Why were they successful – a True Success Story

This is the true story of success in regard to charity fundraising.  I will tell you exactly why it was successful but here is the back story:

Several months ago, I was asked by Frances Straka (who is my part of my family) if I would help her and a few of her friends hold a fundraiser for a young boy battling cancer – Austin Harrison.  Of course, I agreed and scheduled to meet with them.

When I went to meet them, I was a little taken aback because they were all much older and didn’t understand the importance of Social Networking or Marketing.  The “Them” were only four people in total – Only FOUR (4) (NOTE THAT).  However, after talking for nearly an hour, the planning began.

The committee quickly rose to well over 20 active committee members.  Everyone did their fair share of the work, but a couple quickly rose to the top – Phil & Angela Dicke.  Angela became the Ticket Chair person and was my main point of contact, she handled everything.  Phil himself sold well over 30 tables of 10.  Those two were Rockstars!!!  But the committee became a fundraising “Dream Team.” 

At their event, they had over 640 people in attendance with more donated items than you can imagine.  Everyone did exactly what they were supposed to do and more.  With that many people in attendance, Check In was extremely smooth.  The raffles were incredible because the committee made them happen.  The Live & Silent Auction did absolutely fantastic!!!  Check out went just as smooth, truly everyone did absolutely fantastic.

They had twice the amount of people they thought they would have, raised more money than they could dream of and the event ran as smooth as silk.  In fact, many of the guests asked when was the next one. 

Why was it so successful from beginning to end?  The answer is very simple – the committee members were not experienced fundraisers and started out with zero negativity.  Here is the straight answer why they were successful – Because they listened to me.  They followed the exact direction I gave them, no more no less. 

Novice fundraisers (those that only one or even a handful of charity events) have no preconceived notion or ideas of what they should do.  However, the truly novice fundraiser has no experience and zero preconceived idea notions.  They merely follow direction.  What happens is, a Novice Fundraiser begins to plan their event, despite having professional assistance, the same way they have planned the few others.

If you are an experienced fundraiser and your previous attempts have been not as successful as you wanted them to be, perhaps you should open yourself to new ideas and think like you have never done one at all.  Do exactly like the Rockstars did above, ask for help and follow the direction given to you to the “T.” 

 

 

If you would like the same assistance as they did above, contact us today, we would love to help at www.BWUnlimited.com.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The charity fundraising experts as BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will guide you through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls, lessen the amount of stress by providing a fundraising plan and a detailed, easy to follow strategy.  If you would like assistance, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.