Keep It Simple. Use short, understandable words in short, understandable sentences. Best to write on a 5^th grade reading level.

Follow the formula. The first sentence should grab the readers attention, then move to presenting a problem, next offer up a solution- be sure to include how your reader is to play a part in that – and finally, close.

PS. Always include a PS to restate your request. Remember the PS is typically read first.

No need to explain. If the reader isn’t familiar with your cause, you’re not going to explain it enough in a 2 page letter to get a contribution.

Confused people say no. Again…keep it simple.

Personalize. Write to 1 person, not to 100. Use “I” and “you.”

Ask for money, don’t educate. Your goal is to raise funds, not to underscore a message.

Use bold and underlines they should act as a synopsis of what the letter says.

Make the reader reach for a pen. Your letter should inspire the recipient to act and react. It should give them a sense of ownership to your campaign.

Dead donors don’t give. Keep your mail lists updated.

Mail it. Don’t get bogged down on creating a perfect mailing. Time is money.

Follow-up. Always follow-up and if need be, remind them you haven’t heard from them in a while.

Posted by elizabethdonehue on June 10, 2010 under notes

The Cinco De Mayo holiday on May 5 is a great reason to have a casual get-together and an excuse for making fresh margaritas by the gallon! Here are some easy ways to get in the mood for a simple and festive celebration.

Start by sending out great invitations. Ours were printed at home with the “Jack Fisher”  font. The custom Senior sombrero stamp was added to the top in red. The envelopes were adorned with a white doiley, tied with twine, and hand delivered.

Margaritas were served in mason jars with salted rim and lime garnish. Here’s our recipe:  6 cups tequila, 2½ cups triple sec, 2½ cups fresh lime juice, 2½ cups fresh lemon juice, 2 cups simple syrup.

Mix ingredients together and refrigerate. Pour mixture into a 16-ounce mason jars with ice. Salted rim is optional. Garnish with lime. Makes 1 gallon- 21 margaritas.

Sombreros and a moustache on a stick make for great fun… and memorable photos!

We served a variety of Mexican munchies; fresh guacamole and chips, cheese quesadillas and homemade salsa, a warm buffalo chicken dip, stuffed peppers, and a “assemble your own” taco bar. For dessert…margarita cupcakes.

How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo amigos?

Posted by elizabethdonehue on May 19, 2010 under notes

Think southern fashion and horse racing… bringing the two together is a South Carolina tradition known as the Carolina Cup. The Cup is an annual horse race held in Camden, South Carolina-it’s our Kentucky Derby in the South. This year’s event did not disappoint. Beautiful sunshine, ladies in colorful sun dresses and wide brimmed hats, men in bowties, pastels and paisleys.

Here are some clips of our Carolina Cup 2010.

Might I suggest  marking your calendar for next years Cup- Saturday, March 26, 2011?

Posted by elizabethdonehue on April 14, 2010 under notes

Wondering where the utensils go? Count the letters in the words  ”knife,” “spoon” and “fork”  to remember their placement.

The word “right” has five letters, as do the words “knife” and “spoon.” The word “fork” has four letters – just like the word “left.”

Knives and spoons are always on the right, forks on the left.

Posted by elizabethdonehue on April 6, 2010 under notes

10 points to consider when writing a fundraising letter…

1. Write a letter to the appropriate audience- know who that is before you start writing.

2. Write a letter to one person – not to “Dear Friends” or “Dear Fellow Conservatives.”

3. Write a letter – not an essay.

4. Write a letter that looks like a letter- indent, break up long paragraphs, use white space in margins.

5. Write a letter that is friendly and informal.

6. Write a letter that uses emotion not logic.

7. Write a letter asking for a specific gift … for a specific purpose…. give a specific deadline.

8. Write a letter praising repeat donors for their past support.

9. Write a letter that include a P.S.- always.

10. Write a letter remembering that it will be read: P.S. first, then the first paragraph, then  underlined, bolded, or italicized lines.

Posted by elizabethdonehue on March 30, 2010 under notes

Disoriented at the dinner table? Visualize the letters b and d to locate your bread plate and drinking glass- not your neighbor’s.

With each hand, touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb while extending your remaining fingers- creating the “OK” hand sign.

Your left hand creates a lowercase b – designating your bread plate.
Your right hand creates a lowercase d – designating your drinking glass.

You’re welcome.

Posted by elizabethdonehue on March 10, 2010 under notes

So, how many people have you offended by not adhering to proper Sushi Etiquette?

via clusterflock.org

Related: A humorous how to eat sushi video

Posted by elizabethdonehue on February 22, 2010 under notes

Countless studies have been conducted to determine why people donate money. Consider the following…a few of these drives:

• Philosophical affinity. People send money because they support organizations like yours.
• Ego. People send money because you recognize them for their gifts.
• Blessing/Duty/Patriotic. As Americans, we celebrate the notion of charity. People send money to make a difference, to achieve a worthy aim, to feel good about their gifts.
• Junkie. People send money because you give them a chance to associate with a worthy or famous person.
• Proximity to decision-makers. People send money because you enable them to offer their opinions. The act of sending a gift constitutes a way to speak directly to those on the front lines of an issue or cause.
• In the Loop. People send money because you provide them with access to inside information and perhaps even educate them further.
• Tax Benefit. Without question, the charitable tax deduction is a perk. This does not however apply to political donations.

Mainly…

• People send money because you ask them to. Research confirms this as the most basic fact of donor motivation, people want to be asked!

Posted by elizabethdonehue on December 29, 2009 under notes

As football season comes to a close here are my thoughts… a simple checklist of tailgate essentials. It’s never too early to start preparing for next season!

• Tent – shield from the sun and rain.
• Chairs- be sure to bring extra for guests.
• Card table with cloth in school colors.
• Arrangment for the table -pom pons of your school colors work nicely.
• Paper plates, napkins, cups, and plastic ware in school colors -paper makes for easy cleanup.
• Cooler of drinks and a bottle of champagne for the table- looks very chic.
• Lots of food- tailgating is all about sharing.
• Trash bags and wipes for quick cleanup.

Posted by elizabethdonehue on November 29, 2009 under notes

We had a surprise party for Wesley’s birthday on Saturday. Here are the highlights:

Some friends of ours live in a beautiful Charleston neighborhood with an open air oyster pavilion and wood burning fireplace so we did it there.

Invitations are key – they set the tone for your event and allow your guests to know what to expect! Here’s a copy of ours:

On the Menu: lowcountry boil, cole slaw, and  sweet potato biscuits.

Spiked sweet tea is a perfect signature drink for any Southern affair.

Coozies for all the guests.

Red velvet cupcakes (Wesley’s favorite)  for dessert.

Posted by elizabethdonehue on November 24, 2009 under notes