Where to find your Champions
If you cast around your supporters and volunteers - just maybe - there are one or two with suitable yachts but, they would not normally dream of entering them for competition. With encouragement and the emphasis on "it's not a race just some real fun on the water" it could be the tipping point to start them crew searching and filling up the sponsorship forms.
"......we normally just have our own fundraising events, but this is the exception to the rule, it's a must have on our calendar........"
How about:
- Offering a talk about your charity to the local yacht clubs, it will raise the awareness of your cause and provides the ideal opportunity to ask for skippers to push the boat out and sail for you in this unique event.
- Contact yacht marinas and ask if they would display a poster on your behalf.
- Speak to your favourite media, ask if there's any way they can help with your search for yachts, skippers and crew.
"....we would like to add another bed to our hospice. Could you sail and help us get the money by August...."
Word of mouth, not memo's or notes, is the most effective way of getting your message over. Make your overtures SMART. Targets and goals are what we all work towards and with your fund raising, give your skippers a Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timetable.
