We are a family that has most definitely benefited from CARES. Here are some things I have done so far...
I made my team.
I sent an email out to EVERYONE I knew. I let them know about "the team" and the purpose and I said
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
I let everyone know that AWARENESS is what I am after.
I belong to a few groups that have message boards like this one... I posted the info there too. ( I have even recieved a donation directly from one of those posts!)
Have you ever seen those "signatures" at the end of an email that says something from the sender? My signature used to be all about my Usborne Book business. I have temporarily changed my signature to include info about "my team". I included the direct online link for the team page. I am not shy about the signature. It is in large font and in bold type. Everytime I respond to a friend or inquire about an item on freecycle or... write to the local paper (!) our team info is there.
I wrote to the local paper. They ran the info!
I WILL write to the local paper in the towns where all my family live. For example there are grandparents in TN and an Uncle in FL and a cousin in CA etc.. ALL those cities and towns are going to know about CAH and CARES too!
I contacted my childs school. There will be information in every teacher lounge.
Ever heard of VistaPrint? I get my business cards from them for free and just pay shipping. GREAT deals there. They offer free items ALL the time. I now have a free t-shirt that I wear as often as possible that in large colorful lettering says:
No-Sweat
Run for a Cure
Supporting children and adults
affected by Congenital Adrenal
Hyperplasia (CAH)
Help us "cross the finish line" and support families affected by CAH.
I also ordered from VistaPrint - business size cards with the info and internet address of the team AND postcards with the info too.
These were all free. I just pay the shipping.
My 7 year old daughter donated $5.00 of her Birthday money in support of her brother.
I called my father and told him that I didn't care how much he donated but by GAWD he had better donate something! :) ( I said this in a loving way LOL!) ( And he did donate!)
At my recent yard sale I passed out information. I spoke to practically everybody that would listen and some more that probably didn't (LOL). I let them know about CAH and about the great work CARES has done. I briefly explain about newborn screening.
I wore my shirt.
I passed out my business cards with the team info and web address.
I had extra signs up around the yard sale about "the team" and how sales from the day would benefit CARES.
I sold ice cold water bottles for $2.00 each.
I had a "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader" quiz opportunity for $1.00 ( My son is a 5th grader!)
I had "View the cuddly kittens" for $1.00 per view. The kitten option was my personal favorite. I am currently fostering a Mama cat and her 7 adorable kittens. The kittens are about 5 weeks old now and they need to meet people. One woman and her 2 teen daughters paid the $1.00 each to see them. They said it was the best money they had spent all week! :)
Today was Field Day at my daughters school. Guess What -- I wore my free T-shirt and brought those business cards. When I saw people that I knew.. they got a card and a request to please LOOK at the info and please pass it on.
I will have info at my local library.
I will have info at my not so local library.
I will contact my husbands employer.
I will contact my former employer.
I have sent an email to the pediatric endocrinologist!
I have given an info card to the pediatrician!
Who do YOU know?
What can you do?
I would love to hear other peoples ideas!
Susan
