100-HOLE GOLF MARATHON FUNDRAISER!
In introducing the speaker, Sandra Sansoni reports that the Club has decided that instead of a few small fundraisers that we would try one big one. Jim Coles, a professional golfer is associated with Kingdom Partners, an organization who assists nonprofits to put on a fundraiser that is fun, simple and successful; a 100-hole golf marathon.
Simply, as described by Jim Coles, here is how it works. First, 20-28 golfers agree to participate, in twosomes, and are willing to find sponsors. With the help of pledge partners (non-golfing friends, family or associates), the golfers collect funds from the sponsors for completing the marathon, as a way to help finance the many programs we support, such as eradicating polio throughout the world. People support people more than they do causes, Coles said, attributing the success of the fundraiser to reaching as many in the golfers' spheres of influence as possible.. The golfer, with their pledge partner, has a goal of reaching pledges of $30 a hole, to collect $3000 for the cause. If our Club found all 28 golfers, and they were to collect pledges of that amount, the Club would be ahead $84,000 less golf course expenses, prizes, celebration dinner, consultant, etc.
On March 1, 2011, Cypress Ridge Golf Course would close for the day to allow the Rotary Club of Grover Beach's 28 golfers to play a 100 hole marathon, in a fashion that makes it enjoyable and doable in that day! Pledges could be in the form of monthly payments as an option. Linda Garcia will coordinate the effort and Coles will assist the golfers and pledge partners in developing methods to inspire people to pledge; maybe by a letter, phone call, personal contact, email blast, etc. With the marathon scheduled over four months away, we have a few months to organize, promote and gather pledges. Wouldn't it be nice to raise $84,000? Wouldn't it be nice if we raised $25,000? Think about it. We can do it!