Sponsorship Handbook - Relay For Life

Sponsorship

Handbook

SPONSORSHIP HANDBOOK

What is Relay For Life?................................................................................................. 3

How Relay Works:.....................................................................................................................3 The Mission of the American Cancer Society: ..........................................................................4 Vision 2015 – A Sense of Urgency:...........................................................................................4 The Mission of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life: ...................................................4 The Lifesaving Impact of Relay For Life: ...................................................................................4 Cancer In Our Community:........................................................................................................5 Where the Money Goes: ...........................................................................................................5 Getting Results:.........................................................................................................................6 Relay For Life National Event Standards: .................................................................................7 Relay For Life Committee Expectations: ...................................................................................7 As a Relay For Life Committee Member: ..................................................................................7 Tools you should have in your RELAY TRUNK: .......................................................................7

Sponsorship Chair ........................................................................................................ 8 Duties and Responsibilities .......................................................................................................8 Qualifications and Skills ............................................................................................................9 Tips and Suggestions................................................................................................................9 Applying Sponsorship Funds to your Event ..............................................................................9

Levels of Sponsorship................................................................................................ 10 Local Single Event Sponsorship Summary .............................................................................15

Sponsorship Success................................................................................................. 16 Seven Simple Steps ................................................................................................................16 Where To Find Sponsors ........................................................................................................17 How to Empower Teams to Recruit Sponsorships! .................................................................19 Sponsorship Tips.....................................................................................................................19 Sponsorship Recognition ........................................................................................................21

Sponsorship Tools...................................................................................................... 22 Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT)..................................................................................22 Potential Sponsors Worksheet ................................................................................................24 Sponsorship Cover Letter........................................................................................................25 Sample Sponsorship Agreement.............................................................................................26

Appendix...................................................................................................................... 27

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What is Relay For Life? Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, taking place across the nation and in countries around the globe. In fact, it’s the largest annual not-for-profit fundraising event in the world! It brings together 3.5 million people to: Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. It is the strength of cancer survivors that inspires us to continue the fight. Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, those who have walked alongside those battling cancer can grieve and find healing. Fight back against a disease that takes too much. We make a commitment to save a life by taking up the fight The event began in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay For Life events have raised $2.5 billion to support programs aimed at eliminating cancer and supporting those affected by the disease. California Division’s Relay For Life has made significant contributions to the fight against cancer since its inception. In 2007, the California Division had 303 Relays and raised $33.3 million for the fight against cancer. In 2008, Relay For Life will take place in 313 communities and will raise an estimated $36.5 million in California.

How Relay Works: Friends, family, coworkers and neighbors come together to form a Relay team, which collects donations leading up to the event. On Relay Day, team members take turns walking around the track during the 24 hours of Relay, making sure that someone is on the track at all times. Why 24 hours? We are asking you to give a day out of your life for those who may not have another. There are similarities between the Relay For Life and a cancer patient’s experience: It may get really hot during the day, and you may feel like quitting, but you keep on walking. It may get windy and cold at night – it might even rain. But you press on through the darkest hours knowing that the sun will come up and it will be a new day. Each Relay For Life starts with the Survivors’ Lap, during which cancer survivors from the community walk the first lap around the track to celebrate their victories and thank their caregivers while others cheer them on. At dusk, luminaria bags are lit, and remain lit throughout the night to create a path of hope. They are decorated to remember those lost to cancer and again honor caretakers and those that have survived the disease. The luminaria ceremony is a time for reflection, grieving and hope. These two inspiring and reflective ceremonies are followed by the

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Fight Back Ceremony, in which attendees literally and figuratively take up a flag against cancer and pledge to fight back against the disease. Relay For Life is also an opportunity to deliver life-saving prevention and detection messages to participants.

The Mission of the American Cancer Society: Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

Vision 2015 – A Sense of Urgency: The American Cancer Society is making tremendous progress in the fight against cancer, but there is still a long road ahead. Your involvement with the American Cancer Society is helping save lives and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. The Society has ambitious goals for the next ten years and we need your help. By the year 2015, the Society aims to: double the number of lives saved from cancer; reduce the incidence of cancer by 25 percent and improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Relay is a powerful vehicle communities can use to support the Society’s mission to fight back against cancer!

The Mission of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day, cancer will be eliminated.

The Lifesaving Impact of Relay For Life: Relay For Life is making a significant impact on the American Cancer Society’s ability to meet our goal of eliminating cancer. Last year in California: Thousands of volunteers took part in 303 Relay For Life events across the state. Those volunteers recruited the more than 180,000 participants who heard the life saving

messages of the American Cancer Society. 33,385 survivors were honored at Relay For Life activities. Relay For Life raised more than $33.3 million dollars for the fight against cancer.

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Cancer In Our Community: Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or economic background: One out of two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed with cancer. In 2007, more than 1.4 million people nationwide will be newly diagnosed with cancer. In 2007, more than 133 thousand people in California will be newly diagnosed with

cancer. There are approximately 10.5 million cancer survivors living in the United States. Practicing good nutrition habits, not using tobacco products and being physically active

can prevent two thirds of cancer deaths.

Where the Money Goes: Funds raised by the American Cancer Society Relay For Life support the organization’s programs, which focus on four distinct areas: research, education, advocacy and service.

Research The American Cancer Society was involved in many of the major cancer research breakthroughs of the last 90 years, including identifying smoking as cause of lung cancer, mammography screening for breast cancer and the PSA test for prostate cancer screening. Currently, the Society is recruiting a diverse group of approximately 500,000 adults from across the nation for its third Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3). CPS-3 works to better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and ultimately help eliminate the disease as a major health concern for future generations. Enrollment is only available at select Relay For Life events across the nation. In 2008, enrollment will be held at 19 Relay For Life sites in California. The California Division of the American Cancer Society has invested $55 million in research in California. Nationwide, since 1946, the Society has funded nearly $3 billion in research. By investing about $130 million in research each year, the American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, not-for-profit, non-government organization in the United States. We have funded 42 researchers who later went on to be awarded the Nobel Prize.

Education Following American Cancer Society’s wellness and cancer-detection guidelines can save your life or the lives of people you love. The American Cancer Society provides materials and educational programs on early detection and prevention of cancer to a variety of high-impact

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constituents in the community, including employers, schools, churches, local government, hospitals and community service groups.

Advocacy We fight for life-saving policy to increase federal research funding, reduce tobacco use, promote early detection of cancers, improve access to care and support cancer patients. The American Cancer Society has advocated the passage of legislation that has had a positive impact on controlling cancer. For example, lung cancer rates in the California have declined over the past several years thanks to several tobacco control initiatives.

Service Patient and family support services such as Look Good… Feel Better, Reach to Recovery and Road to Recovery help people with cancer during and after treatment. Anyone, anywhere can access cancer information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1.800.ACS.2345 or at www.cancer.org.

Getting Results: American Cancer Society funded research, prevention and early detection programs are helping more people survive cancer than ever before in history: In 1946, one out of four cancer patients survived more than five years; today, two out of

three patients are alive five years after diagnosis. More than 75,000 patients and survivors in California received American Cancer Society

information and services or attended survivor events. Society Cancer Information specialists staffing the 24/7 toll free number answered more

than 101,000 calls from across California seeking free support and information. Almost 8,500 people in California received transportation assistance for treatment

appointments, for a total of almost 290,000 rides.

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Relay For Life National Event Standards:

Mandatory • 24-hour overnight event • Opening and closing ceremonies • Luminaria ceremony • Survivorship activities • Mission Delivery activities

(education) • Team registration/commitment fee • Graphics standards on logo • Tobacco and alcohol-free event

Recommended • Sponsorships • Team and individual incentives • Expense ratio of 10 percent or less • Communication/newsletters • Team captain meetings • Bank night(s)

• Fight Back Ceremony

Relay For Life Committee Expectations: When you become a member of the Relay For Life committee, you become an American Cancer Society volunteer. You, along with your fellow committee members are producing an event that will positively impact the lives of people in your community. By helping raise cancer awareness and money, you and everyone involved in Relay For Life are fighting back against cancer. Relay For Life is a community-owned, volunteer-driven event. Your staff partner is your coach and your resource.

As a Relay For Life Committee Member: Plan on attending all committee meetings. Recruit help! As your event grows, you will need sub-committees. Two-year terms are recommended. Plan for your transition by appointing a co-chair. Assist other committee members when asked. Attend Society trainings about your committee position (i.e., Relay U or Track Chats). Recruit teams! This is the key to a successful Relay Complete a partnership agreement with event chair and subcommittee chairs. Have a team of your own or be a team member. Plan to be at the event to help set-up. Plan to camp out and be at the event the entire 24 hours. Plan to stay until the end and help clean up. Get all the work done prior to the event so you can enjoy the event. Attend the wrap-up meeting to brainstorm how to improve next year’s event.

Tools you should have in your RELAY TRUNK:

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A Relay For Life video Relay For Life posters Relay For Life brochures Relay For Life annual report booklet Your Relay For Life notebook

Sponsorship Chair The Sponsorship Chair is in charge of providing the opportunity for cash sponsorship to companies and individuals for Relay. Your efforts will assist with fundraising, as well as offer marketing opportunities to companies and individuals wanting to join the fight against cancer. This position requires a person who is comfortable talking to new people and who can motivate people to get involved and raise money.

Duties and Responsibilities Present sponsorship opportunities throughout the community, make the ask of companies

for sponsorship, and follow up to ensure commitment of sponsorships for your Relay for Life Event.

Set a Sponsorship Goal and create a strategy, in partnership with your event chair and/or committee, to reach your sponsorship goal.

Recruit Sponsorship Sub-Committee volunteers and meet with them regularly. Facilitate contact and follow0up with past and potential new sponsors. Facilitate contact after and follow-up with sponsorship ask through the point of securing

the funds. Ensure sponsor amenities are provided as promised. Adhere to the standardized sponsorship levels of the California Division. Attend event committee meetings. Attend Team Captain meetings. Keep Team Captains aware of sponsorship opportunities. Develop and distribute American Cancer Society approved sponsorship packet. Obtain sponsorship commitments forms, logos, etc. Work with Publicity Chair to ensure all qualifying sponsor logos are included in

publications (newsletters, program, etc.). Select and order recognition items for sponsors. Plan and implement event day sponsor recognition. Recognize and thank sponsorship volunteers and event sponsors. Ensure a Proof of Performance package is delivered to each sponsor within two weeks

after your event is over.

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Qualifications and Skills Knowledge of and commitment to the American Cancer Society Mission Knowledge of the community for recruitment of volunteers and potential sponsors Sales experience or being a member of the business committee can be helpful Must be comfortable asking for large sums of money Must have the ability to lead and motivate; as well as excellent organizational skills

Tips and Suggestions If your Relay is big, establish a sub-committee for sponsorship and have each person

focus on a different target group. Break down your sponsorship goal so each person on your committee knows how many

sponsors you would like to have for your event. Focus on the teams and sponsorships will come. If a potential sponsor needs to choose between sponsoring the event and fielding a team,

always suggest they field a team. Why? Having a team engage in the event, where they can fundraise and learn our lifesaving messages will have a greater impact on our Mission. The ideal situation is to have a sponsoring organization have a team too!

Applying Sponsorship Funds to your Event As you are aware, Relay For Life--The American Cancer Society's signature and largest fundraising activity--is primarily a volunteer driven event. This is true both in terms of the actual running of the 24 hour event and in terms of the planning and fundraising that now goes on virtually year round. As a result, we often ask our volunteers to take on multiple roles for the same event. And, as is sometimes the case when a person "wears more than one hat," there can arise situations where there is a conflict of interest between the differing roles and responsibilities being handled by the same person. For example, a volunteer who is a Sponsorship Chair and a Team Captain at the same time (or a Team member trying to line up his/her own supports) might find themselves in a position of needing to decide whether to direct a potential sponsorship/donation to the overall Relay For Life Event or to his/her particular team. Just remember, the Sponsorship Chair’s responsibility--in accepting the overriding position of the entire event—is to promote the financial success of the entire Relay For Life event and not just the financial success of their Team. This sometimes requires taking a course of action in order to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. For example, a Sponsorship Chair would want to avoid even the appearance that they were acting in the interests of their Team by crediting to the Team a sponsorship/donation offered to the Team when someone could reasonably infer that it instead should have been credited to the overall event.

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As such, we would ask that volunteers serving in this type of dual capacity not use their position as a Sponsorship Chair to elicit sponsorships/donations from actual or potential event sponsors for their Team (or in any way to pass any type of "credit" for the sponsorship/donation to the Team of which the Chair is a member). As always, volunteers having any questions about particular situations are encouraged to discuss them with the ACS staff person responsible for the event.

Levels of Sponsorship

Presenting Sponsor – $10,000 As the Presenting Sponsor of Relay For Life, you will receive the following benefits:

Recognition on Event Materials Your name and logo recognizing you as the Presenting Sponsor will be included on Relay

For Life event materials, including: o Cancer Survivor T-shirts o Participant T-shirts o Online Giving Website (where applicable) o Poster (11” x 17”) displayed at companies, hospitals, organizations and schools

throughout the community o Promotional brochures o Programs distributed at the event to participants and guests o Fliers o Newsletters distributed to American Cancer Society donors, volunteers and

supporters o Luminaria order forms o Media/news releases including radio, TV and print (when available)

On/Off-Site Exposure Opportunity to have five (5) sponsor banners displayed during the event Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor on event “Thank You” signage Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor during the event via five (5) PA announcements Team Commitment Fee waived for five (5) Relay For Life teams Presentation of Excalibur award to sponsor representative at event Opportunity to address event participants Opportunity to have your “promotional items” made available to event participants and

guests. Recognition as event Presenting Sponsor at local American Cancer Society volunteer

recognition activity Recognition by the American Cancer Society at a sponsor meeting or activity

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Platinum Sponsor- $5,000 As a Platinum Sponsor of Relay For Life, you will receive the following benefits: Recognition on Event Materials Your name and logo recognizing you as a Platinum Sponsor will be included on Relay

For Life event materials, including: o Participant T-shirts o Your name on a link from a navigation bar on event online giving Web site

(where applicable) o Poster (11” x 17”) displayed at companies, hospitals, organizations and schools

throughout the community o Promotional brochures o Programs distributed at the event to participants and guests o Fliers o Newsletters distributed to American Cancer Society donors, volunteers and

supporters o Media/news releases including radio, TV and print (where available)

On/Off-Site Exposure Opportunity to have three (3) sponsor banners displayed during the event Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor on event “Thank You” signage Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor during the event via three (3) PA announcements Team Commitment Fee waived for four (4) Relay For Life teams Presentation of a recognition award to sponsor representative at event Recognition as event Platinum Sponsor at local American Cancer Society volunteer

recognition activity

Gold Sponsor - $2,500 As a Gold Sponsor of Relay For Life, you will receive the following benefits: Recognition on Event Materials Your name and logo recognizing you as a Gold Sponsor will be included on Relay For

Life event materials, including: o Participant T-shirts o Programs distributed at the event to participants and guests o Newsletters distributed to American Cancer Society donors, volunteers and

supporters On/Off-Site Exposure Opportunity to have two (2) sponsor banners displayed during the event Recognition as a Gold Sponsor on event “Thank You” signage Recognition as a Gold Sponsor during the event via two (2) PA announcements Team Commitment Fee waived for three (3) Relay For Life teams Presentation of a recognition award to sponsor representative at event

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Silver Sponsor - $1,000 As a Silver Sponsor of Relay For Life, you will receive the following benefits: Recognition on Event Materials Your name recognizing you as an Silver Sponsor will be included on Relay For Life

event materials, including: o Participant T-shirts o Programs distributed at the event to participants and guests o Newsletters distributed to American Cancer Society donors, volunteers and

supporters On/Off-Site Exposure Opportunity to have one (1) sponsor banner displayed during the event Recognition as an Silver Sponsor on event “Thank You” signage Recognition as a Silver Sponsor during the event via one (1) PA announcement Team Commitment Fee waived for two (2) Relay For Life teams Presentation of a recognition award to sponsor representative at event

Bronze Supporter- $500 As a Bronze Supporter of Relay For Life, you will receive the following benefits: Recognition on Event Materials Your name recognizing you as a Bronze Supporter will be included on Relay For Life

event materials, including: o Participant T-shirts o Programs distributed at the event to participants and guests

On/Off-Site Exposure Recognition as a Bronze Supporter on event “Thank You” signage Team Commitment Fee waived for one (1) Relay For Life team

In-Kind Donation / Media Partners Sponsorship benefits for an In-kind donation will be based on a 2-to-1 ration compared with the standard cash sponsorship fees. For example, and in-kinds sponsorship valued at $20,000 would receive the sponsorship benefits offered to a $10,000 cash sponsor. Media Partner benefits are determined on a case-by-case scenario. Please work with your event chair and staff partner to determine these benefits.

The Fight Back Banner Sponsorship Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to... Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. It is the strength of cancer survivors that inspires others to continue the fight.

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Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, those who have walked alongside those battling cancer can grieve and find healing. Fight Back because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease. Make a commitment to save a life by taking up the fight. Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. is the next step in the evolution of an event that changes lives. By deepening the emotional experience that participants have while at Relay, we can further mobilize individuals and communities to: Raise awareness of and change behaviors that lead to cancer Volunteer and take action through a menu of opportunities that fight cancer year round Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back 365 days a year As a part of this next step in the fight against cancer, each Relay For Life community will have a Fight Back Banner Sponsor. This banner will be displayed throughout the event and will be a part of the Fight Back ceremony. During this ceremony, participants will be invited to sign the banner as a symbol of their decision to fight back against cancer in their community. The Fight Back banner adds an additional sponsorship opportunity within Relay For Life. Fight Back Banner Sponsorship Benefits: Company name recognition on Fight Back banner Display of banner allowing for on-site recognition Team Commitment Fee waived:

o 2 Relay For Life Teams at $1,000 level o 3 Relay For Life Teams at $2,500 level

Opportunity to display Fight Back banner at sponsor business location Opportunities to have Fight Back banner displayed at community Fight Back events

throughout the year Fight Back Banner Sponsorship Details: Each Fight Back banner has two (2) sponsorship slots at $1,000 each, OR one (1)

sponsorship slot at $2,500. Sponsorship term: January of Current Year – December of Current Year

A branded flyer describing the Fight Back Banner opportunity is available from your staff partner. It’s a great addition to your Sponsorship Proposal.

Standards and Policies Relating to Sponsorship It is a policy of the American Cancer Society that we do not accept money from tobacco

companies.

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Because Relay is an alcohol-free, family event, we do not promote alcoholic beverages through signage before, during, or after the event.

Media coverage cannot be guaranteed and there fore should not be promised as a benefit unless previously confirmed via a written contract through media sponsors. The American Cancer Society can only promise to include sponsorship recognition in our promotional materials and in the Media Releases that are being sent to the media.

Luminaria sponsors cannot place their corporate logos on the luminaria bags. No sponsorship opportunities in a proposal are guaranteed to be exclusive. We will offer

as many sponsorship opportunities as possible to help put us one step closer to finding a cure for cancer.

Relay For Life does not honor “title sponsorships” where a Relay event features the name of a company (Example – “Wal-Mart’s Relay For Life”). However, we do honor “presenting sponsorships,” for example, “American Cancer Society Relay For Life of XYZ presented by Wal-Mart.”

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Local Single Event Sponsorship Summary LOCAL SINGLE EVENT SPONSORSHIP SUMMARY

Sponsorship Level Presenting Platinum Gold Silver Bronze

Sponsorship Fee $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $500

SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS

Presenting Sponsor Status x Limit 3 sponsors

ID ON EVENT MATERIALS

Participant T-Shirts Logo Logo Logo Name Name

Cancer Survivor T-Shirts Logo

Online Giving Website Logo Name Where applicable

Posters Logo Logo

Promotional Brochures Logo Logo Name

Programs Logo Logo Logo Name Name Where applicable

Fliers Logo Logo

Newsletters Logo Logo Logo Name Where applicable

Luminaria Order Forms Logo

Media/News Releases Name Name Where applicable

ON/OFF-SITE EXPOSURE

Sponsor Banner(s) displayed at event 5 3 2 1 Sponsor

provided

Recognition on event "Thank You Sign" Logo Logo Logo Name Name

Recognition via PA announcements during event 5 3 2 1

Team Commitment Fee waived for Sponsor team(s) 5 4 3 2 1

Presentation of recognition award at event X X X X Example: plaque,

certificate, etc.

Opportunity to address event participants X

Recognition at local American Cancer Society volunteer recognition activity

X X Following pres. of Recognition Award

Recognition at Sponsor meeting or activity X

Ex.: Volunteer Annual mtg, lunch, etc.

Sponsor promotional items available to participants X

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Sponsorship Success Seven Simple Steps Step 1: Evaluate Last Year’s Event (for veteran Relay For Life events) Who were the sponsors? Did they express an interest in returning? What companies were very involved? Did you thank them and how? Would any of the underwriters increase their gift to a major sponsorship level? Did anyone mention an interest in learning more about sponsorship opportunities for next

year’s event?

Step 2: Set Sponsorship Goal for New Year There is no limit to the number of sponsors. If the event was a success last year and promises to be larger and more successful this

year, raise your “ask” amount. Go to last year’s sponsors and secure involvement for this year. Set dollar amount based on perceived value of sponsoring the event.

Step 3: Develop List of Potential Sponsors Assess committee members and their contacts. Look at last year’s companies that had multiple teams and/or raised a lot of money. Don’t forget service-oriented businesses in community. Check out large businesses. Include health care facilities.

Step 4: Making the Contact Determine the volunteer who has good contacts, is willing to make the call, and

understands sponsorship. The volunteer should be enthusiastic, willing to ask for money, and have good sales skills.

Explain to the business professionals that you have a great opportunity for them and you would like to meet with them. Don’t give out too much information. Let your proposal and the meetings make the “sale” for you.

Set a date and time to meet. For the bigger asks you will make this season, set appointments and include your staff

partner. This shows the sponsor you are respectful of their time and keeps your staff partner in the loop on your recruitment activities.

Step 5: Preparing for the Meeting Preparing for the sponsorship meeting is the most important step in securing money. Work with your Staff Partner and access the CA Sponsorship Proposal. Identify appropriate volunteer/staff team. A volunteer/staff team will provide both local

impact and American Cancer Society knowledge and background.

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Identify a volunteer who has: o A good contact inside the potential sponsoring organization o Strong communication/sales skills o Commitment to the American Cancer Society o Established himself/herself as a well-known and respected leader in the local

business community. Review the proposal and develop a strategy. It is important for the volunteer/staff team to

meet before presenting the proposal to the potential sponsor to fully understand the “talking piece” and strategize the “plan of attack.”

Make sure you know what programs and services are being provided locally. Learn as much as possible about the potential sponsor—what they do, how they

advertise, when their budgeting is done, how much their sales are, how many employees they have, who their executives are, what events they’re involved in.

Google ‘em! A potential sponsor may very well have certain affinities with causes or a mission statement that works well with the mission of the American Cancer Society. Research them in advance so you can be informed.

Step 6: Making the “Ask” Talk about the mission of the American Cancer Society. Give an event history and overview of the Relay. Show a Relay video if possible. Explain the benefits a business will receive if they become a sponsor. Explain the commitment you are seeking from them. Be specific, be quiet, listen, and

answer any questions. Be willing to negotiate, but make sure that everyone on the American Cancer Society

team agrees on a “walk-away point” in advance of the meeting. Remember that when we “ask” for sponsorship, we are also “offering” great publicity opportunities for the sponsor.

Before the meeting, brainstorm any possible objections and role-play a positive method of responding to them.

Discuss a timeline for their commitment.

Step 7: Follow Up Send a thank-you letter immediately after the meeting. Follow up on the commitment deadline (if necessary). After a sponsor is secured, stay in contact with them throughout the year. Make sure you

offer the programs and services of the American Cancer Society. Encourage all Relay For Life participants to communicate their appreciation of a

company’s involvement to the people who are at the company.

Where To Find Sponsors Try to target your most likely sponsor prospects. These include:

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Existing “active” sponsors of your Relay For Life event(s) and other American Cancer

Society events in your community. Sponsors of other non-profits or events in your market, such as other charities, non-

profits, sports teams, and other organizations. Competitors of sponsors. Example: Target a Ford dealer if the local Chevrolet dealer is

an active sponsor of another local event. Companies marketing to your audience New and increasing sponsor categories Brainstorm with the event committee on possible sponsorships as well as contacts that

people on the committee know (see worksheet).

When developing your prospect list for strategic partnerships, consider: Mission match Communication potential Income potential Market perception—must make sense to the public Win/Win/Win—The sponsor, the American Cancer Society, and the constituents of both

entities Coordinate all sponsorship activities including a sponsorship strategy that is fully integrated between staff and volunteers for all American Cancer Society activities.

Coordinating Efforts For those events that take place in densely populated areas or urban markets, corporate sponsorship requests work best through a coordinated approach versus asking multiple times with multiple events. This preserves the relationship with the company and increases your chances of success when you make the ask. Work with your staff partner to coordinate this process.

Timing is Everything! When planning your sponsorship asks, don’t be afraid to ask the potential sponsor for their budget timeline for sponsorship. Most companies plan their budgets at least six months in advance. The best way to ensure you make their deadline is to have a good post-event plan and to ask for their support the next year.

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How to Empower Teams to Recruit Sponsorships! PREPARATION Sponsorship packets are prepared six to eight months prior to an event by the

Sponsorship chair, staff partner and/or Event Chair. Ideally, sponsorship packets are automatically sent to all the previous year’s sponsors

who were not recruited by teams, through efforts from the staff partner and Sponsorship Chair.

To achieve success have Sponsorship packets available at all Team Captain meetings to empower teams to solicit businesses with which they have a personal connection.

The Sponsorship Commitment form is a very useful tool that has helped the sponsor, the team making the “ask”, and the volunteer/staff tracking the confirmations.

HOW TO Sponsorships are credited ONLY to the team total, not individual totals. This can be a

motivator for teams to recruit sponsors from their own relationships that otherwise may not have been asked or involved with Relay. It also provides additional competitive options for fundraising.

A Sponsorship deadline is necessary at least three weeks from the deadline for receiving text/art required for t-shirts & programs because sponsors/teams sometimes wait to turn in or confirm their information, we highly recommend a deadline.

SUPPORT Team Captain Coordinators can be trained to handle most of the questions regarding

sponsorships at Team Captain Meetings, and can serve as the main support for teams gathering sponsorships throughout the year.

PROCESSING Sponsorships coming in through teams should be submitted in a Team Captain envelope

with “sponsorship” written across the body. The Sponsorship form and payment should be included. This practice allows the donation to be tracked and credited to the appropriate team.

Payment can also be mailed directly to the local American Cancer Society Office. In order for Sponsor benefits to be fulfilled teams need to have sponsors send the Sponsorship form together with payment.

Sponsors should be added into the FRED onsite database under the team’s “Team Revenue” tab one at a time, which makes for more efficient auditing.

Sponsorship Tips Put together a sponsorship package that reflects your community and the people involved

in your Relay For Life. Include samples of the brochure, poster, program, newsletter and

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any other form of communication that the Relay uses. Many sponsors like to get the name of their company out to the public.

Start with a personal connection. Do you or any of your committee members know

anyone working at the targeted company who can get you in the door? If not, call the company and ask for the human resources manager or the person who coordinates the employee involvement program. If that route is not productive, ask the human resources person to direct you to someone in the organization who might have an interest in cancer issues and would like to learn more about our event called the Relay For Life.

Start scheduling appointments with potential sponsors about eight to ten months prior to

the event. If you can’t get an appointment confirmed, deliver the sponsorship package in person. Include information on how you can be reached.

When you get an appointment or are able to see a potential sponsor, try to bring a

Survivor with you. Focus on opportunities to join the fight against cancer and the mission of the organization. Marketing opportunities should be secondary.

When approaching potential sponsors always offer them the opportunity to field teams.

About two weeks after your meeting (or the date that you dropped off a packet), call the

potential sponsor again. Get feedback on the meeting and the opportunity. Remember to ask for teams.

Make sure all of your corporate sponsors have teams at the event.

Recognize sponsors as frequently as possible at Rallies and meetings, through

newsletters, and recruitment activities. Ask sponsors to attend the Survivors Reception.

On Relay Day, build some special recognition into the program. You can recognize

sponsors at one of your ceremonies. Think about what corporate sponsors you want for next year and get them to put a team

together this year. And Remember— Be clear about the Sponsorship levels the benefits available at each level.

As soon as your sponsor commits, be sure to get a camera ready or electronic copy of

their logo. You will need it for T-shirts as well as any other form of printed recognition.

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Work with your potential sponsors and sponsors on fielding teams. If the sponsor has a team at the event they will come back again.

Ask a potential sponsor how cancer has had an impact on their life. You will learn more

about the individuals you are working with and form a closer relationship. Talk to the sponsor about their needs, why they are involved, and what impact they

would like to make on the community.

Sponsorship Recognition In addition to the benefits outlined in the sponsorship templates, all of which give some form of recognition to your Relay For Life sponsors, there are additional ways to acknowledge sponsors. Securing an ad in the local newspaper highlighting your events sponsors and supporters

Recognition at Relay Rallies

Inviting them to you kickoff, and thank them publicly

Hosting a VIP reception just for sponsors and top fundraisers before your event

Arranging for additional sponsor team campsite signage, as appropriate

Sponsor recognition at local Discovery Shops (window display, posters at point-of-sale

areas) Recognition at Relay ‘Thank You’ and/or ‘Wrap-up’ functions

Thank you notes from committee and/or Survivors

·For first time sponsors, especially ones without teams, assign a committee member to

host them at the event. Introduce the sponsor to survivors and team captains who can thank them personally.

Send a group picture of your survivors along with a thank you note.

Have a local bakery donate sweets to be delivered to the office of your sponsors. For

example, you could send a pie with a note that says – “Your generosity toward our Relay was sweet as pie.”

21


Ask a survivor to write a thank you letter to the editor sharing his/her experience at the Relay and what it meant to have local companies support Relay. Include the top sponsors in the letter.

Other Times to Show Gratitude During the holiday season During company picnic times (you might send a card or balloons as a thank you.) At the end of their fiscal year During the company anniversary When you can invite them to other American Cancer Society functions, such as research

tours When planning your strategy for sponsor recruitment, retention, and recognition, don’t forget to use your teams. They have connections in your community and can help you identify potential sponsors and ask for that support. Team captains can help you thank sponsor with handwritten thank you notes, phone calls, and personal attention at the event. If a sponsor sees a number of people acknowledging and appreciating their donation, they are more likely to continue to support the event.

Sponsorship Tools Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) Policy Regarding UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax): The field is advised to avoid any activities that may subject the Society to the Unrelated Business Income Tax. If acknowledgment to a sponsor is unacceptable, the Society could lose one-third of any given sponsorship donation to this tax.

Acknowledgment - Acceptable Showing the name and logo of your sponsor Identifying or showing the products or services of your sponsor Showing sponsors’ brand or trade name Showing slogans that are an established part of a sponsor’s identity Listing sponsor’s name and/or log in the event title, at the event site, in event materials

including posters, T-shirts, etc. Offering sponsors VIP seating, hospitality, etc.

22


Advertising - UNACCEPTABLE Do not include the name, address, phone number or other contact information of your

sponsor Any qualitative or comparative language such as “best”, “the king of . . .” “lowest

prices”, etc. Any price information Any call to action (e.g., a call to come by the business, to buy a product, to call or inquire

about products or services) Any message suggestions savings (e.g. $5 off...) Any endorsement (e.g., The American Cancer Society recommends . . . or, four out of

five doctors recommend . . .) Any inducement to buy a product or service (e.g., six months free service if you buy

now)

Avoiding UBIT Do not use the term “advertising” in any sponsor agreement. You may use Recognition

Levels, Sponsor Recognition Opportunities, or another similar statement. Do not provide acknowledgment of sponsors that could be construed as referring to the

quality of a sponsor’s products or services or encouraging people to purchase a sponsor’s products or services.

Never have staff or volunteers distribute “cents or dollars-off”, or “percentage-off” coupons, directly or through goody bags, etc., to event participants.

More Information About Coupons As long as the voucher is not a “cents- or dollars-off, or percentage off” coupon, and does not require any purchase or make any inducement to buy, this is considered a donation and not a coupon. Some acceptable examples would be a free meal at a local restaurant or a free admission to an amusement park (gift certificates). However, a buy-one-get-one-free offer does require a purchase and does trigger UBIT concerns. Have UBIT Policies been observed?

23


Potential Sponsors Worksheet

COMPANY COMPANY CONTACT PERSON / COMMITTEE TO CONTACT COMMENTS

24


Sponsorship Cover Letter Dear Friend: The American Cancer Society invites you to join in the fight against cancer by becoming a sponsor for the Relay City Relay For Life. This 24-hour celebration is a team event to fight cancer. Our Relay For Life will take place on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 at the Relay City School Stadium. We are expecting over 500 participants and volunteers to take part in this event. Last year the Relay For Life event raised $30,000.00. A highlight of the event is a Luminaria Ceremony on Saturday evening to remember those who lost their battle with cancer and to honor cancer survivors. We invite you and your business to become a partner in making this a successful event. In exchange for your contribution you will receive a variety of benefits including recognition on our event T-shirt. Moreover, as a sponsor for the Relay City Relay For Life, you will create an awareness of your commitment to our community and to the fight against cancer. Cancer touches everyone in some way. More than 75 percent of the American Cancer Society dollars are dedicated to research to support, cancer patients and their families, and public education. All programs are funded solely from public contributions. Please let us know how you can help. Thanks for your support. Together, we will one day find the cure. You can reach me at XXX-XXXX or contact the American Cancer Society at XXX-XXX-XXXX. Sincerely, Sponsorship Committee Chair Return this contribution form with donation to:

25


Sample Sponsorship Agreement American Cancer Society

200X Relay For Life of (Insert Community Name) Sponsorship Commitment Form

YES! WE WILL PARTICIPATE AS A:

Presenting Sponsor - $10,000 Platinum Sponsor - $5,000 Gold Sponsor - $2,500 Silver Sponsor - $1,000 Bronze Sponsor - $500 In-kind Donation – Value To Be Determined Media Partner – Value To Be Determined

Please print all names legibly and exactly as they should appear in all publications. Company/Organization _______________________________________________________ Contact Person _______________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________ State ___________ Zip ______________ Phone (______) ________________ Fax (______) ________________ E-mail address _______________________________________________________________ Authorized Signature_________________________________________________________ · 1Check enclosed (Please make check payable to American Cancer Society) · 1Please send an invoice for payment NOTE: Please email your company’s logo in camera-ready artwork to _______________________. Please Return to: American Cancer Society Attn: Relay For Life of (insert community name) Address, City, State Zip Code Phone xxx.xxx.xxxx Fax xxx.xxx.xxxx

http://events.cancer.org/rfl(insert community name for onsite events)ca

26


Appendix 1. Sponsor Folder

27

1.800.ACS.2345www.cancer.org

Hope.Progress.Answers.®

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE

The American Cancer Society is

the nationwide community-based

voluntary health organization

dedicated to eliminating cancer

as a major health problem by

preventing cancer, saving lives,

and diminishing suffering from

cancer, through research, education,

advocacy, and service.

No matter who you are, we can help.

Contact us anytime, day or night,

for information and support.

©2008 A

merican C

ancer Society, C

alifornia Division, Inc. 6297.28 (03/08)

SponsorshipOpportunities

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-

changing event which brings people together to

celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer,

remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals

and communities to fight back against a disease that

takes too much.

Teams of 8-15 members gather with tents and sleeping

bags to camp out at a local high school, park, or

fairground and take turns walking or running around

a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays

are overnight events, and each team is asked to have a

representative on the track at all times.

What Makes Relay so Unique?Relay For Life gives us an opportunity to celebrate,

remember, and fight back. We celebrate cancer

survivors by inviting them to participate in the Survivors

Lap, the first lap around the track. The Luminaria

Ceremony is another highlight of the event. A

Luminaria is a small bag filled with sand, containing a

candle that makes it glow. Each Luminaria bears the

name of a person who has battled cancer. At dusk, we

light all the candles along the path. They burn into the

night, honoring and memorializing those who have

faced cancer, lighting a path of hope. The event closes

with the upbeat fight back ceremony, which reminds

us that we have the power to change the course of this

disease.

How Can I Get Involved?To get information on volunteering, becoming a

sponsor, or forming a team, call the American Cancer

Society’s office at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.

relayforlife.org.

What isRelay For Life?

Event HistoryIn May 1985, Dr. Gordon

Klatt took the first step of his

24-hour marathon around a

track in Tacoma, Washington –

ultimately raising $27,000 for

the American Cancer Society.

A year later, 340 supporters

joined the overnight event.

Since then, Relay For Life has

become the Society’s single

largest fundraising activity,

connecting more than 4,800

communities across the nation.

In 2007, more than 3.5 million

participants, including 500,000

cancer survivors, took part

in Relay events nationwide,

resulting in over $1.5 billion

dollars raised for cancer

research, education, services

and advocacy.

2Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

Investing in Hope:Becoming a Relay For Life Sponsor

Sponsorship BenefitsGreater Employee Pride and LoyaltyYour company’s commitment to the health and well-

being of others will inspire a sense of pride among

your employees and encourage an improved internal

image.

Enhanced ExposureYour company will enjoy positive exposure

as volunteers and participants promote Relay

For Life to their friends and colleagues. Your

company’s name and logo can appear on a variety

of promotional and media materials, depending on

your level of sponsorship.

Extended Consumer AwarenessA Relay For Life sponsorship is like no other.

Although the event lasts 24 hours, its impact is felt

in the community year-round. Thanks to T-shirts,

banners, media, and messaging, Relay For Life

sponsors make a lasting impression.

Join Forces with a Trusted NameThe American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is ythe largest fund-raising event in the nation.

More than 3 million people will participate in yRelay For Life events across the country this year.

Thousands of Relay For Life newsprint articles, ybillboard displays, and TV and radio spots are featured throughout the country each year.

74% of consumers are likely to support a sponsor yassociated with a charity like the American Cancer Society.

98% of Americans are familiar with the American yCancer Society.

Now is the Perfect Time

If you have ever looked into the eyes of someone

with cancer, you know why the American Cancer

Society is here and what we are fighting for. Thanks

to incredible advances in science, cancer prevention,

treatment, and lifestyle changes, we are now closer

than ever before to conquering this disease. But we

still have a long way to go.

Cancer remains the #1 cause of death for people in ytheir prime working years.

Cancer accounts for three times the number of ydeaths caused by alcohol, car accidents, illegal drugs, suicide, homicide, fire and AIDS combined.

Almost half of all Americans will develop cancer yin their lifetime.

Forming a strategic alliance with the American Cancer Society – the largest and most

respected voluntary health organization in the nation – will bolster your company’s

reputation and emphasize your commitment to supporting your community.

3 Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

ResearchAs the nation’s largest source of private, nonprofit

cancer research funds, the American Cancer

Society is funding more than $64 million in cancer

research in California (as of March 2008). Forty-two

American Cancer Society-funded researchers have

gone on to win the Nobel Prize. We have been a part

of many major milestones in the history of cancer

research, including:

Gleevec, y a stunning new treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia, which targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed

Pap Tests, y which have reduced the number of deaths from cervical cancer by more than 74%

Bone Marrow Transplants, y which have saved the lives of many leukemia patients

Mammography y to screen for breast cancer

PSA test y for prostate cancer screening

5-FU y (chemotherapy) for colon cancer

EducationCancer is a primary health concern for most

Americans, and with good reason; in every minute

of every day, one person dies of cancer and two are

diagnosed with the disease. We all have the power

to reduce our cancer risk and the American Cancer

Society is here to help.

1.800.ACS.2345 yCallers can speak to a trained cancer information specialist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the American Cancer Society’s toll-free cancer information line. Whether you’re calling because a loved one has just been diagnosed with cancer or you’re seeking information about how you can prevent cancer, we can help.

www.cancer.org yThe latest cancer information is also available on the American Cancer Society’s Web site. The site provides information about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, as well as local details about special events, programs, and services.

AdvocacyThe American Cancer Society’s advocacy efforts

are focused on legislative efforts to ensure access

to cancer treatment; reduce disparities in cancer

prevention, detection, and treatment; and establish

comprehensive tobacco control policies. Recent

legislative victories include:

Access y“Welcome to Medicare” wellness exam benefit included in the recent Medicare reform law, allowing new Medicare enrollees to receive an initial physical exam.

Medically Underserved y“Patient Navigator” legislation passed out of Congress. This measure provides patients with outreach for cancer awareness, screening and access to treatment if cancer is detected.

What We Are Doing


Appropriations yCompleted five-year effort to double the National Institute of Health (NIH) budget, to help cancer research efforts. Currently, the Society is involved in a campaign to gain support for the National Cancer Institute’s goals to end death and suffering from cancer by 2015.

Tobacco Control y FDA regulation legislation is moving through Congress and has the potential to provide the broadest authority to the FDA over tobacco products to date.

ServiceThe American Cancer Society is always there for

those in need. We offer many programs for cancer

patients and their families, including:

Reach To Recovery y ®

A visitation program which joins specially trained breast cancer survivors with breast cancer patients for mentoring and support

Man To Man y ®

Educational groups for men with prostate cancer

Look Good…Feel Better y SM

Beauty technique classes for female cancer patients to help restore their appearance and self-image during treatment

Summer Camps yCamps for children with cancer and their siblings

I Can Cope y ®

A structured group education program for adult cancer patients, family members and friends

Cancer Survivors Network™ yAn online service for survivors, their families, and caregivers to share experiences and offer hope to others

Road to Recovery y ®

A transportation program to help patients get to and from their appointments

to Fight Cancer...


Relay For Life

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor – $10,000Name and logo recognition as the Presenting Sponsor on these event materials:

Survivor T-shirts y

Participant T-shirts y

Posters (11”x17”) displayed at companies, hospitals, yorganizations, and schools within the community

Promotional brochures y

Event programs distributed to participants/guests y

Fliers y

Newsletters distributed to American Cancer Society ydonors, volunteers, and supporters

Media/news releases including radio, TV, and print y(as possible within your community)

Luminaria order forms y

On/Off-Site Exposure

Your logo displayed in scrolling list on every page yof the event Web site, plus your sponsor level and name listed on the “View our Sponsors” Web page (as possible within your community)

Opportunity to have five (5) sponsor banners ydisplayed during the event

Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor on event y“Thank You” signs

Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor during the yevent via five (5) PA announcements

Team Commitment Fee waived for five (5) Relay For yLife teams

Opportunity to address event participants y

Opportunity to have your “promotional items” made yavailable to event participants and guests

Recognition as event Presenting Sponsor at local yAmerican Cancer Society volunteer recognition activity

Recognition by the American Cancer Society at a ysponsor meeting or activity

Platinum Sponsor – $5,000Name and logo recognition as a Platinum Sponsor on these event materials:


Posters (11”x17”) displayed at companies, hospitals, yorganizations, and schools within the community

Promotional brochures y


Fliers y


Media/news releases including radio, TV, and print y(as possible within your community)


Your logo on every page of the event Web site, ydisplayed in scrolling list, plus your sponsor level and name listed on the “View our Sponsors” Web page (as possible within your community)

Opportunity for three (3) sponsor banners at event y

Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor on event “Thank yYou” signs

Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor during the event yvia three (3) PA announcements

Presenting Sponsor $ 10,000

Platinum Sponsor $ 5,000

Gold Sponsor $ 2,500

Silver Sponsor $ 1,000

Bronze Sponsor $ 500

Fight Back Banner Sponsor $ 1,000 $ 2,500

In-kind Donations and Media PartnersSponsorship benefits for in-kind donations will be based upon a 2-to-1 ratio compared with the standard cash sponsorship fees. For example, an in-kind donation valued at $20,000 would receive the sponsorship benefits offered to a $10,000 cash sponsor. Media partnership benefits are defined on a case-by-case basis.


Team Commitment Fee waived for four (4) teams y

Presentation of a recognition award to sponsor yrepresentative at event

Recognition as event Platinum Sponsor at local yAmerican Cancer Society volunteer recognition activity

Gold Sponsor – $2,500Name and logo recognition as a Gold Sponsor on these event materials:





Your sponsor level and name listed on the “View your Sponsors” Web page (as possible within your community)

Opportunity for two (2) sponsor banners at event y

Recognition as a Gold Sponsor on event “Thank yYou” signs

Recognition as a Gold Sponsor during the event via ytwo (2) PA announcements

Team Commitment Fee waived for three (3) teams y

Presentation of a recognition award to sponsor yrepresentative at event

Silver Sponsor – $1,000Name recognition as a Silver Sponsor on these event materials:






Opportunity for one (1) sponsor banner at event y

Recognition as a Silver Sponsor on event “Thank yYou” signs

Recognition as a Silver Sponsor during the event via yone (1) PA announcement

Team Commitment Fee waived for two (2) teams y

Presentation of a recognition award to sponsor yrepresentative

Bronze Sponsor – $500Name recognition as a Bronze Sponsor on these event materials:





Recognition as a Bronze Sponsor on event “Thank yYou” signs

Team Commitment Fee waived for one (1) team y

Each Relay community will have a Fight Back banner

displayed throughout the event, which is an important

part of the new Fight Back ceremony. During the

ceremony, participants are invited to sign the banner

as a symbol of their decision to fight back against

cancer in their community.

Fight Back Banner Sponsor – $1,000 & $2,500Fight Back Banner Sponsorship Details

Each Fight Back banner has two (2) sponsorship slots at $1,000 each, OR one (1) sponsorship slot at $2,500.


Company name recognition on Fight Back banner y

Opportunity for one (1) sponsor banner at event y

Opportunity to display Fight Back banner at ysponsor business location

Opportunities to have Fight Back banner displayed yat community Relays throughout the year

Team Commitment Fee waived for: y > two (2) teams at $1,000 level > three (3) teams at $2,500 level

Requirements for Sponsor Logo Submissions: All corporate sponsor logos submitted for inclusion

in Relay For Life materials must be saved as grayscale EPS files, with text converted to outlines.


The American Cancer Society offers a range of

opportunities for businesses to join us in our mission

to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Known

collectively as Workplace Solutions, our programs are

easy to implement and offer a multitude of benefits

to participants. The Society has trained Corporate

Relations specialists who can assist you in making one or

all of these programs a reality at your company.

A Sample of Our Workplace SolutionsThese are just a few of the programs offered by the American Cancer

Society. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 today, or visit us online

at www.acsworkplacesolutions.com.

FightCancer.org y A one-stop source to help company employees learn how to improve their health and prevent cancer. This Web-based solution can help employees calculate body mass index, calorie needs, and target heart rate to determine whether or not they are leading a healthy lifestyle.

Active for Life y A flexible 10-week workplace physical activity program that helps employees become active on a regular and consistent basis. It’s fun, healthy, and a great team-building exercise.

Quitline y ® A telephone-based program that has helped thousands of people double their chances of quitting smoking for good. Quitline provides smokers with a confidential and supportive exchange to help them focus on reasons for quitting smoking, plus self-help materials such as nicotine replacement therapy patches.

Payroll Deduction y Employees are given the opportunity, through a company campaign, to donate a portion of their income to charities by deducting a set amount from their paycheck. The American Cancer Society will support your campaign with tools, materials, information, and recognition.

Matching Gifts y Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Matching employee contributions to the American Cancer Society will foster morale and respect within the company while helping fight the battle against cancer.

Our MissionThe American Cancer

Society is the nationwide

community-based

voluntary health

organization dedicated

to eliminating cancer as a

major health problem by

preventing cancer, saving

lives, and diminishing

suffering from cancer,

through research,

education, advocacy and

service.

Your Whole Company

Can Help Fight Cancer


Unite Your Staff in a Celebration of Life!

Three hundred California communities know the power of Relay For Life

– the power of unity of purpose, passion for success, and a shared mission.

California Teams can bring out these qualities in your company culture, if

you’re ready for the challenge.

To qualify for the California Teams Program, a company must meet the following criteria:

Field a minimum of 30 Relay For Life teams that can participate at yRelays anywhere in California.

Commit to involvement at a minimum of two different Relay For Life yevent sites.

Set goals for number of teams and total income in California to support ythe American Cancer Society’s mission of eliminating cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering.

In exchange for this commitment to Relay For Life, companies participating in the California Teams Program will receive:

A welcome package y

Recognition at the California Relay Summit y

Recognition at Relay events y

California Relay Team yard sign for display at team campsites y

Recognition in California’s Relay Newsletter, Relay Cool Stuff y

You are a hero!You’re making a difference in the fight against cancer.

From Coworkers to

California Teams

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-

changing event which brings people together to

celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer,

remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals

and communities to fight back against a disease that

takes too much.

Teams of 8-15 members gather with tents and sleeping

bags to camp out at a local high school, park, or

fairground and take turns walking or running around

a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays

are overnight events, and each team is asked to have a

representative on the track at all times.

What Makes Relay so Unique?Relay For Life gives us an opportunity to celebrate,

remember, and fight back. We celebrate cancer

survivors by inviting them to participate in the Survivors

Lap, the first lap around the track. The Luminaria

Ceremony is another highlight of the event. A

Luminaria is a small bag filled with sand, containing a

candle that makes it glow. Each Luminaria bears the

name of a person who has battled cancer. At dusk, we

light all the candles along the path. They burn into the

night, honoring and memorializing those who have

faced cancer, lighting a path of hope. The event closes

with the upbeat fight back ceremony, which reminds

us that we have the power to change the course of this

disease.

How Can I Get Involved?To get information on volunteering, becoming a

sponsor, or forming a team, call the American Cancer

Society’s office at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.

relayforlife.org.

What isRelay For Life?

Event HistoryIn May 1985, Dr. Gordon

Klatt took the first step of his

24-hour marathon around a

track in Tacoma, Washington –

ultimately raising $27,000 for

the American Cancer Society.

A year later, 340 supporters

joined the overnight event.

Since then, Relay For Life has

become the Society’s single

largest fundraising activity,

connecting more than 4,800

communities across the nation.

In 2007, more than 3.5 million

participants, including 500,000

cancer survivors, took part

in Relay events nationwide,

resulting in over $1.5 billion

dollars raised for cancer

research, education, services

and advocacy.

1.800.ACS.2345www.cancer.org

Hope.Progress.Answers.®

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE

The American Cancer Society is

the nationwide community-based

voluntary health organization

dedicated to eliminating cancer

as a major health problem by

preventing cancer, saving lives,

and diminishing suffering from

cancer, through research, education,

advocacy, and service.

No matter who you are, we can help.

Contact us anytime, day or night,

for information and support.

©2008 A

merican C

ancer Society, C

alifornia Division, Inc. 6297.28 (03/08)

SponsorshipOpportunities

Sponsorship Handbook - Relay For Life

Documents

Transcript of Sponsorship Handbook - Relay For Life