Don't Delay Planning Your Cheesecake Fundraiser

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Advance Planning Is Key to Successful Fundraising Program
Written by Sister Cecelia, Prioress/New Skete Kitchens Business Manager and Ida Williams, Director of Marketing

Spring has arrived, and it is not too late to think of Mother’s Day for a fund raiser project. Here, we are already thinking about autumn and holiday cheesecake fundraisers.  Each year we strive to provide better ways to help you conduct a successful fundraiser for your school, church or civic group.

     This year we have added cheese spreads, a gluten free cheesecake and our new family size 6” round cakes to our fundraising line.  While a high quality product goes a long way in garnering interest from your supporters, we know that it takes more than reputation alone.  It takes planning and promotion.

     Here are some tips for success:

·        Plan early - avoid fundraiser panic

·        Set a specific beginning and ending date

·        Set a limit of 10 to 14 days to avoid program fizzle

·        Keep the energy level high with communication and contest

·        Recruit the aid of parents and volunteers

·        Double check your order

      Traditionally organizations have relied on word of mouth and door to door sales to promote their fundraisers.  With over 76% of US households having a computer in them and 90% of them having broadband internet, opportunities to promote your fundraiser event are accessible and free.

        Here are some free ways to promote your fundraiser:

·        Facebook - create an event, invite all your local friends and family and take orders on your event page.  Click here to see example of Facebook Cheesecake Fundraising Events Page

·        Gather your group and create a promotional video.  Post a link on your Facebook page, Tweet it, and email it to all your contacts  Click here to view the NY Times Video titled "Scripture and Cheesecake"

·        Let your local media know.  Send a press release to your local newspapers, submit your fundraiser event to newspaper and television community bulletins.  Most accept these postings through their websites.  Contact radio stations in your area about recording a public service announcement.  Ask us for our press release template.

·        Request copies of our new, professionally printed cheesecake brochure.  The brochure includes glossy photos of the cheesecakes, the story of the nuns and information about New Skete monastery.  Use these with your order forms to increase sales.

·        Let your supporters know that when they support your organizations fundraiser they are doing “Twice The Good” - their purchase supports your mission and the mission of the Nuns of New Skete

      With advance planning you can hold a successful cheesecake fundraiser.  Just look at the Arlington, VT Boy’s Soccer Club; Utilizing the New Skete Cheesecakes as part of their fundraising program, they have raised enough money to attend the spring tournament in England.

    If you are interested in learning more about New Skete Fundraiser email srcecelia@newskete.org

Here is a link on how to create a Facebook event. http://www.facebook.com/help/events
Here is a link on how to create a YouTube account.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvFWI2uNDWM


In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

 

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