I would love to be e-mailed your list. I was just "appointed" this year to head our silent auction and I was so proud of myself for contacting 20 companies! LOL I would appreciate any help. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Do you have a list of the companies that you have emailed? If you do please pass it on!
We all need a little HELP!
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hEY i AM WITH YOU 110%. Do alot of the legwork myself. I also have multiple children (6) and I run my entertainment business from home, President of PTO, co chair donations, bathe the little ones coach softball and football and have dinner ready when the wife comes home. I too have found it highly effective to pursue the huge internet as a starting place to initiate contacts with the big companies, I then follow up by phone and then send whatever they require ie; letterhead documented request, email, tax ID, NFP status, usually I send it with the first request, most companies will ask again anyway. The next thing is common courtesy and salesmanship. Yes salesmanship, remember you are trying to get them to buy into what you have and how it WILL benefit them and your cause at the same time.
The rules I started with:
Start simple:
1)Get to your local and surrounding Chamber of Commerce websites and cut and paste the addresses into your database.
2)Then call the businesses(yeah thats right, pick up the phone and talk to someone) Always call first! You can find out if they donate or not.(Can save you time and stamps)
3) If they do donate they will tell you what the proper procedure is, and where to send, email, or fax your request.
Its really is simple...a little time consuming but the tips here should save you a little time.
Last school year when I was silent auction chair, the majority of companies I requested donations from required a formal request on school letterhead. Only a small handful wanted donations by e-mail. I would love to see the list you are compiling if they are preferring e-mail requests. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
