IT'S PARTY TIME!
In fact, it’ll be a whole year of partying for LLLI. With its 50th Anniversary just around the corner, La Leche League International is encouraging house party fundraisers as a fun way to raise awareness and money to sustain its work well into the future.It's easy to throw your own party!
Your party can be as big or small, simple or elaborate as you desire—from a backyard barbeque to high tea, from an intimate gathering of friends and associates to a grand reunion of retired Leaders in your Area. A few simple steps and you’re on your way!
1. Register your party. Send an e-mail to Stephanie Weishaar at <sweishaar@llli.org> or log on to <http://www.partyhostcenter.com/laleche league> and click on “Host a Party.” The Website has detailed, step-by-step instructions for setting up your own host page, where you can send email invitations, accept RSVPs and contributions, track your progress, and much more!
2. Establish your fundraising goal. A minimum of $200 is a starting point, though many hosts have set higher goals. And if $200 seems unreachable, rest assured that any goal is valued. Your party might also inspire others, extending the fundraising beyond your event.
3. Enlist a co-host or recruit a host committee. While optional, this will definitely make your work easier! Recruiting one or more people can extend your invitation list, secure additional funding, or provide help where you need it most.
4. Invite your guests. Let your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers know about your party. Tell people when to arrive if you’ll be joining in a conference call with the Founders. Inform guests that your party is a fundraiser and that you’ll be working toward reaching your goal.
5. Focus on turnout. Encourage everyone to RSVP and contribute online before the party—that way, you’ll have a better idea about reaching your goal. Even if guests cannot come, make it easy for them to donate. Consider e-mail or phone reminders to expected guests a few days before your party.
6. Prepare for party time. Carry out your theme if you have one. Set up for the conference call with Founders if you’ve selected a simultaneous party date. Print out sign-in sheets and contribution forms (available on the Web site). You may want to order some items from the LLLI catalogue to have on hand, such as brochures about LLL and the importance of breastfeeding.
7. Throw your party and ask for contributions. Talk about your own experience with LLL and why you are such a strong supporter. Ask someone else in your community to say a few words about his or her connection to LLL and why a donation is important.
8. Follow up. Send all checks, credit card information, contribution forms and sign in sheets to LLLI. Feel free to thank your guests, although LLLI will send written acknowledgements within one week of receiving the donations and contact information from you. Be sure to post photos on the Web site and share lessons learned on the Community Network Discussion for Leaders or email to sweishaar@llli.org.
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