Fundraiser Profiles
Andy Sheats
Status: Team Captain - Realestate.com.au
Number of Members in Team: 24
Fundraising Total for 2010: $19,421
Why do you support people living with Multiple Sclerosis?
I have experienced MS within my own family, and so I appreciate this importance of increasing awareness so that people can detect it early and hopefully, start to manage it. It is such a horrible disease, because it so often strikes and debilitates younger people who often have kids and others depending on them.
How did you go about reaching your team fundraising goal in 2010?
It was simple; we had fundraised just over $7500 in 2009, and wanted to double that. We were very fortunate to have such generous friends, and to have realestate.com.au offer to match donations. REA has a strong history of supporting staff in issues that they care about. I really recommend speaking to your company – you will probably get a better reception than you think.
How easy and rewarding did your team find your fundraising?
Fundraising is the easiest thing in the world. Honestly. Asking is the hardest part. Once you do, you realize how generous people are and support starts rolling in the door. I sent an email to about 100 people who I know well, and who I thought would be supportive. Most of them supported me, and many then passed the message to their contacts.
The key for us was getting our company to match donation. This is effective because it doubles the money, but even more so because when people know that their donation will have double the effect, they tend to give even more. I would guess that in our case, employer matching meant that we got not 2x, but more like 3x the funding because more people gave more money.
How did you go about organising a large corporate team?
Again, just ask. I sent an email to employees asking if anyone wanted in, and soon we have 24. MS has touched the lives of so many people in our company, and they want to do something about it.
Do you have any tips for other fundraisers?
Ask early, ask often. Train your friends to expect your email every year at this time. Then thanks them when they give. Call them, don't send a bulk email.
How did your ride go on the day?
It was fantastic. I did the ride last year with my wife, 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter. We had a super day together.
Will you be back bigger and better in 2011?
We will be aiming to double up again this year, but the stakes are much higher!