Vocalist.org archive


From:  Margaret Harrison <peggyh@i...>
Margaret Harrison <peggyh@i...>
Date:  Sat Mar 17, 2001  8:13 pm
Subject:  Re: [vocalist] Letter campaign?


Molly McLinden wrote:

> I want to go to Italy to study this summer, and I need money.
> Last summer, a student I know had a "letter campaign" and raised over
> $5,000! She sent a letter describing the program, what she does at
> school...then asked for a small donation, "if they so wished".She promised a
> "thank you" concert in her hometown in return.
> I showed this letter to my parents and both said "you should never do such a
> thing! It looks like BEGGING!"
> I say...you gotta do what ya gotta do!
> Has anyone else done such a thing? How do you word things? I was considering
> sending one to a few businesses......

I think this can be a good idea - but be aware that
strangers may be reluctant to just hand over money. They
might not know that the request is legitimate and not
somebody taking money under false pretenses.

Also, people who donate money often like getting a tax
deduction. Perhaps your school has some kind of educational
foundation which can provide support to your activity in the
form of scholarships for the students, and can arrange for
donations to be designated for your group's trip. This
addresses both the legitimacy problem and the tax deduction
issue. Perhaps your professor or department chairman can
advise in this regard.

This would also address your parents' concern, because it
would be like fund-raising for an organization rather than
asking for money personally.

What I've also seen is a singer or a few presenting a formal
recital, with the fund-raising purpose clearly stated and
passing a basket for a "free will offering" at the
intermission. People could then be "invited" to attend the
recital, again with the purpose clearly stated.

Peggy

--
Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
"Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile"
mailto:peggyh@i...

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