We still have a few months before the weather turns mild enough to focus on outdoor training. So for the next few months our focus will be more on fundraising to meet our goals.
I don't like asking people for money. Do you?
I suspect that most of us don't. I've considered, at times, what a career in development (ie: Fundraising at hospitals/colleges) would be like for me, and I'm sure that the first few times you ask someone for a significant donation would be tough. Like all gifts and skills I'm sure that it requires plenty of practise.
But regardless, fundraising is part of what all of us have committed to doing for this tour. (Hmm, I digress, but it occurs to me that by the time the summer rolls around we will have over 150 people who have learned a lot about fundraising. I wonder if that will lead to any career changes for people involved in this tour?) Therefore, last month, I sent out my first handful of fundraising letters. It was not easy to write those letters. But the next set -- which went out with our Christmas letters -- was a bit easier. Now comes another part of fundraising, the waiting for a response.
That response will itself be a new experience. Receiving gifts can itself be tough ... even humbling. Last month I received my first donation update from Sea-To-Sea HQ and I found myself stunned to see a donation listed from people I didn't even know. I've put donation links here on my blog, and in other locations, and told people about my tour. So on an intellectual level I knew that this could happen. And of course, I was hoping it would. But still... seeing for the first time a response like that was quite something. (Dave and Marcella, thank you SO much! Maybe I'll get to meet you someday.)
I've also been delighted to receive some tour-related gifts from friends and family. These will also help me a great deal in preparing and undertaking this trip.
Best Wishes for January 2008!
2 comments:
Gregg here... Thanks for the letter. I'll see what we can contribute.
Going back to the bum pain... I didn't see anything in your gift bag photo.
Get a more comfortable seat. I have a gel thing that goes over my seat - got it at Wal-Mart for $16. It slides around a little, tho. Not sure how that would be for 4K miles.
Check out the split seat at your local bike shop. I haven't tried it, but I keep hearing the propaganda.
Art,
I just found your blog from the Sea to Sea website. I'm one of the cyclists whose going the whole way.
I wish you the best in your job hunt. Just be happy you're not in Michigan as theres not many jobs around.
I don't like asking for money, but I really don't feel like I am since the money isn't for me. I think this is an awesome part of the tour is that all the money we raise goes to the agencies.
I look forward to meeting you!
Dave
Post a Comment