We need each team to to raise $5000 (an average of $250 per person).

GATHERING PLEDGES
Please ask for a specific dollar amount, complete form, and collect money in advance. FACT: On average, only 25% of invoiced pledges are ever collected. Only collected plegdes count when calculating totals for prizes. Easter Seals will invoice those who have not paid in advance.

It is very important that you make sure that you fill out pledge forms completely with the following donor information:

• Full name and address
• Postal code

Pledges that don't have complete or legible addresses cannot be sent tax receipts.

Tax receipts are issued for all donations of $20.00 and more (unless otherwise specified).

TIPS ON RAISING PLEDGES
Get other people involved in supporting your team's efforts.
An individual does not have to be an actual runner on your team to gather pledges

• Start fundraising early
• Keep pledge sheets with you at all times
• You can accept credit cards Visa, Master Card and American Express.
• Ask for large donations
• Challenge each other on the team (whoever raises the most money gets to choose the time slots they will run in - not at 3 a.m.!)
• If you are a corporate team make sure you aren't all approaching the same people within your company for pledges
• Invite your corporate sponsors to attend the relay and watch your team run
• Set a minimum of $200 per team member
• If somebody sponsors you with a large donation you can "sell" space on your t-shirts to show their logo or send them a thank you letter with a copy of your team photo
• Try some special events to build team spirit and raise funds - i.e. bake sales, pot lucks etc.
• First donation on your pledge sheets should be a large one or how about putting your name first with a good donation to show that you are committed to the cause. Remember - you aren't doing it for yourself, you are dong it "for the kids"
• Challenge your employers to match pledges raised by your team members

There are awards for the top teams who raise the most money in each of the following categories:

• Top Fundraising Team (Corporate) - First, Second, and Third Place
• Top Fundraising Team (Recreational) - First, Second, and Third Place
• Evelyn Holden Most Improved Team
• Highest Individual Overall Pledges - Corporate
• Highest Individual Overall Pledges - Recreational

Plus 3 Great Chances to WIN!!!
If you raise a minimum of $300 in paid pledges, your name will be entered into one draw prize to win a major prize! Prize TBA.

If you raise a minimum of $600 in paid pledges, your name will be entered into the $300 draw as well as an additional individual draw prize to win another major prize! Prizes TBA.

If you raise a minimum of $900 in paid pledges, your name will be entered into the $200 & $300 draws as well as an additional individual draw prize to win yet another major prize! Prizes TBA.

FUNDRAISING GOAL 2008

We have set a target this year for $175,000.00. If 50 teams each raise $5,000.00 we can meet and exceed that target!