2. Guest Speaker Dan Kaal, Fundraising Dan helps organize the Retro 80’s Bash for Cancer. It is a fundraiser for the ride from TO to Niagara to conquer Cancer. You have to raise $2500 to participate. His event raised $4000 and he sold out in 5 days (with a wait list). Once you figure out what you want to do for a fundraiser, you will start to figure out what you want to get out of it. First dance was on NYE. Brought in $3200 and had $900 worth of expenses. Included DJ, had raffle draw (now has a silent auction). Where are you going to hold the event? – some locations have key pros---is it a non profit org?, do they supply the bartenders?, do they do set up and take down?, do they provide their own security? Dan provided examples of charts and spreadsheets for costs, who has paid, the silent auction etc. Don’t be afraid to ask people about donating prizes. The worst thing anyone can say is “no”. Dan contacted the Blue Jays, Via Rail, West Jet, etc. (he provided a list). Dan provided an example of the letter that he sends to the silent auction potential donors. He includes event registration so that he knows it is legitimate. He suggests that we contact about 40 or 50 places and expect about half to donate. Some places require contact about 45 days ahead of the event---so once you know what you are going to do, it is easier to make that contact. When you go in and talk to them, it puts a face to the organization. Dan suggests doing this when possible. He also suggests that you return with an update after the event to say thank you. He provided a signed picture and thank you letter to everyone who helped. Another key is to start thinking about and booking next year/season’s event while planning this one. Advertising on Facebook has proven most effective. He made flyers the first year and put them up around town. Trouble with having event on NYE is that it can be tough finding people to help on that night. He got a better response when he switched it to March 5. It is easier to sell tickets as your event becomes well known. First year, it took about 25 man-hours to prepare. Now he has it down to about 10. It is helpful to break tasks down into little sections—especially if you can start way ahead of time. He gets tickets and stickers (for tickets) made at Staples. When you go in, ask if there is a deal—i.e. 500 business cards for $5.99 He now has an arrangement with Staples to get his tickets for $10 each year. Repeat customers who buy several tickets are now given a heads up of when the event is going to be posted. They then have to pay by a certain time. He delivers tickets to people (and collects the money upon delivery). This also allows people to see who he is. This helps with promotion of the event, networking etc. We discussed planning for our Improv Show event. –Dan suggested highlighting that this is related to last year’s unValentine’s show. -List who we have coming -Put poster up in Mitchell Facebook techniquesà get it posted ASAP, like and share Dan talked more about the specific 80’s Dance event -He arranged for shuttles to drive people home (he had a connection through work) | 
