Consider lessons about polio fundraising first developed by March of Dimes…
Basil O’Connor, friend of FDR, who started the March of Dimes was the first to challenge the concept that fundraising should be targeted to a few very wealthy donors who would donate large sums of money. Instead, he and the March of Dimes sought out small donations from a huge amount of people (think 10 cents or less at a time!)
Sometimes in Rotary we put so much emphasis on raising large amounts of money and each year being bigger and bigger, but we might consider taking some lessons from the March of Dimes. For your club, it may be easier and more effective to get a few volunteers for several small events (including some of your members who are more timid or shy) than for one big event. Frequent small events also have the possibility of educating/reaching more of the general public about why polio eradication is still relevant and important and about Rotary’s commitment to “Get to Zero”.
This is NOT to say that you should quit doing major fundraisers for Polio, if you already have found a successful strategy. But, smaller events are worthwhile too, both financially and continuing the important educational piece to our clubs, our communities, and the world about why polio eradication is important!