FUND RAISING TIP: Train and Fund raise...Fund raise and Train

Hello Again - it is time for this week's Fund raising Friday tip!

This week I am suggesting Fund Raising while Training at the same time! You may wonder how this can be possible and the simple answer is...ERRANDS!

Friends, neighbors, co-workers and just about everyone you come in contact with each day is probably pretty busy so why not offer to run some errands for them and do this on your bike?!

Ride into town with a backpack on your back to pick up a few grocery items that a neighbor needs. Hear a co-worker complain that she doesn't have enough hours in the day to get to the post office? Offer to ride to the post office on your lunch break and take care of all her mailing needs!

You get the picture - you can help people out while getting a training ride in and in gratitude of the errand you run for them - ask people to go on home and make a donation on your personal fund raising page or write you a check to Best Buddies on the spot.

Here in Boston it is supposed to be cold but nice this weekend so get out and train and run a few errands at the same time!

Finally, some sun!

So for all of my fellow New Englanders, we are finally seeing the first indications of spring. Sun, little flower buds, warmer days...longer days, and people - outside and loving it. If you are like me, you are dying to get out there for lunchtime, after work, even earlier in the morning, just because you don't need a hat and gloves anymore.

This also means it's time to get back on your bike to get training. Here's Boston.com's listing of a few Boston-area bike routes that are great options to try...ENJOY!

http://www.boston.com/thingstodo/gallery/bikes/

FUNDRAISING TIP: Do What You Love...Love What You Do

When brainstorming fund raising ideas for the Audi Best Buddies Challenge - don't forget about your hobbies, skills, and the things you enjoy doing the most.

While emails and letters are great why not put a little FUN into FUNd raising?!

Here are some examples:

If you enjoy baking - offer to bake and deliver a different type of cookies each month for a year for a donation of $200.

If you enjoy gardening - invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers over for a "how to session." Ask for a $25 donation for the session and then offer advice on what flowers, plants, and vegetables folks should think about buying this year and even do a demonstration.

If you enjoy children - offer to babysit so that friends can enjoy a night out. Let them know that half (or all) of what they pay you will be going towards Best Buddies and they will be sure to be extra generous!

If you enjoy golf - why not organize a fun tournament at your local club? Golf season is about a month away so planning now would be perfect

And last but not least...if you enjoy taking part in March Madness (as I do!) consider asking for a donation towards Best Buddies as the entrance fee for your bracket or have the winner talk half and Best Buddies take half.

This list could go on forever; keep in mind that fund raising really can be fun when you do the things you already enjoy!

Come Meet Us!

To the 2010 Audi Best Buddies Challenge Hyannis Port Community:

Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to meet many of you in person. Whether you came to our Captains Night, Kick Off Party, or one of our bike shop visits - THANK YOU for coming out!

It has been truly wonderful to get to know the Audi Best Buddies Challenge community and it has been awesome to put a face to an email address or hear first hand about who you ride in honor of and why this event means so much to you.

For those of you who have not yet been able to make it to one of our events, I would like to extend a special invitation for you to come out and meet this year's Ride Team!

Currently we are hosting most of our outreach events at local bike shops. Warm weather is on it's way (we hope!) and with that comes time for training outdoors! Why not pick up some bike equipment that you need while also grabbing a beer with your Coach? Why not come share your stories from past rides while meeting new riders? Why not come register for the 2010 Audi Best Buddies Challenge or receive training and fund raising advice from your Coach?

We would love to meet you (and your friends, neighbors, and families) so consider stopping by one of our upcoming events:

Thursday, March 11 at Cycle Loft in Burlington @ 7:00

Monday, March 15 at Quad Cycles in Arlington @ 6:30

Tuesday March 16 at Back Bay Bikes in Boston@ 6:00 (Note: The shop will be offering $15 off bike tune ups and a 25% discount on accessories during the event!)

Thursday March 18 at Bicycle Alley in Worcester @ 6:30


We hop to see you soon! Thank You for all that you do on behalf of Best Buddies and for those of you that participate in the Audi Best Buddies Challenge Hearst Castle - your Coaches will soon be out and about at bike shops, training rides, and coffee shops - get excited!