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Fundraising Tips

Q/A:  Do I have to collect pledge money to participate in the Pitch tournament?
We challenge (only ask) each team to bring a Team Challenge Donation.  We encourage everyone to raise as much as you can to increase our contribution to the fight against breast cancer.  If every team collected just $200 (for example) in pledges, we would raise $20,000 for Komen Ozark for the Cure, in team donations alone!  On top of that, we donate 20% of event profits plus additional fundraising monies.

Here are some general fundraising tips to help you raise your team challenge funds:

• Set a high team goal and do your best to reach it.  Be sure to let everyone know the amount of your team goal.
• Start by sponsoring yourself!  People are more likely to support something that you, yourself support.  (Ask each team player to bring a minimum donation.)
• Ask family members to sponsor you.
• Ask your friends to contribute.
• Coaches and parents can ask co-workers to contribute.
• Ask your neighbors to contribute.
• Ask friends to collect donations from their work places.
• Ask people from a service/community organization you are involved with to donate.
• Set up a bake sale booth at a local church or community event.
• Coaches and parents can ask your boss for a company contribution.
• Inquire about company corporate matching -- request and submit any required forms.
• Ask local merchants to sponsor you.
• Hold a car wash.
• Convince businesses/companies that they shouldn't be "outdone" by others on your donor list!
• Have your team shovel snow, rake leaves or pull weeds! 
• Ask businesses you frequent to sponsor you.
• Parents or coaches that own a business with a cash register, could set up collection tubs for their customers to help out.
• Find a supportive restaurant that will sponsor your team during one business day...for a percentage of the day's profits or $1.00 per customer that day or choose an item that your team gets a set amount for each one sold that day (ex:  .25 cents for each order of french fries).
• Sell candles from our Tribute partner.  Click on the fundraising link at:  www.OzarkSoyCandles.com
• Ask auto dealerships to donate $10-25 to your Pitch fund every time someone takes a test drive over the course of a day or week.
• Be specific in your ask, and specify a tax-deductible amount (you can make it a small amount, remember that small donations add up!).
• Hold a team yard sale.
• Direct people to your Team Fundraising Page.  You can set that up here:    where they can make an online credit card donation and include breast cancer statistics or the reason why you are participating.
• It is important to let people know why you are participating in the Pitch for the Cure©.
• Don't forget that these funds are tax-deductible.
• Remember why you chose to participate and convey that reason to those around you. If breast cancer has effected you or your family in some way, share your story.  You'll see how willing people are to support the fight against breast cancer and positive youth sports!
• Always send a thank you note upon receipt of a donation!
• Be sure to tell donors they can track your team's results by visiting www.pitchforthecure.org

Turn in your Team Challenge Donation at the start of the tournament to be considered for the awards AND so that your donation can be included at the award ceremony for Komen.

If you still have questions or need ideas, feel free to e-mail 2008chair@pitchforthecure.org.  Also, please let us know what ideas have helped you in fundraising.  We'd love to share your ideas with your fellow participants!

• Promote your team’s charitable involvement.
• Visible commitment in the fight against breast cancer.
• Celebrate the survivors and show you care about those that are currently battling breast cancer.
• Opportunity to win team awards.
• Enjoy playing softball with people you know.
• Share the importance of thinking globally with your team members and other teams/volunteers.
• Earn double USSSA NIT points.
• Have fun!