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Fundraising Tips

PedalFest is more than just a bike tour - it is a bike tour with a mission! All proceeds for PedalFest are used to provide much needed financial assistance for families whose children receive outpatient therapy services in Heartspring's Pediatric Services. Remember that every dollar you raise makes a big difference to a child!

How do I start fundraising?

  1. Register and set up your personal PedalFest Campaign. Add pictures and personal notes to customize your campaign pages.
  2. From your campaign page, you can email friends, family and other contacts to ask for their support. You can also share your campaign on Facebook and Twitter. Let everyone know what you are doing to help kids. Your friends can easily make an online donation from your campaign page to support your ride.
  3. Make the first pledge yourself. When your friends and family members see that you are committed, they will see how serious you are.
  4. Print this Pledge Sheet and use it to track donations you collect in cash. You will be able to add these donations to your Money Jar on your campaign page to see your total grow.
  5. Contact your Human Resource Department to find out if your company has a corporate matching gift program. If they do, secure and complete a form to turn in with your pledges. This is an easy way to double your total. Encourage your sponsors to ask their companies for matching gift forms too.
  6. Make sure to follow-up and say thank you to everyone who makes a donation!

Who should I ask?

  • Invite your family and friends to pledge first – they are the most likely to support your cause because they know you best.
  • Consider asking your clients and co-workers to make a pledge. You may be surprised at how willing they are to support a great cause that helps kids.
  • Make a list of places you or your business spend money. You can ask your doctor, dry cleaner, dentist, mechanic and the folks at your favorite restaurant. At work, ask your coffee and paper vendors, delivery services, copier technician, and everyone who wants to maintain that friendly "business relationship."
  • Are You A Member of a Civic Organization? Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting and ask the group to sponsor you. Or ask your national office of your fraternity or sorority.

More tips and tricks to help you reach your goals:

  • Be Optimistic. Excitement is contagious. It is important for potential sponsors to feel how enthusiastic you are about their sponsorship.
  • Learn As Much As You Can About Heartspring. Visit Heartspring.org to find out more about Heartspring and the services we provide. For more information, contact us at (316) 634-8761.
  • Ask for a Specific Amount. Tell sponsors what your average pledge is and ask them to beat it.
  • Ask for Donations on Pay Day. Timing is very important — it is just as important as who you ask.
  • Save Your Spare Change Everyday. You will be surprised how quickly this spare change adds up and makes a terrific pledge to yourself.
  • Stay Motivated. Keep in mind that pledges can help you earn fabulous prizes for going above and beyond. More importantly, you'll feel good knowing that you made a difference in the life of a child with special needs.
  • Be Creative. Change your answering machine message to mention your participation in PedalFest. In lieu of a gift on your birthday or other occasion, ask family and friends to make a pledge to Heartspring on your behalf.

Raise $1,000 in nine days.

It's very helpful to set a fundraising goal and break target amounts into smaller more manageable increments. To get you started, here is a simple yet eye-opening strategy for raising $1,000 in just nine days.

  • Day 1: Start by sponsoring yourself for $50.00
  • Day 2: Ask two family members to sponsor you for $50.00
  • Day 3: Ask 10 friends to each contribute $20.00
  • Day 4: Ask five co-workers to each contribute $20.00
  • Day 5: Ask five neighbors to each contribute $20.00
  • Day 6: Ask 10 people from your place of worship to each donate $10.00
  • Day 7: Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50.00 (or find out if your company will match what you raise).
  • Day 8: Ask five businesses with which your company works to sponsor you for $40.00
  • Day 9: Ask four businesses you frequent (for example your barber/hair stylist, dry cleaner, veterinarian, restaurants, etc.) to contribute $25.00
  • Day 10: Share your success with a friend.

Prizes

All riders that participate in the PedalFest 50k or 100k rides will receive an event T-shirt, a PedalFest bag and a custom water bottle with their registration. Individual participants who raise a minimum of $50 in pledges will receive gift certificates from The Bicycle Pedaler in appreciation for their efforts. Gift certificates are awarded based on the amount of money raised by an individual rider (or virtual rider), not including the registration fee. Riders who raise over $500 will qualify for a custom 2011 PedalFest Cycling Jersey. The top individual fundraiser will also receive a bicycle package courtesy of The Bicycle Exchange.

Prizes are not cumulative and can be waived. All participants have until Friday, September 2 to turn in donations. Gift certificates will be mailed to the address provided at registration. If you are eligible for a jersey, we will send you a post card with ordering instructions. You will be notified when your jersey is available to pick up at Heartspring.

$100 - $150: $15 Gift Certificate
$151 - $200: $20 Gift Certificate
$201 - $250: $25 Gift Certificate
$251 - $300: $30 Gift Certificate
$301 - $350: $35 Gift Certificate
$351 - $400: $40 Gift Certificate
$401 and over: $50 Gift Certificate

Top Individual Fundraiser:
1st Place: Bicycle Package courtesty of Bicycle X-Change
2nd Place: $150 Gift Certificate to Specs
3rd Place: $100 Gift Certificate to Bicycle Pedaler

Top Fundraising Team: The top fundraising team will have their names engraved on the traveling team trophy. In addition, each team member who raises $60 or more will receive a custom PedalFest 2011 cycling jersey.