Celebrity Autograph Fundraiser

Write every celebrity you can think of and ask for an autographed something to auction off at your fundraising event. Lots of people collect autographs of the rich and famous. Send best-quality, blank note cards to famous people with a POLITE request for them to sign the supplied cards and the reason why you are asking. These guys may not be home, so be patient. It could take months if they are doing a movie in Polynesia or a road trip in the Balkans. But, on the upside, celebrities are often more than willing to help out a good cause.

ALWAYS supply a self-addressed, stamped envelope, in which the cards are returned to you. Make sure the address is your organization’s. It’s okay to say “John Jones, c/o xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.” If you can include some proof of who you are in your request (on letterhead, your charity ID number so they can check up, etc) that will be good. Here are a few hints to help improve your chances of success. Don’t ask for too many autographs, as this will guarantee a refusal. Always include a self addressed, business sized envelope with the correct postage. Not only is this a common courtesy but the only way you will get a reply. Include cards or something for them to sign. Don’t expect them to expend energy or their own money on you. If using note cards, make them the best quality and the color and size you prefer, not what’s cheap at the store. Include two envelopes: the one for the card to protect it, and the one that the card goes in to mail to you. The better the condition of the card, the more money you can get at auction. If you have a theme, like the entire Boston Bruins, supporters might want to buy the whole series. Do your research and price the cards appropriately. Don’t overprice or under price yourself. If you must go one way, go under. If they don’t sell at auction you can always see if they sell on eBay!

Variation: Make T-shirts with your logo. Sent two to celebrities with postage paid return envelopes and a permanent marker. Ask them to sign and return. Tell about project. Invite them to keep one shirt if they would like. Auction off the signed one. Source: ShelterFundraising

We have included a number of do-it-yourself fundraising ideas in this section that offer a break from traditional product sales. They were developed by groups just like yours in an attempt have a little fun with their fundraiser. Some of them are tried and true while others show a lot of creativity … and even wackiness in some cases. All of them are obviously not appropriate for every group, but sometimes, with only a little modification, your might find some fund raising ideas that are perfect for your group. If you have an idea for a do-it-yourself fund raiser you are willing to share with others, please send it to us via email. Include anything and everything you would want to know if you were hearing the idea for the first time.