With LGBA 2020 quickly approaching many are asking, “How can I help?”
Imagine 80 people doing a little bit to help build the financial strength of the organization in preparation for the national conference. Our goal is to raise $20,000 this year. In comparison to years past this is monumental, but if we all chip in, it is also quite doable.
20K? Where will that money go? Here’s a list of what we are hoping to do with it:
- Rebranding $1000 (Graphic Design, Banners, Nametags, Business Cards, Table cloth, Sandwich Boards, etc)
- A/V Equipment upgrade $300
- Concert Percussion $2000
- Pride Swag $300
- Flip Folders & Symphonic Band folders $1600
- PGSB Production Value $1500
- LGBA 2019 Travel Fund $3000 (scholarships for our members to go to LGBA)
- LGBA 2020 Seed $10,000
We can do this. We need your help. Here are three easy ways:
Host a fundraiser
One of the easiest fundraisers you can do is host a game/movie night at your house. Provide a few nibbles and sips and invite ten friends over to play board games or watch movies. Ask each of them to bring $25 to support your cause. At the end of the night you’ve made $250 for the bands. It is simple, fun and inviting. Here’s how you might start the conversation: “I’m hoping to raise $250 for my band. I’m going to be having a game night on October 15th, would you be willing to come and bring $25 to help support me?”
If 10 members did this, it would cover the cost of the LGBA Scholarships.
Happy Birthday!
Are you on Facebook? This past June, Denny decided to utilize Facebook’s non-profit fundraising tool. He set up a “for my birthday” campaign and for three weeks he posted on his facebook page about why he plays in the band, why we are raising money, some simple facts and history about the organization, and what the band means to the community. Within one month, he hit his goal of $1000. It was minimal effort with maximum impact.
If one member a month did a facebook birthday campaign to raise $500, it would pay for the 30th anniversary commission piece. That’s a major contribution to the organization.
Become a monthly contributor
We’ve all heard the expression that for one cup of coffee a week, we can make the difference of a lifetime. It’s completely true. Many employers also offer to collect pre-tax contributions for non-profits and some even match charitable contributions (ask your HR department if they do). The average special coffee costs around $4.00 – let’s round that down to $15/month or $180/year. What does that give to the band?
If 10 people in the band give $15/month for a year, it would pay for our rehearsal spaces for one year, or our insurance for a year. It is a significant contribution.
We can do this if we all pitch in. We thank you now for considering how you can help, and we will continue to thank you as the year goes on. Thanks for your help, thanks for your support, and thank you for making beautiful music with us in the community.
“Believe you can, and you’re half way there.” – Theodore Roosevelt