“Guide To The Ask”

• Approach a potential business/donor with a donation letter
• Suggested Script – “Hi, I’m state your name and I support the ALS Association.  The Association supports patients and families in Arizona with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  I’m collecting donations for our type of event and would love to have something from company’s/store’s name to include as a prize/auction item, etc..  Would you be willing to make a donation to our event?”
• If YES – Fill-in the triplicate “In Kind Donation Form” and leave the pink copy and the Ask Letter with the donor
• If MAYBE – Be sure to take their business card or contact information.  Write your name and phone number at the bottom of the Ask Letter, leave it with the potential donor and tell him/her that you will follow-up with them in about one week.  PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW-UP!
• If NO – Write your name and phone number at the bottom of the Ask Letter, leave it with the potential donor and thank them for their time.

“Where To Ask”

Here are some ideas for donations.  Please be sure to have Ask Letters and triplicate “In Kind Donation Forms” with you when you visit your local services and businesses.

Don’t limit yourself…these are only suggestions to inspire you.  THINK BIG…you may get great stuff for your event!

• “LIFE EXPERIENCES” – Meet a celebrity, spot on radio or TV, write a newspaper column, throw out first pitch at baseball game, birthday in newspaper…things people could or would never do on their own!
• EVENTS - Theatre tickets, Concerts, Movie Packages, Dinner Theatre, Sporting Events, etc.
• RESTAURANTS – Gift Certificates, Dinner at Chef’s Table, Chef to cook in home, cooking classes, etc.
• GOLF – Trips, foursomes (especially in celebrity tournaments), lessons, clubs, equipment, etc.
• TRAVEL Ski packages, condo packages, golf packages, airline tickets, and boat or train theatre events, etc.
• SPORTS MEMORABILIA – Autographed items, photos, bats, balls, boxing gloves, etc.
• WINES – Bottles, magnums, stemware, winery tours
• MUSIC - Autographed instruments, music or dance lessons, concert tickets, dance accessories, etc.
• ART - Paintings, classes, weavings, pottery, photographs, framing, etc.
• * JEWELRY - Fine and/or handcrafted necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, classes, etc.
• * LITERATURE - Autographed books or plays, writing instruments, handmade stationery, journals, bookends, etc.
• * SERVICES – Interior design, teeth whitening, massage, closet or garage reorganization, manicure/pedicure, cut & color, personal trainer, etc.