When you ask someone to donate to charity, you are giving them an opportunity to do something good for others, and, in turn, feel good about themselves.

"When I realized that people truly want to make a difference and that my riding was just a way for them to do that, I lost all reluctance about asking for them for money to fight cancer.  This was a war that they wanted to help win as much as I did.  The next year, my donations doubled and the following year they doubled again.  People are generous and they really do want to help"...Bill Riddle

Here are some tips for your Cure on Wheels fundraising campaign:

Start early and have fun!

Write a personal letter; create a newsletter or press release; hang up pledge sheets in your office; make in-person solicitations; design a poster – Be creative!  Go to the forms area on this site to view a sample letter.  Feel free to use it with your own adaptations.

Do not limit your mailing list. Write down every person you know. Create a database. Include friends, old neighbors, former associates, former classmates, friends of the family, members of clubs, fraternities, sororities, leagues, committees, organizations, alumni groups, etc. You may find yourself thinking, “I don’t know them very well; they aren’t going to give.” You don’t know how cancer may have affected their lives. This may be just the opportunity for them to make a difference. If you don’t give someone the opportunity, they definitely will not give.

Make Giving Easy. When writing your letters, be sure to include a credit card pledge form and a self-addressed, stamped, return envelope.

Send sponsors a link to your GiftTool or MyCOW Profile page.

Establish a personal fundraising goal, such as "heavy hitter," and let your potential sponsors know your goal. Suggest a minimum dollar amount or put down options: $25, $50, $100 . . .

Write a personal note of thanks to each sponsor. This will be particularly helpful when you ask for their support in the following year.

Ask local community groups such as churches and rotary clubs to support you. Make a presentation at their next meeting and hand out pledge forms.

In lieu of gifts on your birthday or other occasion, ask friends and family to make a pledge to your ride.