When asking the community’s help in sponsoring an event following these guidelines will help you achieve your goals.

Keep things simple. Use the phone book to make initial contact and a face-to-face meeting at the time of pick up!

1. Always ask to speak directly to the person in charge of the business you are approaching. Example: Store Manager, Supervisor, or Business Owner.

2. Tell them who you are and who you represent. Example: My name is John Doe and I’m a member of Wilby High School’s InterAct Club.

3. Tell them about your event, whom it benefits and why you are approaching them. Example: We are hosting a Ziti Dinner on October X to benefit X and are asking members of the community if they can help us through donations.

4. Tell them what you need specifically from them and why. Example: Is it possible for you to donate X or any portion of that to assist us with our event? Your donations help us to raise more funds for X and are greatly appreciated.

When a business can donate:
Get the name of the person you spoke to, the address and phone number and item(s) donated. You will want to keep these records for other events and to send Thank You cards after your event is held to thank them personally for their generosity.

When a business cannot donate:
Even if a business cannot donate make sure to thank them too and remind them to keep InterAct in mind for the future. This gesture says, “I appreciate your time and understand that not everyone can donate, thank you anyway.”

Follow Up and Follow Through:
1. When you get a donation tell them when you need it and when you will pick it up. Call to remind them the day before your scheduled pickup to be sure they will have it ready.

2. When you pick up the donation seek out the manager and thank them again personally.

3. Send out a Thank You card to every business you solicited from and thank them in writing. This goes a long way for future donations!

Remember: To be successful; smile and be excited about your event (even on the phone your smile and excitement come through in your voice), say thank you, follow up and follow through.