Host a Congo Care Gathering
Hosting a gathering is the most effective way to both educate people about the crisis in Congo and raise pledges towards your run. The success of these runs rides people like you reaching out to your community to save lives in the Congo.
It can be an elegant soiree, an informal tea, or a meeting in your church basement. You may structure it however you like, but we find the structure below highly effective.
Timeline for a Sample Gathering. Plan on about 2 Hours.
- Sample 6:00pm-8:00pm
- 6:00-6:30pm: Guests arrive, mingle.
- 6:30-7:30pm: Runner/walker presents video and the run, shares why it is important to her/him. For sample talking points, click here.
- 7:30-8:00pm: Guests pick up handouts, fill out pledge sheet and donate.
- Informal discussion: Collect checks on the spot if possible.
A few tips:
- Get people to show up. Personally inviting your guests will assure turnout. Bulk emails do not work. (One person sent out thousands, with a turnout of less than 10!) Call guests; explain what it's about and that it's important to you that they come. Be sure to remind them again just prior to the gathering.
- Serve minimal, simple food and allow some time for socializing to make it relaxed and informative.
- Nothing is more important than speaking from your heart about why you are devoting your energy to women in the Congo.
- Having people take time to come and learn about Congo is as important as making a donation. Express your appreciation to them for coming, whether they donate or not.
To maximize your fundraising efforts, ask 5-10 friends to host gatherings for you. You will be amazed at how many sponsorships you raise!
Your efforts to bring long overdue relief to the women and children of Congo are deeply appreciated. Thank you!
