Question of the Month
Be one of the first ten people to respond by clicking here with the correct answer to this month’s question to be entered into a drawing for a prize package from Omaha Steaks!
How many athletes are expected to compete in the Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa in July?
Be one of the first ten people to respond by clicking here with the correct answer to this month’s question to be entered into a drawing for a prize package from Omaha Steaks!
How many athletes are expected to compete in the Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa in July?
Heritage Promotes Special Olympics USA National Games with Personal Touchpoint
A Voice Recorded Personal Touchpoint has been developed by Rich Fellingham to thank each and every donor on their telefundraising donor database along with a special invitation to the Games. This very personal call to action will be sent out to invite all donors to come to Opening Ceremonies. The importance then will be to track giving on this particular touchpoint over giving trends of donors that have a propensity to listen to the message and ask questions about the Games. The concept of sending out a follow up personal card to see how many truly went to the Games will be tested as well. If you have special promotions that you are using for special events or fundraising efforts, we would love to hear them and share them with other Special Olympics organizations as well so we can all benefit from them!
A Voice Recorded Personal Touchpoint has been developed by Rich Fellingham to thank each and every donor on their telefundraising donor database along with a special invitation to the Games. This very personal call to action will be sent out to invite all donors to come to Opening Ceremonies. The importance then will be to track giving on this particular touchpoint over giving trends of donors that have a propensity to listen to the message and ask questions about the Games. The concept of sending out a follow up personal card to see how many truly went to the Games will be tested as well. If you have special promotions that you are using for special events or fundraising efforts, we would love to hear them and share them with other Special Olympics organizations as well so we can all benefit from them!
Special Olympics Maryland Polar Bear Plunge Raises $1.5 Million
The 2006 Special Olympics Maryland Polar Bear Plunge raised an amazing $1.5 million this spring. The key to this impressive event was having 4750 brave souls
A special feature of this event was the Super Plunge, featuring Harley Davidson enthusiasts. That event was designed to help Special Olympics organizations in Louisiana, and Mississippi who were hurt by Hurricane Katrina, and raised $30,000 for those state organizations. What a great event!
The 2006 Special Olympics Maryland Polar Bear Plunge raised an amazing $1.5 million this spring. The key to this impressive event was having 4750 brave souls
plunge into the bay, with over 7000 spectators on hand.
A special feature of this event was the Super Plunge, featuring Harley Davidson enthusiasts. That event was designed to help Special Olympics organizations in Louisiana, and Mississippi who were hurt by Hurricane Katrina, and raised $30,000 for those state organizations. What a great event!
Heritage President Appointed to Salvation Army Board of Visitors
Our own John Braune, President and CEO has been appointed to the Board Of Visitors for The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta, Georgia. The Board of Visitors is an appointed Board within the organizational structure of the College. It is comprised of community leaders from across the nation who believe in the mission of the Salvation Army, and commit themselves to the development and preparation of personnel for that mission by serving as:
Our own John Braune, President and CEO has been appointed to the Board Of Visitors for The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta, Georgia. The Board of Visitors is an appointed Board within the organizational structure of the College. It is comprised of community leaders from across the nation who believe in the mission of the Salvation Army, and commit themselves to the development and preparation of personnel for that mission by serving as:
- Advisors to the Principal, faculty, cadets and staff by offering counsel, ideas, opportunities and assistance with program development; resource development; strengthening board membership; long range planning; and other projects that will advance the growth and stability of the College.
- Christian Fellows inspired by their work to be advocates for the College and the Christian principles upon which the Army is based.
SOTN and Erin Birch Win Big on Deal or No Deal
Special Olympics Tennessee fundraiser Erin Birch had the chance of a lifetime this spring when she got to be a contestant on NBC’s hottest new game show, Deal or No Deal. Before leaving to tape the show, Erin promised that she would donate half of her after-tax winnings to SOTN. After making some gutsy choices, she walked away with winnings of $167,000! True to her word, she presented Special Olympics Tennessee with a check for $55,000—the largest single gift the organization has received in years. The event was especially enjoyable for one of Erin’s friends, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Matthew Drumright, who got to go to the taping with her. Congratulations, Erin!
Special Olympics Tennessee fundraiser Erin Birch had the chance of a lifetime this spring when she got to be a contestant on NBC’s hottest new game show, Deal or No Deal. Before leaving to tape the show, Erin promised that she would donate half of her after-tax winnings to SOTN. After making some gutsy choices, she walked away with winnings of $167,000! True to her word, she presented Special Olympics Tennessee with a check for $55,000—the largest single gift the organization has received in years. The event was especially enjoyable for one of Erin’s friends, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Matthew Drumright, who got to go to the taping with her. Congratulations, Erin! 
Postal Rates to Rise Again in 2007
On May 3, the US Postal Service filed for a rate increase averaging 8.5 percent, which would take effect in mid-2007. The Standard Rate, at which nonprofit mail is sent, is expected to rise about 9 percent. This change has been a concern for nonprofits who depend heavily on direct mail campaigns for their fundraising efforts. Mail is a major part of Heritage telefundraising as well, but we want our partners to know that we will do all we can to absorb that rate increase on your behalf, as simply the right thing to do if we are able.
Cessna Airlift to Bring Thousands to Ames National Games
Wondering how all of those athletes were going to get to Ames, Iowa for the USA National Games next month? Over 2000 of them will be flown in specially arranged flights by Cessna. In all, there will be 300 planes coming in or taking off every 60-90 seconds for fourteen hours on July 1, making it one of the largest short-term airlifts in history! What a great opportunity to tie the incredible Airlift into donor cultivation for all the owners of the Cessna Air Jets. Each jet is owned by someone who has significant net worth. What efforts are being made to reach out to these individuals to get them involved, invite them to the Games, follow-up with thank you notes and future involvement? We would love to hear of your success so we can share with all the other states organizations. Think of the publicity opportunity of not promoting the “Cessna” airlift but the corporate individual in your state who is helping to make this possible. This is an incredible opportunity to introduce your program to a new influential leader in the community!
Wondering how all of those athletes were going to get to Ames, Iowa for the USA National Games next month? Over 2000 of them will be flown in specially arranged flights by Cessna. In all, there will be 300 planes coming in or taking off every 60-90 seconds for fourteen hours on July 1, making it one of the largest short-term airlifts in history! What a great opportunity to tie the incredible Airlift into donor cultivation for all the owners of the Cessna Air Jets. Each jet is owned by someone who has significant net worth. What efforts are being made to reach out to these individuals to get them involved, invite them to the Games, follow-up with thank you notes and future involvement? We would love to hear of your success so we can share with all the other states organizations. Think of the publicity opportunity of not promoting the “Cessna” airlift but the corporate individual in your state who is helping to make this possible. This is an incredible opportunity to introduce your program to a new influential leader in the community!
Experimental Online Auction Supports Special Olympics Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin
The first ever tri-state Special Olympics on-line auction was conducted by organizations in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin May 25-June 4. The Ebay-based auction included dozens of special items such as trips, concert tickets, and many other great bidding attractions. Bid winners had the chance to throw out the opening pitch at a Chicago Cubs game, be an honorary member of the Rusty Wallace NASCAR pit crew, go to a Green Bay Packers game and be a guest on the set of “Inside the Huddle”, and even fly in World War II era planes in a real dogfight, and much more. What a creative fundraising idea!
The first ever tri-state Special Olympics on-line auction was conducted by organizations in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin May 25-June 4. The Ebay-based auction included dozens of special items such as trips, concert tickets, and many other great bidding attractions. Bid winners had the chance to throw out the opening pitch at a Chicago Cubs game, be an honorary member of the Rusty Wallace NASCAR pit crew, go to a Green Bay Packers game and be a guest on the set of “Inside the Huddle”, and even fly in World War II era planes in a real dogfight, and much more. What a creative fundraising idea!
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Two Nonprofit Cases
Nonprofits were dealt a double blow in May as the Supreme Court declined to hear appeals in two important cases. One case involved the North Dakota do-not-call law, which fails to exempt nonprofits who use third party fundraisers. The nonprofits won this case in federal court, lost on appeal, and then were refused a hearing by the Roberts Court, allowing the decision in favor of the state to stand. The other case was that of Special Olympics Maryland and the National Federation of the Blind against the Federal Trade Commission over its telefundraising regulations. These losses make political efforts to address these issues, such as H.R. 4425 (see the February issue of THA for details), more important than ever. Watch this space for more details.
Nonprofits were dealt a double blow in May as the Supreme Court declined to hear appeals in two important cases. One case involved the North Dakota do-not-call law, which fails to exempt nonprofits who use third party fundraisers. The nonprofits won this case in federal court, lost on appeal, and then were refused a hearing by the Roberts Court, allowing the decision in favor of the state to stand. The other case was that of Special Olympics Maryland and the National Federation of the Blind against the Federal Trade Commission over its telefundraising regulations. These losses make political efforts to address these issues, such as H.R. 4425 (see the February issue of THA for details), more important than ever. Watch this space for more details.
Torch Runs Bring in Millions for Special Olympics
What does a Law Enforcement Torch Run mean to a Special Olympics organization? In some cases, it means over $1 million a year! The biggest Torch Runs in the nation include:
We hope all states are databasing all participants and the gifts to the participants so that they could be used for future special events or for future direct marketing. Even if these individuals were placed in a soft call or direct mail piece once a year, it would be better than not contacting them at all throughout the entire year. Think of the possibilities, and remember that the most successful direct marketing campaigns, or even the best special events, always start with a great database.
What does a Law Enforcement Torch Run mean to a Special Olympics organization? In some cases, it means over $1 million a year! The biggest Torch Runs in the nation include:
- NJ $1,700,230
- IL $1,600,005
- FL $1,354,464
- WI $1,309,626
- MD $1,171,503
- MO $1,057,372
We hope all states are databasing all participants and the gifts to the participants so that they could be used for future special events or for future direct marketing. Even if these individuals were placed in a soft call or direct mail piece once a year, it would be better than not contacting them at all throughout the entire year. Think of the possibilities, and remember that the most successful direct marketing campaigns, or even the best special events, always start with a great database.
Olympics Louisiana’s Bourgeois to be Honored by Hall of Fame
At their June 22-24 Induction Celebration, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will award Special Olympics Louisiana President Emmanuel “Boozy” Bourgeois the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award. This honor is especially fitting this year, in light of what the organization has endured in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Inductees in this year’s class include Ron Estay, Chuck Finley, Sheila Thompson-Johnson, Frank Lewis, Eric Martin, Craig Perret, Rick Robey, and George Strickland. Congratulations, Boozy!
At their June 22-24 Induction Celebration, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will award Special Olympics Louisiana President Emmanuel “Boozy” Bourgeois the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award. This honor is especially fitting this year, in light of what the organization has endured in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Inductees in this year’s class include Ron Estay, Chuck Finley, Sheila Thompson-Johnson, Frank Lewis, Eric Martin, Craig Perret, Rick Robey, and George Strickland. Congratulations, Boozy!
Featured Service: Got Mail?
Guess what division of our company experienced an increase of over 1000% over the prior year due to cut rate “Wal-Mart Pricing” and Outrageous Service…Well with postage rates going up and many nonprofits looking to cut out third party commissions, going to the direct source helps greatly. Our Mail Services Department can laser, fold, cut, insert and presort your mailings. Using the latest mailing technology, we offer our clients complete Direct Mailing Services, including merge/purge, genderization, parsing and personalization.
The postal software includes address hygiene, CASS/PAVE Certification, mail sortation for maximum postal discounts and the newly USPS-approved Delivery Point Validation system. We design versatile mail pieces including graphics and text. Our digital imaging systems are programmed to laser variable data. Our inserting machines are equipped with multiple cameras and accommodate up to 6 inserts, selective piece diversion, match mailing, and sequence verify via Jet Vision. Our Secap Jet 1 addressing system allows for personal color message on newsletters, envelopes, and postcards in the same pass as the address.
We have daily on-site USPS acceptance and pickup service guaranteeing expedited delivery. We would appreciate the opportunity to bid on your next print or mail project, please contact Mike Green at 800-643-8822, ext. 1403.
Guess what division of our company experienced an increase of over 1000% over the prior year due to cut rate “Wal-Mart Pricing” and Outrageous Service…Well with postage rates going up and many nonprofits looking to cut out third party commissions, going to the direct source helps greatly. Our Mail Services Department can laser, fold, cut, insert and presort your mailings. Using the latest mailing technology, we offer our clients complete Direct Mailing Services, including merge/purge, genderization, parsing and personalization.
The postal software includes address hygiene, CASS/PAVE Certification, mail sortation for maximum postal discounts and the newly USPS-approved Delivery Point Validation system. We design versatile mail pieces including graphics and text. Our digital imaging systems are programmed to laser variable data. Our inserting machines are equipped with multiple cameras and accommodate up to 6 inserts, selective piece diversion, match mailing, and sequence verify via Jet Vision. Our Secap Jet 1 addressing system allows for personal color message on newsletters, envelopes, and postcards in the same pass as the address.
We have daily on-site USPS acceptance and pickup service guaranteeing expedited delivery. We would appreciate the opportunity to bid on your next print or mail project, please contact Mike Green at 800-643-8822, ext. 1403.
The Cost of Fundraising: The Watchdog’s Strawman in Nonprofit Evaluations
(The following is the first in a series of pieces on the cost of fundraising that will appear in this space, in professional publications, and on our website.)
The numerous incidents of self-dealing and outright fraud associated with nonprofits over the last two decades have wrought greater government oversight and third-party assessment than ever before. While the number of these incidents is actually quite small, given the huge number of 501(c)(3) and other nonprofits, it is the bad actors who draw negative headlines and criticism to the nonprofit sector. Given that backdrop, the most often-used tool in determining whether a nonprofit is behaving responsibly with the donations with which it has been entrusted has become the cost of fundraising.
(The following is the first in a series of pieces on the cost of fundraising that will appear in this space, in professional publications, and on our website.)The numerous incidents of self-dealing and outright fraud associated with nonprofits over the last two decades have wrought greater government oversight and third-party assessment than ever before. While the number of these incidents is actually quite small, given the huge number of 501(c)(3) and other nonprofits, it is the bad actors who draw negative headlines and criticism to the nonprofit sector. Given that backdrop, the most often-used tool in determining whether a nonprofit is behaving responsibly with the donations with which it has been entrusted has become the cost of fundraising.
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By Phone: Marilyn Michie • 1-800-643-8822 ext. 1142
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The Heritage Advantage Feedback • The Heritage Advantage Requests
By Phone: Marilyn Michie • 1-800-643-8822 ext. 1142
Article Inquiries: Stephen Dawson