Crash course in fundraising

An ambitious fundraising need... Where to start? I've been delivering pizzas since August, to supplement my full-time job income, but a little more was still needed. Jen (top-left) suggested a fundraising party, and gave me the kick in the pants to get moving on it by arranging a hostess--Melinda (mid-left) of Spooky Disco esteem to breathe life (and her generous social circle)into the event.

A raffle, an auction, drinking contests, and simple pleas were all considered, before we settled on a raffle based around the generous donations by Pizz'a Chicago, Montague Premier Carwash, Aspara Aromatics, Four Seasons Carpet Cleaning, and Temple of Poi along with services such as baby-sitting, a chauffeured event, and custom made costumes volunteered by friends.

On top of maintaining my full-time job and part-time gig (with Pizz'a Chicago), completing the final interview with FSD, buying plane tickets, and other logistical tasks, the party planning was daunting,
and if not for Melinda and Jen, would have been completely impossible. Melinda bought toppings and dough to barbecue pizzas, mixed up a vat of white sangria, and Jen wrote up a riotous 10 Questions about Jenn to contribute to the festivities.

Luckily, the attendees were incredibly generous, the raffle tickets sold like gold, and by the end of the evening, the party was an overwhelming success! $1,500 was raised, and Daisy and Louis (below) surprised me with their generosity by selling Aspara goodies throughout the afternoon and donating all sales to my cause. (This was a substantial donation, due in part, to Louis running around the party, informing the guests they stank, and offering to help them clean up with the purchase of Aspara products.) Part 3 was the letter-writing campaign, intended to catch all who were unable to make the party. Drafts were written, edited, revised, and eventually mailed out to friends and family, followed by emails to a select circle of the more electronically-inclined of the crowd.

While the results of the letters are still being tallied (as they arrive), my first payment ($3,500) is due next week, and it seems the bulk may be covered by fundraising efforts, while the second payment will probably be dependent on my savings. Remember to tip your drivers well!