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| Volume 17, Issue 1 | Spring 2005 |
Fundraising Success StoryWells Sheridan County Aging Council, Inc. (WSCAC) conducted a lucrative radio-a-thon fundraiser in October. The purpose was to raise local match money for a minivan to serve in their transit program. Garnet Lukenbach, Site Coordinator for WSCAC in Harvey, ND, contacted local radio station KHND to see if it would sponsor the event. After Lukenbach completed her sales pitch, management enthusiastically agreed.
Next, Lukenbach contacted the Harvey Eagles Club. The club agreed to host the event at their location so the radio station could do a live-remote broadcast. This allowed a live audience to watch the show, in addition to people listening in from their homes, cars, work and other locations. It was an excellent way to encourage more participation and generate a larger audience. The key to the success of this event was having another "draw" to increase the audience. The Harvey Eagles had planned an Octoberfest German Supper and they allowed the WSCAC to coordinate with that event's success by planning the radio-a-thon as the entertainment for the supper. The radio-a-thon ran from 3 to 8 p.m. The local paper and the radio station provided free advertising. The Eagles had posters advertising their upcoming Octoberfest supper and entertainment. Local organizations provided the phone bank while also volunteering to staff the phones and take pledges. A host and hostess served as masters of ceremony for the event and also provided entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening between scheduled acts. The entertainment was arranged in advance of the event. Walk-ins were also welcomed. Many advance pledges were also set up and read aloud to encourage callers. Some innovative pledgers served as challenges to other groups and organizations, spurring some friendly competition and increased revenues. Audience members became enthused watching the performances and made pledges and offered challenges to others. People from outside the community, listening to the radio broadcast, also made contributions. The fundraising goal set for this event was $8,500. The event actually raised more than $10,000. There was no problem collecting the pledges, which were mailed to WSCAC's offices. This event was a big success thanks to a big effort by the agency's staff, board of directors and volunteers. It also required the support of the Harvey radio station and Eagles Club. If you have questions or would like more information on this event, contact Garnet Lukenbach at (701)324-4032.  Build Visibility and Support DTAA full page ad in a single issue is $800
A half page ad is $500
A quarter page ad is $250
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In this issue...
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WSCAC has sponsored two previous tel-a-thons to raise money for their center's program. Both of these were outstanding successes. One reason for the past success was that local talent provided more than four hours of entertainment, which could be seen live on local television. However, this past fall, when Lukenbach approached the cable television company they turned down her request. The station was concerned about being inundated with requests from other non-profits and determined that they were unwilling to continue the effort. Rather than give up, Lukenbach modified her plans and instead contacted the Harvey radio station. One obstacle to the new plan was keeping people entertained with live performers. To create the same excitement, Lukenbach knew she would need to find a way for people to be able to see performance as well as listen to it on the radio.