2005 TE Board charity rides

[Trek420]

what I've learned is this:
* put it out there, let everyone know you're doing this thing, there are posters on every floor of my office building, a footer at the end of my e-mails at home and work, at work if I'm away from work it on my out of office assistant, if they give you a t-shirt for the event...wear it, often, launder it then wear it again. regardless of the cause you are fundraising for you will be surprised how many are effected by it.
* house parties rock. I have never done one but they are the best way to go. most folks I know who've done one have met their pledge goal right there. have a party, invite plenty of folks, feed and entertain them exceptionaly well (it's tax deductable I think) and invite them to sponsor you.
* form a team, that can aid you in doing a group fundraising effort or event
* thank your sponsors! thank them when they donate, thank them after the event, send real thank you cards, keep them updated on your training, find a way to take them along for the ride. I've done a monthly or maybe every 6 weeks or so newsletter with updates on training. especially if you will ever do an event again. thank them!
* follow up, that's the one thing I did differently this year. last year I sent out letters and lots of people replied they would sponsor me, but some never did. This year I had an A & B version. One went to folks who had expressed they would sponsor me, the only difference is it ended in a link to the pledge site. While I hate to be a nudge it made a difference, I made my pledge goal and not at the last second like last year.
anyone else?