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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