Perhaps the most important but most overlooked key to successful fundraising is the ASK. Don't assume that because you're excited about the event and you've shared your fundraising goals that friends and family will automatically give you a donation. You must ask. Ask, and ask BIG.

Create a list of people to ask. Think of friends, family, business associates, your company, community groups, workout buddies, businesses you patronize, etc. Be creative and thoughtful in your list and give yourself flexibility to add more people to the list at another time. The important step to take is action, and by beginning a list, you've commenced motion.

Now start asking. There are several ways to ask: in person, on the phone, via e-mail, or in a letter. The most effective way is to send an e-mail (example is below) using our online services. You can also send a letter and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and wait two weeks. After two weeks have gone by, begin calling these people (or, if you run into them, talk in person, or e-mail them) to remind them of your letter and ask them if they would like to pledge you for $X. By taking your fundraising seriously, your supporters will pledge you seriously. Again, don't personalize the issue if they say no, simply thank them for their time.

• Pledge yourself first! Your first donation should be from you. You know your financial abilities; give the most you can. It's more convincing to outside sponsors that you believe in what you're doing if you sponsor yourself.
• Ask your sponsors to dedicate their donation to someone they know who has or had lung disease or someone they hope will never contract it (a child, husband/wife, and parent). Tell them that you will dedicate a portion of your ride to this person.
• Take a potential sponsor out to lunch and ask for a large pledge ($500?).
• Find out if your company has a volunteer recognition program. After all, as a Trekker, you are a volunteer of Breathe California. Many companies offer cash recognition for volunteer services. Also find out if your company has a matching gifts program.
• Network with friends to see if they know any companies that give to charities. More than one Trekker has received a $500 check for Breathe California from a company with whom they had no previous relationship.
• Use your talents! One Trekker bakes goodies and charges a donation. Another collects prizes and raffles them off to make money. Be creative, you will definitely find fun and easy ways to collect extra money!
• If your birthday or a major holiday falls before the Trek, ask for pledges instead of gifts.
• Get on the agenda of your local service club. They might vote to support you.
• Throw a party and borrow the ETBT slide show presentation and "WOW" your guests by showing them what a terrific time you will be having-don't forget to ask for pledges!

Donations must be collected and turned in by August 29, 2008.

The following letters are designed to help you in your fundraising efforts. Below are some letters that you can copy from the website and paste into a Microsoft Word document for your personal use.

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Dear Friend,

Since you are asked to collect your pledges in advance of the Trek, we have designed forms for your benefit (not required by Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails). Veteran Trekkers have found that maintaining an ongoing record of their sponsors enables them to do a thank you after the Trek and serves as a great starting point for obtaining pledges the following year!

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Sample Pledge Form

Yes! I would like to contribute to Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails and support you in the 21st Annual Emigrant Trails Bike Trek!

(Listed below are some suggested contribution amounts; any contribution is appreciated)

• $5.00: The "Julie who?" category
• $15.00: The "she's been a starving student, she'll understand" category
• $25.00: The "just to see if she can do it" category
• $50.00: The "you go girl" category
• $75.00: The "she better bring me back some pictures" category
• $100.00: The "I'm looking for good karma" category
• $150.00: The "she's my daughter, her success is my success" category (special hint to mom and dad, oh, and grandma and grandpa)
• $250.00: The "I need a big tax write-off" category
• $1000 +: The "I just won the lottery, why not" category
• Other: The "good wishes are better than anything money can give her" category

Please make the checks out to BCSET and mail it back to me by August 15th. I have included a self-addressed stamped envelope, but in case it's lost, or to put me on your future fundraising address list, my address is:

Julie Trekker
123 Anyroad Street
Anycity, CA 90001
julie_trekker@email.com

Thank you! Your contribution is tax deductible.

Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________

****** Please charge my credit card (Visa or MasterCard only, please) ******

Amount to be charged: $______________
Card #: _____________________________________________________________ Exp.: ____________
CVV2# (Last 3 digits in back signature panel): _____________
Name on card: ________________________________________________
Billing Address (if different from above): ______________________________________
City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Thank you for your support!

****** New information regarding credit cards ******

If you ask for credit card information for donations from your supporters that you then pass on to us, please note that some banks are now asking for the last 3 numbers/code on the back of the credit card before we can process the donation. Remember that the website can quickly and securely handle credit card donations. In order for us to charge a credit card, we need the following:

• Donor's name as it appears on the credit card
• Billing address, including zip code
• Donor phone number (in case there is a problem)
• Amount to be charged
• Card type
• Card number
• Expiration date
• Last 3 numbers/code on back (CVV2#)

And of course, make sure it is clear to us that the donation is to support you on the Trek!

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Sample Record Form

Name	Address	Phone	E-mail	Amount

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Collecting Donations

Donations can be submitted via credit card on our Web site.

Checks should be made out to BCSET (which stands for Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails.) They can be mailed to our office at:

Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails
909 12th St
Sacramento, CA 95814

We cannot be responsible for or give a Trekker credit for checks mailed but not received by our office. Therefore, it is a good idea to hand deliver your money (especially cash) to the office if possible. That way you can pick up any incentives that you have qualified for as well. Our office is open from 9 am to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the same address listed above. Click here for a map/driving directions. Money received by our office will appear on your Web site totals when the site gets updated (usually Tuesdays and Fridays).

Questions?

Most of your questions can be answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

For more information and/or questions please call Carolyn at (916) 444-5900 or email cmelville@sacbreathe.org.

Good luck and happy fundraising!