Participant Advice: Don't Be Nervous to Ask

To continue with our stories about Fundraising, here's what Katie (a 2012 Tonga participant) had to say:

"At first, I was very nervous to send out letters, letting other people know what I was going to be doing this summer.  I was afraid of the responses I would receive.  But in actuality, I have gotten nothing but positive feedback!  The local businesses, doctor offices, friends, family etc. are all very proud of my decision to give time and help serve others less fortunate in a different country.  I had multiple notes given back telling me that they wished they had been given the opportunity to enjoy such an adventure and to serve.  They were more than glad to help my costs.  The only bad response you can get is no response so don't be afraid or nervous, just do it!"

Thanks for the advice Katie!

Fundraising Tip: Ask Businesses

Cassie, a 2012 Peru participant, sent us a ton of donations from local businesses in her hometown. We asked her how she did it, and here's what she told us:

"I am really excited to go to Peru this summer! To raise donations, I went through the phone book and found local businesses. I also asked my parents for the names of their friends who would be likely to contribute. I wrote a letter, which used parts of the HEFY sample letters, and mailed it out to everyone on my list. I included a stamped return envelope. It is so fun to get checks in the mail. I think most people are very generous, and when they get an opportunity to help, they are willing to contribute."

Great idea Cassie! Thanks for sharing your success.

More Fund Raising Success!

Last week we received a thick envelope from Kiera, who is coming to Fiji with us this summer. Inside was a large stack of checks she received from friends and family to go towards to her expedition. Here's what she had to say:

 
"Most of my fundraising came from putting together different parts of the sample letters on the HEFY website and sending them out. I sent out over 100 letters to friends and family, telling about what we will be doing to help the people of Fiji. I loved receiving donation mail everyday because it showed how much people actually care and want to help out. I'm so grateful for everyone that helped donate and although I was hesitant to ask others at first, it turned out to be a huge help."



Don't hesitate or fear fund raising. It makes it possible for anyone to go on an HEFY trip, and we promise it works.

Inspiration for Fund Raising

If you need ideas or inspiration for fund raising take a look at what Hannon Young, who is going with us to Peru this summer, said about her fund raising efforts (last week she sent in over $1,000 she received in donations in just over one month):

"Much of my fundraising was inspired by the sample letters on the HEFY website. My mom and sister helped me type up labels of all the families who receive our Christmas letter. They were a great help stamping and licking all the envelopes:) It was really a group effort in the end- and a lot of fun. The best part, though, was opening the mailbox to find a Peru letter almost every day for a solid two weeks. I was really touched by how quickly people responded. It made me realize that people really do want to be involved and make a difference, sometimes all you have to do is ask."

Great job Hannon! We know that everyone can follow your example. You can find more information on how to fund raise, including the sample letters that Hannon used, on our website.

Fund Raise with Text Messages

Each year, we are impressed with the number of participants who fund raise enough money to pay for most or all of their expeditions. These youth work hard all year long writing letters, seeking donations and engaging in their own fund raising efforts. Now, we have a new, faster, and easier for participants to fund raise: you can ask friends and family to text donations directly from their cell phones.

Text HEFY +your individual code to 20222 to donate $10.00 towards the HEFY projects and your fund raising goal. 

Note: All donations must be authorized by the account holder. User must be age 18 or older or have parental permission to participate. By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers.  Donations are collected for the benefit of the Humanitarian Experience by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 20222; text HELP to 20222 for help.

How to get text donations: 

1. Text your friends asking them to donate to HEFY by making a text donation.
2. Specifically ask them to text “HEFY XXX” to 20222  (replace  XXX with your personal code - see below*)
3. Make sure they reply YES to the confirmation message they receive so that the donation will be complete

How it works:

• You will receive a $10.00 credit toward your fund raising attainment which counts toward a discount on your trip cost.
• Their $10.00 contribution will be added to their cell phone bill.
•  Each phone number is limited to a maximum of 5 text donations.
• Make sure they include your personal code so it will count toward your fund raising. See how to find your personal code below*.

*To find your personal XXX code, log in to www.HEFY.org and click on the "Finances" link in the "My Stuff" menu and find the "text code" in the "Donations" section. If your friends and family don't include your individual code, the donation will not count towards your individual fund raising attainment.

Donations will appear in your finances account on www.hefy.org within 48 hours.