Thank you so much for being a part of the 9th annual Ski4Life! Last year, Ski4Life raised over $86,000 and this year we hope to raise over $96,000 with your help! Fundraising is fun and easy! In order to reach our goal, we would like to provide you with some tools for a successful and fun fundraising campaign.

Lori Reese, dressed as "Wendy" was the 2012 Ski4Life Executive Committee Chair!

In this portion of the site, you will find sections on:

• Online Fundraising
• Conducting a simple and effective letter-writing campaign
• Sponsorships and underwriting costs, as well as advertising incentives offered by LLS that you can share with potential sponsors
• Other fun and easy fundraising ideas

You are certainly not limited to this list. Fundraising is about being creative and having fun! If you have a great idea for a fundraising event or venture, but aren't quite sure not how to get started, call 717-652-6520, toll free 800-822-2873, for some more pointers.

Click here then click on "Register Now" at the top of the page to set up your website!

Be sure to use Internet Explorer for the set up process as other browsers are not compatible with our online fundraising software. As soon as you complete the quick registration for online fundraising, you can send out your home page URL to your friends, family and co-workers immediately, and start watching those donation totals climb higher and higher toward the Cure!

The Letter-Writing/E-mail Campaign

Click here for a sample letter!

The personal ask is the most tried and true vehicle for raising funds, and is more reliable than any fundraising technique, particularly for first time fundraisers. The key to a great letter is to make it personal. Include details about Ski4Life and why it's such a unique event and why you want to find a cure with LLS. Sign each letter and handwrite names and addresses on the envelope. If emailing the letter, include a picture and give the link to your fundraising page for donors to click and donate right away. Send it to 100 people and get it out early! Good luck skiers and snowboarders and thank you so much for your generous support of this worthy cause!

The key to a successful letter-writing campaign is to start early and send many letters. Instead of playing "catch up" close to your fundraising deadline, plan ahead, and plan a lot. The more letters you initially send out, the more donations you will receive. Send the letters early. Allow time to receive the first round of donations and also enough time to send out a reminder card to those individuals who "forgot" to donate.

                           Find a company to sponsor your Ski4Life event

LLS offers the following incentives to sponsors that participants bring into the program:
$500: 1/4-page ad in the Ski4Life program
$1,000: half page ad in Ski4Life program, logo on head wraps or zip cords, premier banner placement or signage during event weekend.
$2,500: full page ad in Ski4Life program, premier banner placement or signage during event weekend and presentation of the "Hot Chocolate Mission Moment" with opportunity to speak.
$5,000: full page ad in Ski4Life program, premier banner placement or signage during event weekend and Kickoff and Celebration ceremonies to thank presenting sposor with opportunity to speak.

Deadline for sponsors is January 11, 2013

Fundraising Costs

There will be costs involved in your fundraising projects, such as postage, copying charges, telephone calls, supplies, etc. It is wise to estimate these costs ahead of time and come up with a plan to get these costs underwritten. Some of the materials and services can be donated.

How do I find a sponsor?

Make a list of the companies you know. Particularly printers and office suppliers. Call or visit them in person. Share Ski4Life with them and invite them to support you by either donating a service, product, or by contributing cash or check to cover your expenses or to put toward your donations. You can thank them in your letter, which is a great way for sponsors to advertise their name and be recognized as a philanthropic company!

Creative Fundraising Ideas

Some of the following fundraisers are simple and inexpensive, others involve more planning and cost. Do not hesitate to contact LLS for advice on implementing any of the following fundraisers, and by all means, HAVE FUN!

• Ask neighbors, friends, family members for a personal donation
• Totally Baldacious!- Set a fundraising goal and when you reach it - shave your head! You will be amazed at the generosity of your friends and family when you tell them you're going bald to show your support for cancer patients
• Cocktail Party - "Donate to a Cause" cocktail party
• Game Night - Get out the Monopoly, Cranium and Taboo. Charge at the door, break into teams and you're off! The team with the most victories wins a portion of the pot, and the remaining may be added to your fundraising
• Holiday Stocking Stuffer: Encourage donations in place of a gift during the holiday season! Many people are looking for ways to give back during the holidays, so this is a great way to encourage donations.

Looking for other creative ideas? Please call Katie Gentile at 717-652-6520 or email Katie.Gentile@lls.org