A FEW IDEAS TO HELP YOU

Don’t be afraid to ask.   The most anyone can do is say no.

Start a team and recruit your friends, family and co-workers to help you fundraise.  Set your team goal high and challenge your team members to reach it.  Top fundraising teams in several different categories will win prizes and a trophy plaque from AIDS Walk Long Beach for 2006.

Create Your Web Page Here

Use the free personal webpage provided when you register on our website to send e-mail appeals to your friends/family.  Your AIDS WALK page can be a powerful fundraising tool.  Personalize it with your own message and add a picture from your computer files or our photo library.  When someone donates to you online, AIDS Walk receives the funds automatically.

Find out if your company has a matching gift program, or if they will make a one-time donation.  Don't forget to ask the people sponsoring you if their companies have a matching gift program.  Click here for a partial list of companies that offer matching gifts.

There are many great ideas the Walkers have used to raise funds.  Last year many Walkers were very creative on fundraising.  Walkers had wine tasting parties, daily office loose change collection, picnics in the park with a silent auction, and office contests to name a few.  We even have a "Party in a Box" kits for you if you want to host an event to raise funds from your friends.

Consider this...

If allowed by your company/school policies, put a sign or note up in front of your desk or office saying “AIDS WALK donations accepted here” or something similar.  We will have posters available for you to use - just call the office at 562-987-5200.

Piggy Bank: you might try putting a jar or container in a safe location for people to put change in.  Every penny counts!

Sell Reward Coupons: If you can, "sell" tickets for a popular reward:  dress down privileges; leave work early; comp time; best parking space...think of something fun for your co-workers.

Barter your talents:  massage, haircutting, dog-walking, babysitting, landscaping, cleaning.  Offer these skills (or others) in exchange for a donation to AIDS Walk Long Beach.

E-Mail signature tag: Add a tag to your personal (or business if appropriate) e-mail signature and/or voicemail message mentioning how to support your participation in AIDS WALK Long Beach.

Everyone loves to eat:  Try selling (homemade/store-bought) cookies or bulk candy.  Hold a breakfast or lunch event and ask for donations.

Here some other ideas:

• Collect loose change from everyone in your office/work on a daily basis.

• Hold a raffle in your building - ask a local business or vendor to donate a prize.

• Silent - or live - auction.  Collect prizes and auction to the highest bidder.

• Throw a theme party or a barbeque - charge a small admission - donate the proceeds.

• Ask your favorite businesses to sponsor you - this is easier than you might think.

• Have a garage sale - your trash is our treasure!

• Pressed for time?  Sell your items on e-bay or similar site.

• Recycle - collect bottles and cans to redeem - adds up fast!

• Two words - Car Wash.

There are many structured fundraising programs out there that essentially offer a product for you to sell, then split the proceeds with you.  A few we've noticed:  Krispy Kreme Donuts, Ultrazone Laser Tag, Hershey's Products.  A quick internet search on "fundraising programs" will turn up dozens of ideas and possibilities, one (or more) of which may work for you!

Ever heard of penny wars?  This is a great game that pits different departments/floors/classes against each other.  Each team gets a closed container with a slot on top for donations.  Every penny deposited is a positive point; every silver coin or paper bill is negative.  For example, your team could donate 100 pennies and have all 100 points wiped out if a competing team puts a $1 bill in your jar (or four quarters or 20 nickels or 10 dimes).  The team with the most net points at the end, wins!  The prize is up to you.

Follow up with people you've contacted.  It's OK to remind your friends and family that you're still fundraising.

Click Here for even more ideas

Have more ideas?  A story to share?  An upcoming fundraising event you’d like us to publicize?  Call us at 562-987-5200 or e-mail info@aidswalklb.org..