PTO of TAOTSHow to Solicit Donations for the Gala
Solicit In Person
Bring the Ad Sponsorship Form and Donation Form & Cover letter with you. Ask for the store manager or restaurant owner. If possible, bring your child with you. Here is a sample script to use when speaking with the store manager:
Hi, I’m {name}. My child, {name} attends PS 682 – The Academy of Talented Scholars, a fantastic public elementary school in Brooklyn. Many of our children live in [whichever neighborhood you are soliciting in] and support local businesses, such as yours. We hold an Annual Gala & Auction to help raise money to cover shortfalls in our city & state funding. The money we raise goes directly back to our school to support our Arts & Enrichment Programs. Would you be willing to make a tax-deductible donation such as a gift certificate or other item to help us this year?
Solicit Online
Send a personal email to local businesses, your family, friends and contacts asking for their support with the auction letter and donation form attached to the email. Here is a sample script to use in your email:
Dear {contact}:
{name of child} attends PS 682 – The Academy of Talented Scholars a fantastic public elementary school in Brooklyn. Many of our children live in {whichever neighborhood you are soliciting in} and support local businesses, such as yours. We hold an Annual Gala & Auction to help raise money to cover shortfalls in our city & state funding. The money we raise goes directly back to our school to support our Arts & Enrichment Programs. Would you be willing to make a tax-deductible donation {a specific item related to your contact} or a financial contribution to help us achieve our goals this year?
{name of child} attends PS 682 – The Academy of Talented Scholars a fantastic public elementary school in Brooklyn. Many of our children live in {whichever neighborhood you are soliciting in} and support local businesses, such as yours. We hold an Annual Gala & Auction to help raise money to cover shortfalls in our city & state funding. The money we raise goes directly back to our school to support our Arts & Enrichment Programs. Would you be willing to make a tax-deductible donation {a specific item related to your contact} or a financial contribution to help us achieve our goals this year?
Track Your Progress
After securing a donation, add it to our Donation Inventory List which tracks all of items already donated or being worked on by other parents. Keeping this list up to date, avoids contacting vendors multiple times.
