is badly needed and greatly appreciated.  We do not need to be allowing these unscrupulous fundraising companies to take advantage of the charities they pretend to be helping.  I have long preached that if you want to help an organization - then just contact the organization yourself!  I can assure you - without reservation - that any charitable organization or non-profit group you approach will be absolutely thrilled to accept your kind gift...no matter how large or how small.  Don't let your hard-earned money be pilfered off from the charity you are so willing to help.

Do I think all fundraising companies act like pirates?  Of course not...but like Mr. Brown recommended:  Do you homework first.  Find out ahead of time how much they charge?  Do they charge for any additional expense or reimbursement?  Ask - Ask - Ask!  If it looks like they are charging too much, then approach another company to help you

But here is my suggestion.  Why not help another group, like your group, by letting them help you.  Confused?  Don't be.  Many churches, scout groups, band booster groups, etc would be happy to help you raise funds for your group, in exchange for a reasonable and fair percentage for their own non-profit group.

Be wise, ask question first and I wish you Ultimate Fundraising Success.

Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: Twitter.com/fundraisingdsnr

About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the $4,500 in 3 Hours project, will be released Year-End 2009.
Copyright c Sherie Smith All Rights Reserved 
You may reprint the above article as long as you include the above bio/resource box in full. Do not make any changes to the article or the resource box. Links in the resource box must be clickable to reprint this article. If you can't click the link, please ask permission to reprint.

FRUITCAKE FINALE

We saw a television show this week on what some creative people do with fruitcakes for fun.  Yes, you know the ones you pray Santa will NOT leave under Christmas tree?   Yes, the ones that taste like cardboard, feel like a piece of concrete in your stomach when you do eat a slice and they always weigh a TON!  I decided...why not plan a new 'super-fun' fundraiser for your group and use fruitcake as the fundraising element?  No, I DON'T mean selling it although I'm sure the vendors would love to see that.

No - you don't need to eat it either!  That nasty fruitcake you've had in your garage freezer will do very nicely.   It works best if it's an OLD fruitcake, preferably one that has been in the freezer for several years, not recently frozen.  DO NOT defrost it!  But I do recommend putting several big pieces of packing tape around the block of fruitcake in both directions for additional support.  What you want is more stability!  The more tape,  the more stable your fruitcake 'rock' will be.  You don't want it to break up into pieces when it lands.  You want one that is frozen hard so it will get some extra distance out of it after it lands.   If you tape it really good and it doesn't break up on you, you can pop it back in the freezer afterwards and use it again next year.  The older the fruitcake, the better your results.

What you want to do is set up your fundraiser where each sponsor you sign up pays you 10 cents for every foot you throw your fruitcake.  (Oh, please ... you've heard of crazier fundraisers, I'm sure)  Besides, the fundraisers that do the best are usually the craziest ones.  It would be simple, just pick your day and place.   I suggest a Saturday where you'll get lots of friends and family to come out and cheer you on.  The location needs to be a large mowed field, the shorter the grass the better.  Do NOT use a paved parking lot of your fruitcakes won't survive.  If you have plain dirt or very short grass, then it should roll several extra feet before it stops, which will increase your profits.   Again, your plan will be for each of your sponsors to pay 10 cents for every foot you throw the fruitcake.  This vision alone will intrigue potential sponsors.  Remember to be sure and have the distance marked off in advance with paint and have several spotters out in the 'field' who can keep track of your distance.  I recommend you get three throws, then use the best distance of the three throws. 

Now let's look at the money.  Let's say you throw your fruitcake 40'.  (I'm being conservative here because that really isn't all that far).  So at 10 cents a foot...that would only be $4.00 that you would collect from each sponsor you have signed up.  Not much, huh?  That's right, until you make it a numbers game.  If you sign up 5 sponsors, that's $20,  10 sponsors, that's $40, 15  sponsors...that's $60!  YOU can decide how much you want to earn.  Some of you may sign up 35 or 40 sponsors...the more the better! 

Now let's look at the other part of the money equation.  For easier math, let's say each member averages 50', that would be $5 per sponsor. Let's say each club member signs up 20 sponsors, that would be $100.  If your group has 20 members at $100 each would be $2,000.  Or 30 members at $100 each would be $3,000, etc.  Not bad for a Saturday afternoon, huh? 

You'll find that fundraisers like these where you have no expenses are your best bet.

Oh yes, one last important thing...  No overhead!  No costs!  No venue rental!  No product to buy! Just keep that ratty fruitcake you've had for years or even bake your own early in the year, then tuck it away in the freezer for the rest of the year.  If you bake your own, be sure to use a recipe that will give you a hard, firm fruitcake.  The harder...the better.  You don't want anything soft and moist.  Your recipe needs to create a fruitcake that is HARD AND HEAVY for the best money-maker!  

Of course, you could go all out and make this a family fun day after Christmas, with family style games, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.   But if you do, suddenly you have expenses to deal with.  It's completely up to you but often times, just a simple fundraiser that only takes a couple of hours can give you great success.  So there you go - just an easy outline of what could turn out to be an annual event.  Besides, that's the best way I know of to get rid of a fruitcake ... and get paid for doing it! 

Wishing you Ultimate Fundraising Success!

Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: Twitter.com/fundraisingdsnr

About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the $4,500 in 3 Hours project, will be released Mid-August 2009.
Copyright c Sherie Smith All Rights Reserved
You may reprint the above article as long as you include the above bio/resource box in full. Do not make any changes to the article or the resource box. Links in the resource box must be clickable to reprint this article. If you can't click the link, please ask permission to reprint.

FUNDRAISERS GENERATING LESS MONEY FOR SCHOOLS!

One Wisconsin school reported this week that they are seeing a drop in their normal fundraising income.  They will be watching to see if more fundraisers will be needed later in the year.  Schools have depended on fundraisers for years to help fill the financial gap left by government funding cutbacks.  Schools use fundraisers to provide for playground equipment, computer labs,  busing for field trips, sports equipment, etc.

Many schools have begun to take a step back from so many vendor- based projects, like fruit, cookies, cookie dough, chocolates, candles, wrapping paper, etc.  Family and friends are becoming increasingly tired of paying $20 for an item they don't really need and watching only $10 actually going to the school.

I am continually encouraging groups to get creative in designing their fundraisers.  Instead of looking for another unnecessary item to sell, come up with a fundraiser that is not based on a vendor product.

Fundraising letters are becoming more and more popular with schools.  Usually one fundraiser letter a year is sent out at either the beginning or end of the school year.  Families and school supporters are asked to make a financial donation in lieu of multiple fundraisers throughout the year.  This way, whatever amount is donated is profit!

I have been a fan of this concept for some time now.   As you can tell from one of my previous posts, Fundraiser Ripoff , I'd much rather give a school the $20 straight out.  That way I know 100% of it is going to the cause.

If your group is not currently utilizing a fundraiser letter, I encourage you to consider it.  I think you can honestly expect 100% support from family and friends.  After all, most of us are still trying to use up wrapping papers we purchased a few years ago.

Wishing you and your group Ultimate Fundraising Success,

Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: Twitter.com/fundraisingdsnr

About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the $4,500 in 3 Hours project, will be released Mid-August 2009.

Copyright c Sherie Smith All Rights Reserved
You may reprint the above article as long as you include the above bio/resource box in full. Do not make any changes to the article or the resource box. Links in the resource box must be clickable to reprint this article. If you can't click the link, please ask permission to reprint.