Westside LA Team In Training - Summer 2009 Marathon & Half Marathon Team

Posts Tagged ‘lists’

For some of you, recommitment is around the corner. I’ve been approached by some participants about some unique and exciting ideas for fundraising. Most of my ideas come from researching other TNT fundraising pages outside of LA, checking out fundraising forums, and researching how other nonprofit organizations fundraise. The information is definitely out there, but the tough part is figuring out where to look.

A great resource for fundraising ideas are various Team In Training related and running forums. Skimming through some of the following forums, I already picked up some unique and exciting ideas such as bowling nights, magnets, buttons, having a table at an auto dealership, gift card fundraisers, restaurant revenue shares, local business reviews, and much much more.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community Forums
This is the official Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraising Forum for Team in Training. This is HIGHLY recommended, and contains a lot of valuable fundraising information.

Facebook Team in Training Group Forums
This is a great resource for fundraising knowledge sharing from experienced and new Team in Training members. It seems to be updated with new topics and replies frequently, and reading some of the old archives are very helpful too.

MySpace Team in Training Group Forums
Topic threads don’t go very deep, but there’s pages and pages of topics which you can read through for many ideas.

Active Running Community – Fundraising Topic
This forum isn’t a Team in Training focused page, but you can use the same ideas and techniques from other nonprofit organizations. Not much going on here, but archives can also give you some great ideas.

You really have to take the time to read through some. I encourage you to also participate and contribute. Network with other TNT participants and alumni, meet some new friends, share ideas!

The following stores will give you a 10% discount (there may be restrictions) if you mention you are with Team in Training:

• Phidippides: 16545 Ventura Blvd., Encino (818) 986-8686
• Runergy: 13541 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 905-0020
• Top to Top: 2621 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica (310) 829-7030 or 4224 Lincoln Blvd. Marina Del Rey (310) 821-6111
• Arch & Sole: 745 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles (310) 323-857-1775
• The Starting Line: 114-A Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey (310) 827-3035
• SportEve: 3849 Main Street, Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 838-6588
• Advanced Chiropractic – Dr. Guirguis – 1821 Wilshire Blvd Suite 501, Santa Monica, CA (310) 829-7339

I’ve also found that other running specialty stores that are outside of the Westside LA area give TNT discounts due to the many chapters out there, so even if they are not listed here, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

1. Sell TNT purple bracelets. Buy a bag of 80 for $32.00 and sell them for whatever price you deem reasonable. Whatever profit you make can go to your fundraising.
2. Place a bucket with a TNT sign on it at your local laundromat, pizza joint, lunchroom at work, etc. Stop by and pick up the $ weekly.
3. A list of people you may have forgotten to hit up for $25 each: your dentist, dry cleaner, hairdresser, pharmacist, doctor, real estate agent, accountant, veterinarian, attorney, sorority/fraternity/band alumni, mechanic, financial advisor, all the other soccer moms on your kid’s team, insurance agent, lawn service company, your shrink, professors, home owners association members, the employees of other companies in your office building (put up a sign in their lunchroom!), people in your aerobics class, etc.
4. Ask Diddy Riese Cookies (or your local cookie place) to donate a box of cookies to you. Bring the cookies around your office or school and sell them for a $1 each or any suggested donation.
5. Restaurant programs: (we know Applebee’s, Coldstone Creamery, Islands and BJ’s Pizzeria have programs too…but they don’t have it on their websites).
   • They will give you 10-25% of the night’s profits if you help publicize.
   • Ruby’s diner: www.rubysdiner.com/diners/fun_raiser.html
   • Baja Fresh: www.bajafresh.com go to “Live Fresh" and click on "fundraising."
   • Souplantation: http://www.souplantation.com/Community/
6. Paramount TV show tapings: Take 35 people to a TV show taping.. Paramount will write you a check for $500

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