FUNDRAISING

Texas District Fundraising Coordinator

Judy Wheat, Pilot Club of Baytown, Texas

joewheatjr@aol.com... 281-424-7838

CLUB’S HAVE INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES

Therefore fundraisers are diversified and what works for one club may not work for others..

Club Fundraisers should grow with years of service to our community. As our club service objectives and accomplishments are better known in our community, we are more likely to gain increased community support.

EXAMPLE IS MY CLUB

Baytown Club (formed 1957) – population 75,000…

- Early years – fundraisers were smorgasbord & spaghetti dinners in Community Building - Pilot Member Cooks.

- Later, catered BBQ dinner in church dining room... Pilots plated food - profit for service projects - $10,000 to $12,000 ….

- Most recent 3 years we’ve had a successful Gala in beautiful Country Club ballroom with elegant dinner, auctions, entertainment and brain health speaker … with double profit.

CONSIDER POSITIVE LOCATIONS FOR FUNDRAISERWHAT DECORATIONS MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT?

INVOLVE ALL MEMBERS IN FUNDRAISERS

... Each member is a true asset to our Club, bringing value of unique talents, skills, professional expertise, & friendship.  Members’ work increases club's volunteer impact & influence in the community - ensuring a long successful life of service.

Take time to plan and organize fundraising campaigns including all members…

Consider establishing a speaker's bureau of members to visit organizations and speak about our service project accomplishments and fundraising activity details.

Include members in brainstorming sessions and ask them to write down a list of potential avenues.

Pilot members’ positive experiences benefit our goals in important areas: enriched friendship, support of other members and

the club as a whole will enjoy added strength, enabling us to continue volunteer work in our community.

How do we assure fundraising success? Let's explore the possibilities!

INVOLVE ALL MEMBERS (CONTINUED)

POTENTIAL FUNDRAISER SUPPORTERS Businesses, Corporation Sponsors High-profile Leaders in the Community Friends & Relatives, Church Friends Former & current Co-workers and Colleagues Email & Social Media Contact List New Residents & New Neighbors Children & Grandchildren's Teachers &

Professors School Administrators & Officials Club’s Guest Speakers City Officials, Government Leaders Others acquainted with club’s good works!!

FUNDRAISER, PUBLICITY, SECURITY

Advertise in local newspaper.. Submit News Releases of Activities, Future & Past.. Include in Other Membership Newsletters.

Post to Facebook, other Social Media. 

Distribute flyers at Churches, Schools, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Clubs – Other Pilot Clubs, Others…

Consider need for Security Officers at function.

Remember to involve all members in brainstorming. Are there other potential avenues for sponsorship, contributions & participation.

IS SECURITY NEEDED AT FUNDRAISER?

EDUCATE COMMUNITY WITH CLUB INFORMATION

Have information available at Fundraisers and any Club Activity in the community that includes –

Club’s contact information with email addresses, an application form, a fee sheet, basic new member information, copies of print-outs or press clippings about your club’s good works, and other items that will educate and encourage a positive response.

Share the Secret Of Pilot……..

Acclimate Community to Pilot…Include Information of: History/traditions of the Club, District & International organization structure - how they relate –

Officers - local, district and PI Organization

Club goals and past success storiesCurrent membership, leadership, meeting locations & meeting structures.Member responsibilityClub’s community involvement (projects and programs)Invitation to join Pilot or a Pilot Meeting

SHARE, SHARE, SHARE….

INTEREST YOUNGER MEMBERS IN PILOT

Interest young members .. with modern technology.

Are we stuck in the past in our operating and fundraising techniques?  We are in competition in a modern world - we must think “outside the box”..

In order to interest younger members we must move along as the 21st century evolves with new technology. 

Younger prospective members carry phones, iPad, laptops etc. - and we must do the same.

Texting, Messaging, Email – Are we in tune?

ARE YOU SQUARE? Square.com... “Are you “square” – it’s a good thing!

People want to use credit cards at our fundraisers... To receive travel benefits on credit card purchases. Money back.. others?

the “Square” Reader attaches to your cell phone or iPad and ensures that you can accept payments from every customer who comes through your door.

Square monitors transactions all the way to your bank. Consider getting a square before your next fundraiser. All major credit cards accepted at one low fee –

2.75%/swipe Small transaction fee is worth the ease of accepting

payment and eliminating our invoices when patrons have no cash or check.

THE SQUARE – CREDIT CARD READER

THE CULTURE OF PILOT Friendship & Fellowship Service Leadership Personal Growth Education/ Scholarships Community International Diversity Ethical Behavior

CODE OF ETHICS