Charity Spotlight on Cliff Richards Jr., President of the Hale Foundation: The true example of how to care and support your supporters.

Over the nearly 13 years we, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, have been helping guide charities and non-profits across North America on how to plan and host a large scale highly profitable fundraising event, one of the areas which we heavily believe in and attempt to teach our charity clients is how to attract and support their Sponsors and Donors.

Over the 27 years we have been involved in fundraising, we have seen time and time again how various charities receive either major financial donations or large-scale financial sponsorship's, yet they do either very little or nothing to support or promote their donors and sponsors.  Often, when someone donates, they don’t even go back and look to see if their use of the item was successful – they just accept whatever monies come in and move forward never looking back.  Also, they routinely don’t think of the when it comes to use of the items even when the donor is in attendance.  They must always protect the donors above and beyond all things. 

So, when I see someone do something that goes against what 99.9% of our clients do as well as other charities, I am both blown away and incredibly impressed.

Over a year ago, I met Cliff Richards who is the President of the Hale Foundation located in Augusta, Georgia.  He along with Patrick Cullinan, asked for our help to host a fundraising Gala in North Augusta, South Carolina this coming fall which is now known as the “Sunset on the Savannah Gala” on September 26^th at the Crowne Plaza. 

To know Cliff, he is a funny, friendly good ole Georgia boy.  It’s easy to like and get close to him right from the start because of his personality.  He is warm and inviting and can’t do enough for his friends and clients with the Hale Foundation.  He is an immediate friend to all who have met and know him.

Cliff recruited a “Rock Star” team of highly motivated volunteers and after being provided direction, they took off like a rocket.  They sold more financial sponsorship's in such a short amount of time than I have ever seen before.  They also had many of the auction items sponsored and were closing in on a very early sell out based on the number of sponsors they had.

Then COVID-19 hit like a meteor.  Everything stopped suddenly, the entire country went into lock-down.  Small businesses were shut completely down, people were losing their jobs and businesses and families began to struggle.

One morning, I received a call from Cliff.  He asked how I was doing and was worried about my family and I since we were also shut down completely.  He then started off the conversation by saying “I know you’re not going to like this but…”  What Cliff told me honestly, sat me back in my chair speechless. 

In a world of “what will you or are you doing for me?” or charity scams in a greed filled society, community, Cliff was thinking about all those who graciously became major financial sponsors.  Understand the it takes an enormous amount of money to do what the Hale Foundation does and is planning in regard to Valor Station, Cliff was not thinking of his own needs or the foundations.  I still remember his Georgia southern draw saying “I’m returning the money given to us from our sponsors since most are small businesses and they are going to struggle during this.  I know you’ll think I’m crazy for giving them their money back but it’s the right thing to do.”  I asked myself “Am I hearing this right?  Is Cliff actually taking money he needs and giving it back to his donors because he cares about them and their livelihoods?”  I was astonished and replied “No Cliff, I think it’s amazing that you would do that and in fact, you’re the first person I have ever heard even go that far taking care of those who were taking care of you.”

Many can learn a lot from Cliff Richards.  He thought beyond himself and the needs of his own charity, but thought of his supporters first.  That is the mark of a true leader and the definition of integrity and giving.  He knew that they gave when times were good but now that they are worried, he knew that the money they gave easily should be given back to help them.  

You couldn't find two better men than Cliff Richards and Patrick Cullinan who live their lives to serve and help First Responders nationwide.

Cliff, I applaud you sir, you are a remarkable man and I am proud to know you.  I am humbled by your selfless act of giving and supporting your supporters.  I appreciate you more than you know and speaking on behalf of our entire team from BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

To learn more about the Hale Foundation's upcoming event "Sunset on the Savannah Gala" on September 26th - go to Facebook at this link:

Sunset on the Savannah Facebook Event Page

Or contact them directly on how to sponsor or to purchase tickets via the contact information on the flyer.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  

Fundraising Tip of the Day - The Secret of "Underwriting"

Fundraising Magazine: Do you want to know how to attract Large Financial Sponsors?

Before we begin – ask yourself, how many of your donors or sponsors ask to remain anonymous?  Not many or none?  Why is that?

First, understand that very few large financial sponsors will be attracted to your event based solely on the mission of the charity.  If they are, they will still want the same thing that other sponsors ask for.  Rarely will anyone make a donation and want to remain anonymous. 

Large Sponsors, normally companies, are attracted to events which have a large or affluent guest list.  The attractant is what is called “Drivers.”  They will be very interested in knowing how many people will see their logo and company name.   For instance, Workmen’s Compensation Attorney’s will be attracted to be sponsors for events which have a large attendance of a sector which they market to heavily. 

As an example, recently I introduced a well-known restaurant a charity who was hosting an event.  As they sat and spoke for 42 minutes, I noticed the one thing that wasn’t being discussed.  I stopped the conversation and asked the charity representative what wasn’t even being discussed.  He didn’t know or even realize until I said “She hasn’t asked once what your mission is or what you’re going to do with the sponsorship money.” 

A large attendance is a major reason for sponsors.  When they find out that you will have over 600 people at your event, they will definitely start thinking about sponsoring.  They will know that the guests will see they are supporting their charity and want to support them. 

When setting sponsor levels, remember, large numbers are scary to the normal business owner.   Providing lower levels of sponsorship is key to your ultimate success – Volume is better than few.  The reality is – charity fundraising is business.  Sponsors will invest their advertisement dollars to sponsor your event in exchange for advertisement.  The same is true with donated items. 

Businesses and affluent individuals are looking for advertisement which will “Drive” people into their businesses.  Prior to engaging possible sponsors, ensure that you lay out a plan or a sponsor package which will provide sponsors with advertisement to all your guests as well as those thinking about coming to your event or supporting your charity.

There are various ways to ensure that your sponsors get more than their fair share of advertisement as well as receive an overwhelming response from their sponsorship or donation.  The sponsorship advertisement can extend farther than just your event which is yet another attractant.

Just remember businesses are owned by people who also need to pay their bills to keep their lights on.  Simply by saying “It’s tax deductible” is not enough anymore.   This is the era of “What can you do for me?” – Keep that in mind prior to even beginning.  You can turn their advertisement in your event to add Glitz, Pizzazz or Eye Candy to it which will help the appeal of the overall experience.

If you would like to learn what possible sponsors find appealing and how to provide them an overwhelming amount of advertisement at your event, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com – we would love to help you.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  BWUCF will help you build a sponsorship package which will attract all levels of sponsors.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com for more information.