Tis’ the season for sharing…

It’s that time of year when we tend to reflect on the previous 12 months and plan for the next 12. I thought I’d take a few minutes and share a couple success stories from Blackbaud Friends Asking Friends users.  I’ve been on the road the past few weeks talking with many different organization and the consensus was 2009 was a tough year, 2010 was better, and everyone’s optimistic about 2011.

Nora Issacs from ALS Philadelphia reached out to me and shared that there Philadelphia Walk raised 78% of there total revenue online!  I was blown away.  On average online fundraising represents about 30% of event revenue.  After reading Nora’s email, I called her to learn more and congratulate ALS Philadelphia on their success.  Nora shared several of their new initiatives for 2010.  One that stood out to me was their targeted email campaign.  The Philly team received an email calendar with different messages for team captains and team members from the ALS national office.    I’m a big fan of email calendars and  sending targeted emails.  The key with creating a targeted email campaign is to include a clear call to action that pertains to the individual receiving your email.

After the Events Boot Camp webinar series, I received an email from Bob Gibbs at Miles For Hope.  Bob shared that took our suggestion from the webinar and created an email that his participants could forward to their friends, family and co-workers.  The early results are positive.  One of their participants, forwarded the email and raised $750 in one day.  If you’re interested in learning more about creating an email your participants can forward check out Events Boot Camp Part 1.

Do you have a 2010 success you’d like to share?  We’re all antlers…

Yes, that is my cat “Mookie the Reindeer”.  I just had to share it with you.  She’s not a fan of the antler, but I think they’re hilarious.  Happy Holidays!