BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Gang- I'd love to read some comments on the basic idea of reaching out to your local business community to help fund various activity programs. Supplies for arts & crafts projects, underwriting live entertainment, misc. purchases (wii?) , etc...come to mind... Several years ago in the Dayton area, I remember a local funeral home was picking up the tab for one live entertainment event a month. In exchange, there was a professional poster made up and every time one of these "sponsored events" was held, the sign was tastefully placed off to the side of the entertainer...I think there was also some mention in the monthly newsletter... I thought it a great idea then but I don't see it being utilized too often. An activity person would need to do the leg work, identify, approach and work with local businesses. Its likely to be a tax benefit to the donating business, not to mention the goodwill and positive publicity that would be generated... Comments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigchris 1 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Hey, The best way to get folks to help with activities is to find a common thread amongst your residents and thier families. I have Lions Club, VFW and some churches. Don't be afraid to ask and make sure that you thank them!!! Send letters out and ask. Most people will help when asked. Also, be observant with your visitors. For example, I found out that one of my family members made gift baskets for a charity, I asked her to make some and she became excited saying " wow, I do this so much for other people, I didn't know that I could help you too!" Ask, let me know if I can help. bigchris Gang- I'd love to read some comments on the basic idea of reaching out to your local business community to help fund various activity programs. Supplies for arts & crafts projects, underwriting live entertainment, misc. purchases (wii?) , etc...come to mind... Several years ago in the Dayton area, I remember a local funeral home was picking up the tab for one live entertainment event a month. In exchange, there was a professional poster made up and every time one of these "sponsored events" was held, the sign was tastefully placed off to the side of the entertainer...I think there was also some mention in the monthly newsletter... I thought it a great idea then but I don't see it being utilized too often. An activity person would need to do the leg work, identify, approach and work with local businesses. Its likely to be a tax benefit to the donating business, not to mention the goodwill and positive publicity that would be generated... Comments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Sounds like a great book idea or ceu idea - you should develop a action plan for the AD's - contact us we will help you get it pre-approved and sell as a ceu. AD's are always looking for some good ideas with good ideas and a way to execute the plan. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinm 2 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 No better resource I have found than being involved with your chamber of commerse. All local buisness owners who want to be involved with the community attend those meetings. I don't know how many things I have gotten through this resource. Now we are non-profit, which helps a lot! But the chamber is open to all! I also get involved with the local neighborhood associations. If there is one in your area, join! Again, these folks who are members and attend do so to better the community. Folks are out there just looking for a good cause. Make yourself known. Got a newsletter? Their name in print or free placement of an add does wonders too. An event to be in the media? You know you are going to mention them aren't you? Everybody wins! Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigchris 1 Report Share Posted February 20, 2008 Who are you talking to?? Sounds like a great book idea or ceu idea - you should develop a action plan for the AD's - contact us we will help you get it pre-approved and sell as a ceu. AD's are always looking for some good ideas with good ideas and a way to execute the plan. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VestaJade 0 Report Share Posted March 5, 2008 At my facility, we have different organizations that host our monthly birthday parties. They bring refreshements, and either provide entertainment or play Bingo with the residents. They usually bring very nice Bingo prizes that are out of my budget, which is a nice change for the residents. The previous director set up the hosts, so I just remind them each year. Most of the organizations are churches, but the American Legion Women's Auxilary hosts, as does the Semper Fidelis Club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADInfo 0 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 It seems like anytime I have needed something all you have to do is ask. It is amazing what local businesses and people will do to help out if you just ask. Another idea would be to search out local sororities or fraternities to see if they can help. There are more than just college sororities and fraternities, but there are a TON of philanthropic ones set up. Here is an example http://www.thetaepsilon.com/ Search for ones like this, and others that are more local to your area. They are always willing to help out, and can be a great resource if they can't. The best way to solicit I have found is to start with a letter explaining what you need, how much, and why you need it. Make sure at the end of the letter you give them a way to take action. For instance, a "please call me at ..." or something like that. Then about a 4-7 days after you send it out make sure to make a follow up call. It will be easy to start the conversation because you already have the letter to talk about. Most people are too busy, and just won't call back or make the effort. But if you call them, they are likely to help out. If you send it to a sorority or fraternity, I'd wait a little longer to call, because some of them only hold a meeting once a month. You will be amazed at 1- Who you can find to help with your facility, and 2- How many people are willing to help. If you contact smaller organizations and businesses you will likely get a better response. Trying Walmart is good too, but they get so many requests per year, that if they have already reached their budget they won't be able to donate. Hope that helps- Amy http://thealist.squarespace.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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