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Remember to Say "Thanks"by the AFRDS When that hectic two or three week stretch known as �the fall fundraiser� is over, many parent groups are understandably ready to move forward with other plans for the school year. But it�s important not to overlook the last item on the fundraiser to-do list: saying thanks to all of your supporters. Once a fundraising campaign is complete, it�s important to thank everyone involved � especially the parents. Use the opportunity to show-off and show appreciation to the families whose support the school will need again during the next fundraiser. Here are some suggestions:
Encourage volunteers to thank family members and friends that purchased items. A hand-written thank you note from the student also adds a nice personal touch.
On the last day of school or the last day before winter break, send a letter home with students listing the enrichment programs, school activities and classroom purchases funded by your parent group. Be sure the letter includes a personal thank you from the president and the principal and include all of your recent fundraising activities along with the name of the volunteer responsible for coordinating each project.
Purchase some space in your community newspaper to run a thank you ad. Suggested headlines: �Thank You Westwood Elementary Parents� or �We Couldn�t Have Done It Without You!� Be sure the ad mentions how the fundraising dollars will be spent, plus the names of volunteers. And don�t forget the school marquis. It�s a perfect spot to say thank you to the masses (and it�s free!).
Consider investing in some customized t-shirts, coffee mugs, pens, bumper stickers, etc. and mail them to your top supporters, along with a thank you letter. This will help continually remind them of your group and your gratitude. Your fundraising professional may have some suggestions for low-cost items that say �thanks.� ![]() ![]() ![]() About the Author:
This article is from the Fall 2008 issue of the Fundraising Edge, an online publication of the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers, and is reprinted with permission. Visit their web site at http://www.afrds.org/ for more information and a look at the complete issues of the Fundraising Edge.
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