Create a plan and a back-up plan: Strategize. Be Inventive. Start early: Do not procrastinate. Educate your donors. About Team In Training\® About leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma\ About your personal quest to complete a marathon/half-marathon and to raise funds to fight blood cancer Make potential donors aware of the benefits of contributing. A chance to save a life Make a difference A tax deductible donation Follow through: Send reminders to potential donors. Recruit volunteers: They will help you raise funds. Friends, family members, co-workers and significant others can be a great help in soliciting donations and spreading the word about events you plan to host. Give back to donors. Wear their logo, bake them cookies, throw a victory party in their honor, send a personalized thank you letter with a picture of you finishing the race. Ask BIG before going small: Think corporate and big money Suggest higher levels of giving. Most people won't do it, but there will be one or two who will because you asked. Stay positive. Keep a good attitude. Remember the reason. Fundraising comes with a lot of "No's." Forget those and keep going for the "Yes's." Plan for this so it doesn't take you by surprise. Just *ASK, ASK, ASK*!!