Project RAD recently stumbled on a great idea for a fundraiser. In fact, we liked it so much we reached out via email to see if we could get more information from the creators of the program in Hawaii. We asked SIG Specialist Amanda Gregg how the popular firefighters calendar came to be for a local fundraiser. Here's what Amanda shared:
Where did the idea come from to feature firefighters in a calendar?
It was an idea based on the first calendar that was done five years ago as a fundraiser for the Kauai Firefighters Relief Fund.
How successful has this effort been to raise money for combating underage drinking in your community?
It was very successful considering some unforeseen circumstances that we experienced, including losing staff (a volunteer) mid-project; working within a short time frame with limited resources, and trying to persuade volunteerism for a worthwhile cause in this economic climate when employers and departments are already expecting staff to do more for less.
In addition, even just having our press releases run in the local paper meant we were getting the word out on underage drinking-and the mere publicizing of this issue is a success in itself.
What amount of money has been raised?
$5,000.
What has been the community response?
Very positive, we are still getting calls and our "calendar signing" was well-attended.
How do the firefighters like it (and how are they selected)?
They were selected by the training captain and were somewhat reluctant at first, but now they seem proud-after all, it was for a very worthy cause.
What would you recommend to other groups that would like to do a similar project?
Start early, have sales scheduled to promote it in advance of product launch so when calendar arrives, you're ready for them to sell like hotcakes; get the calendars in the hands of the firefighters, who are busy by nature, in advance of sales so some can be pre-autographed; and schedule as many public sales with firefighters and lifeguards as possible. |