EVENTS > Trek > Fundraising Tips

Raising Money for a Good Cause

The important thing to remember when you raise money for the Trek is that you are raising money for the American Lung Association of Maine to help the people of Maine.  Nearly 90% of the funds raised stay in our state and the remainder supports nationwide education and research.

Let your donors know why you support the American Lung Asociation of Maine (ALAME).  You can even consider coming up with your own sort of mission statement for why you support the work we do.

Your Fundraising Strategy Should Include:

• A brainstorm list of possible contributors            
• List of fun ways to raise money (party, car wash, etc)
• A pledge to yourself to show your committment  
• An ask to businesses you frequent
• Personal letters with return envelopes for pledges
• Thank you process for all your donors
• A fundraising webpage using our online services 
• Overall and monthly fundraising goals

ALAME can help you reach your fundraising goal by making available:

We have literature that highlights our accomplishments and continuing work; press releases; tips for house parties and other fundraisers; and a video about ALAME's work to share with your donors.

Also see the 2008 Trek Handbook listed in the "Resources" side bar on the right side of this page.

Our Accomplishments from July 2007 through February 2008. Share our successes with the people who pledge you.

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2008 Required Fundraising Procedures

  Important Note: All checks and money orders must be accompanied by a completed pledge sheet

  (included in your Trekker Packet).    

• CASH: Trekkers must convert cash to a bank check or money order (not a personal check), and send to ALAME on a regular basis.

• CHECKS: Checks must be sent to ALAME (by the Trekker) as soon as they are written or collected. All checks must be payable to ALAME. All checks made payable to the Trekker must be signed and endorsed “payable to ALAME”.

• BILLED PLEDGES: Only pledges for amounts of $25 or more can be billed. Bills are sent after the Trek. The first billing is sent mid-July. After the last billing in October, unpaid pledges that represent the $450 requirement must be collected or paid by the Trekker.

• MATCHING GIFTS: A list of companies that we have received matching gifts from in the past is here.  If you do not see your employer listed, please check with them for their qualifying criteria.  Or call Wendy with questions 888-241-6566 x111 or email.

• ONLINE SERVICES: Contributions can be made online using a credit card or donors can opt to be billed if they are pledging $25 or more. Donors will be billed after the Trek. *If your donors wish to send a check, see the section on checks (above).

To enter pledges online, you must have a username and password. If you registered to ride online, you have already created these.  To create a username & password, please contact Trek.  

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2008 Check-In

ALL TREKKERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A CHECK-IN (Regular, Speedy or Winners Circle) AT SUNDAY RIVER!

Requirements:

• $500 fundraising minimum (billed pledges or pre-collected money)
• Completed & signed Bicycle Inspection and Safety/Code of Conduct pdf.

You can turn in the requirements listed above in the following ways:

Mail ALAME, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330: Fax 207-626-2919:
Online - see above links - ($500 minimum, Safety/Code of Conduct only)

SPEEDY CHECK-IN: you must have turned in the requirements by May 27th (postmark date).

WINNERS CIRCLE CHECK-IN:  you must have a minimum of $1,000 PAID prior to the Trek to qualify for this type and the above requirements must be fulfilled. 

REGULAR CHECK-IN:  you have until the day of the Trek to turn in all the above requirements. Nothing should be mailed/faxed/emailed to our office after May 27th so that we can prepare for the Trek.