Advertising Fundraising Events
November 15th, 2011 | 
Author: Wellness Detective Comments: I was fundraising in 2010 and I held a fundraising event where I advertised it the community. I used social media, online media outlets and newspapers to get my message before and after the event. One of the keys is to share a compelling story to emotionally touch your event audience members. Read this article about advertising fundraising events.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Barnett_Hatcher
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6670989
One of the main reasons why most fundraising events fail is due to lack of publicity or ineffective advertising strategies. Fundraising is more like running a business; if people are not aware of your events, they will not participate in it. That’s why you need an effective strategy that would easily entice the curiosity and interest of your customers to participate in your events. They must also know the reason behind the efforts and how their support can help out other people so that you can easily encourage them to join you.
In preparing your advertising strategies, you need to invest time, effort and resources in order to make them effective. An ineffective advertising tactic is as good as nothing so always make sure that they are useful in raising the awareness of people in your community about your fundraising project. It may cost you a lot of resources to execute your advertising plans but you need to understand that it is an integral part of every fundraiser and should not be ignored. Investing in a good and effective advertising strategy is worth every penny in the long run so never be afraid to spend your resources on your plans since this will make your fundraiser successful. In introducing to your customers your fundraiser, you need to be open-minded and tell them everything that is important in your events. Tell them the real purpose of your fundraising campaign as well as your goals and objectives so that they will understand why you’re doing your best to encourage them to join. You should also show them how they too can help out in your fundraiser and the beneficiaries which will benefit from your efforts. Always be open to criticism and suggestions; in this way, you can still improve your fundraising events for the better. You should also remember to never spoil everything to your customers regarding what kinds of events you have in store for them in the future. This assures you that they will be curious and interested in participating in your events especially if you still have something to offer them aside from your existing campaign. This also goes with your products; make sure to always have something new to offer your customers so that they will continue to support your fundraising efforts until the end.
One of the best ways to promote your fundraiser without spending too much resources is through the use of media outlets such as newspapers, television and radio programs. These media outlets can help your fundraiser’s reputation to increase since most people denote their information credible and true. If your fundraising event is featured in their programs and news articles, many people will flock to your events to personally see what you are offering. In order to gain the attention of the media, you need to make your fundraising event newsworthy. It means that your fundraiser must have something unique and creative that would separate you from other fundraising campaigns. By doing this, you are assured that media people will feature you in their respective programs making your fundraiser very popular as well as profitable.
Posted in Fundraising, General, Non-profit | 
Tags: advertising, fundraising events, story | 
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TIE Toronto
Charitytalent Comments: Today I went to attend the Small Business Forum in Toronto at the Metro Convention Centre and came across a booth promoting TIE Toronto, www.tietoronto.org. I first learned of this organization in 2008 when I attended the ReelWorld Film Festival and Lalita Krishna of In Sync Video pulled me aside and spoke about an MCing opportunity at TIE. It was to MC the TIEQUEST Gala www.tiequest.org in 2008, as she couldn’t take on the role. I felt very privileged to take on this opportunity. So, my years of practicing at Toastmasters came in handy during this evening. After the event, people gave me their cards to stay connected.
TIE Toronto is all about fostering entrepreneurship in Ontario and representing talent, ideas and enterprise. Various events are offered to promote and support entrepreneurship. Visit their site to get more info and membership in this organization is suitable for both South Asians and members of the business community at large. Consider joining TIE Toronto today!
Posted in Community, Non-profit |
Tags: business venture competition, entrepreneurship, india, south asian business, TIE Toronto, TIEQUEST Gala |
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My Experience in Bullying
Charitytalent Comments: I was bullied as a young kid when I was going to kindergarten while walking to school. Later on in Summer School I was also made fun of for being a mouth breather. It wasn’t fun and at times I was scared going to school. It’s important to talk to your kids about bullying and remind them to be open with you about what’s happening in their life. Cyber bullying is another area of concern. Check out this video from the Ellen Show:
Here’s an organization in Canada that is dedicated to make bullying stop http://www.bullyingcanada.ca.
Volunteering Overseas – A Great Experience
Charitytalent Comments: For a young person, I would highly recommend volunteering overseas. It gives you the opportunity to experience a local culture, give back to a community and have a life changing and memorable time. I worked overseas in my 20s and loved every minute of it, but volunteering would have been equally good. Read this article about volunteering abroad.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Alice
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5412780
Volunteering abroad is an incredible and rewarding experience. There are a vast number of projects organised to help good causes all over the world from teaching English to wildlife conservation. You can explore new cultures and visit new and exciting countries such as Nepal and Gambia where you can employ your skills to make a difference to these people’s lives.
Volunteering does not have to be expensive either. Many projects provide basic food and accommodation for as long as you work with them and all you need to pay for is your travel to, from and around the country. Once you have completed your volunteering role, you are usually free to roam the country and adventure as you see fit. If you want to make the most out of your volunteering experience it is usually best to save some money before hand for travelling after your volunteering role comes to an end. It’s quite likely that you will befriend some new and interesting people whilst volunteering, by volunteering for a cause that you believe in you are sure to meet like-minded individuals who will likely join you on your travels.
To help you get a better idea of what you would like to achieve whilst volunteering, think about something you are passionate about. Would you prefer to work with animals? Do you relate well to children? Have you got specialist skills that can really make a difference such as engineering? When you have an idea of what you have to offer and where you would like to best see those skills go to use, you can then find out which countries need you and your skill-set the most.
Not only does volunteering give you a chance to get away to an exotic place and get a tan, but it also offers you a great way to expand upon and improve your CV. In volunteering, you are able to demonstrate your drive, enthusiasm and commitment to causes that you believe in and this is a great way to impress employers. Not only this, but by volunteering abroad you will be presented with new challenges that will test your abilities and improve your skills. You may even pick up some new talents or discover ones that you never knew you had.
If you are at college or university, there has never been a better time to volunteer. Finding the time to travel the world and make a difference whilst managing a career can be incredibly hard; so if you are planning a gap year before entering the world of work or are looking to for career breaks, then this is the best time to consider a volunteering adventure.
For more information about Inspire please visit http://www.inspirevolunteer.co.uk
Charlotte Alice writes articles for Inspire.
Obsidian Theatre Season Launch Party
Charitytalent Comments: I was a Board member of Obsidian Theatre from 2007-2009. The company produces great theatre and has a strong artistic vision. If you would like to support black theatre, go to www.canadahelps.org and make a donation. Here are details about the season launch party:
Black Ties Season Launch
Due to the overwhelming response of last year’s events BLACK TIES is back!
Monday September 19th 6pm to 9pm
Victory Cafe (Upstairs)
581 Markham Street
Toronto, Ontario
Obsidian is ready to start it’s 12th season with a party. We plan to kick off the season with food, drink and as always sweet, sweet music. Join us as we reveal the details on our season,meet some of the newest members of Obsidian Staff and check out the Obsidian Playwright’s Anthology “Give Voice”. This is an opportunity for Black Actors, Directors, Playwrights, Designers, Singers and Dancers to connect. All are welcome.
This is an free event but does require an RSVP to
producer@obsidian-theatre.com
Please note this is a casual dress event
Posted in Arts, Donor, Non-profit, Party |
Tags: arts, obsidian theatre, season launch, theatre |
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Internships – A Learning Opportunity
Charitytalent Comments: Many non-profit organizations often request for interns as way to take care of tasks and due to the limited funds available to run the organization. Sometimes, however, interns take on roles, and really should be employees. There is a fine line and it’s important to be aware of the legalities associated with taking on interns. Internships are usually a training ground and should be a learning opportunity. Read this article: http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/archive/acov/acov11/acov1150.asp
HORAC Nepal – In Need of Food Support
Charitytalent Comments: Participating in an online Facebook masterminding session last February 2011 connected me to a young man who lived in a home for children in Nepal. His name is Tej and he mentioned that they are looking for assistance with school fees for the girl students at HORAC Nepal. We kept in touch and then I received a friend request from one of the co-founders of the home for children. I receive their status updates on Facebook and right now, they are looking for support for foods for the children. To find out more go to: http://www.horac.org. Take a look at this video to see the kids:
Posted in Children, Giving, International, Orphanage |
Tags: horac nepal, international, orphanage |
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We Day 2011
Charitytalent Comments: We Days are coming up across Canada. In Toronto, We Day is on September 27th 2011. It’s definitely a day of inspiration, community and action for youth. Go to: http://www.weday.com and check out this video on We Day 2011:
Posted in Children, Youth |
Tags: action, community, free the children, we day 2011, youth |
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The Art of Tipping While Traveling – Baksheesh
Charitytalent Comments: I first learned about “baksheesh” while traveling in India the first time in 2004. I was reminded of this term again during a visit to Egypt in 2009. Baksheesh is the art of tipping in countries such as India and Egypt. As I landed off the plane in December 2004 in India, my luggage went through security and one gentlemen then picked it up for me and put it down on the floor. I thanked him and gladly moved forward. He became really angry and luckily, my friend who was with me, had extra small change and gave the first “baksheesh” (tip) of our trip. I learned early on, that tips were important in India for good service. Although, I was reluctant about it at firs– in a way, it’s like giving away to charity and back to the universe.
Tipping is one way to contribute to the lives of others and to acknowledge the service they perform for you. I gave tips to my drivers in Egypt during my travels and I am currently on a trip in Kerala, India. Yesterday, we gave the cleaners, a tip as we are leaving shortly. Both of the ladies, had smiles so wide, and were absolutely delighted. It felt good to give and to thank them for taking care of our surroundings during our 3 week stay.
Put “tipping” into practice in your home country or in your travels and see how it feels. Read this article about “baksheesh” in Egypt:
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_Bradley
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3445007
Many people, especially first-time visitors to Egypt, allow the constant demands for baksheesh to spoil their holidays. Because it can be extremely irritating and confusing, it is important to understand that it is a far more complex concept than mere tipping and that it is demanded of locals as well as foreigners. It covers a range of activities from tipping for services rendered, to outright bribery and alms giving.
Egypt has a baksheesh-based economy. Most Egyptians are poorly paid and have no social security so the tips supplement their income. Also, they find it virtually impossible to get any basic services or sort out problems without slipping tradesmen something extra, and giving authorities, even policemen, a ‘bribe’.
Charitable giving is a fundamental tenet of Islam and asking for alms is not regarded as shameful.
That being said, however, there is a thriving baksheesh racket in most tourist areas with many locals resorting to innovative ways to relieve the unsuspecting visitor of his or her money. For example, the electrical system is often deliberately turned off in tombs, monuments and museums by guards who then make a big deal of switching it back on and asking for baksheesh.
The following are a few rules and suggestions from my own experience on how to play the game.
- Collect as many small denomination notes as possible because locals will not give change for larger notes; they hoard the small ones for their own use. Although paying with Egyptian pounds is best, you can use $US or Euros. Keep a supply of baksheesh separate from your wallet, and take a supply of ball point pens as these are always in great demand by adults and children alike and substitute for cash baksheesh.
- Watch out for those who solicit taxi rides from the airports especially if they ask for prepayment. Remember these men are not the drivers. Establish a firm price for a cab, or as near as possible, before getting in and clarify that the price includes your luggage. You do not need to pay the taxi driver a tip on top of the fare no matter how much he tries to intimidate you at your destination.
- At tourist sites where you pay an entrance fee, you do not have to pay any guards to show you an inscription, image or something that you can find for yourself. However, if you would like to see a locked room or area closed to the public for which he alone has the keys, then by all means give him whatever you think is appropriate otherwise you might miss out on a great experience. But remember, the locked room could just be another ploy.
- It is usual to pay baksheesh to a porter at the airport or railway station even if you can manage the luggage on your own and the distance is short. Porters are often old men and this might be their only source of income. If two men are helping you, don’t pay one, expecting him to share with the other. Pay each one separately. If you really don’t want their help, state this assertively. The same applies to hotel porters, but beware of those who once inside your room, linger around trying for more baksheesh by turning down your bed, showing you the water pressure and how to flush the toilet.
- Baksheesh should be given to those men and women who look after public toilets and those in hotels, even though they don’t always keep them as clean as you would expect. To avoid being held hostage over a few sheets of toilet paper, always take your own, but be aware that many public toilet caretakers have to buy the toilet paper themselves and only make money if you purchase it from them.
- Do not accept someone’s offer to take your photo at tourist sites unless you are prepared to pay. If you hand over your camera, you are likely to be squeezed out of more money to get it back.
- Under no circumstances pay police, especially the Tourist police on camels, or someone who gives you directions.
- To avoid being intimidated by groups of children selling postcards, predatory camel drivers on the Giza plateau, and felucca touts along the Nile, wear sunglasses so that you do not make eye contact and headphones so that you cannot hear their persistent demands.
It is probably a good idea to use your intuition when handing out baksheesh, but don’t let the practice spoil your holiday because most Egyptians are hospitable and friendly. Try to see it for what it is in the context of Egyptian society and culture.
Pamela Bradley, also known as Zelda, is a noted author of nine books on ancient cultures and mysteries, historian, public speaker and passionate traveler. Follow her travels on http://www.zeldastravels.com and check out her profile, books, recent memoir, Nefertiti Street, as well as her observations on writing and women on http://www.pamelabradley.com
Support Princess Margaret Hospital
Charitytalent Comments: I was a patient at Princess Margaret Hospital 3 years ago and understand the importance of all the services that they provide to patients walking through their doors. There is always a need for more funding and I recall having to do a test at another hospital, as PMH, did not have the facilities to accomodate my test. The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is a nation wide event across Canada. All participants will walk 60 km over a 2 day celebration on September 10th & 11th, 2011. I know one participant fundraising for this walk, Neena Jain. If you would like to support her, go to:
http://www.endcancer.ca/goto/neenatakesontdot
http://www.endcancer.ca
Posted in Cancer, Fundraising, Volunteer |
Tags: cancer, neena jain, weekend to end cancer |
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