MAY 22, 2017 KEEPING KIDS ON COURSE GOLF MARATHON BENEFITING THE FIRST TEE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GOLDEN BEAR CLUB AT KEENE'S POINTE
What an Opportunity to Make a Difference On May 22, 2017 we will host our Second Annual Golf Marathon. This is going to be an exciting day of golf for you at the Golden Bear Club at Keene s Pointe. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Keene's Point reflects the extraordinary beauty, challenging layout and environmental sensitivity that Nicklaus courses have come to represent around the world. Surrounded by sparkling lakes and bordered by majestic oaks, this 7,173-yard, par-72, 18-hole masterpiece appeals to golfers of every level. It tests their mettle, challenges their skills and rewards their prowess. We need 40 golfers who will raise pledges from friends, families, and businesses. The golfers will ask for pledges for each hole that they play (36 holes total). There is no fee for the golfers to play, however, we ask all golfers to commit to raising at least $750 with a goal of $1,500. What Am I Raising Money For? All money that is raised with your pledges will support The First Tee of Central Florida. The First Tee of Central Florida is a chapter of The First Tee, a youth development organization that uses the game of golf as the context to teach young people core values, life skills and healthy habits. The First Tee of Central Florida helps shape the lives of kids and teens from all walks of life by introducing them to values inherent in the game of golf. Values like integrity, respect and perseverance. You can find The First Tee junior golf and life skills programs on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth development organizations. Why Play? Playing golf for an entire day and raising money to help change the lives of Central Florida youth all at the same time. It doesn t get much better. You will be well fed to help give you the energy you need. A great breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will also be snacks and beverages for you to enjoy throughout the day. Not only will you have played 36 holes on a championship course, but you will also help make a difference in the lives of youth.
Who Will I Play With? We would encourage you to recruit some of your golfer buddies and make your own twosome or threesome, otherwise we will assign you to a group. You may know others participating in the Golf Marathon and we will certainly try to make it so that everyone plays with people that they know. If you are able to recruit other players, it will not only make the day more fun for you, but also will greatly increase the amount of money we are able to raise through this event. Does It Cost To Play? Your entry fee for the Golf Marathon is the money that you will raise. We are asking players to commit to trying their best to raise $1,440 in sponsored dollars. The way you do that is by flat donations from people or businesses, as well as, people pledging an amount per hole of golf that you play. How am I going to raise pledges? Your goal is to raise a minimum of $750. The maximum is up to you. Each committed golfer will receive Golf Marathon fundraising materials to help raise pledges, as well as, some help and encouragement along the way. Raising that amount of money takes some work, but it is much easier than might think. Here s how to do it: Make a list of potential donors you want to contact. Send an email (which we provide) to each of these people asking them to consider becoming a sponsor. Call each person within 7 to 10 days after initial contact. Ask if they received your email and if they would like to sponsor you. This call is crucial!! It will give you an opportunity to talk about the golf event and what you are doing to impact the lives of Central Florida youth. Ask for referrals. When you talk to people, ask them if they would introduce you to their friends who might also want to help. Use your social media sites such as, Facebook and Twitter to let your followers know what you are up to. Keep brainstorming! As you go about your day, think of people you can ask to sponsor you. The more people you ask, the more support you will raise.
What Kind Of Sponsorship Am I Seeking? The goals is to find at least 10 people to give at least $2 per hole or $75 total. However, some people have given pledges that are much larger. No gift is too big or too small. What Do I Tell People? When you talk to someone about pledging to you, it is very important to share why you are trying to raise pledges. Tell them about the Golf Marathon and about The First Tee of Central Florida s mission (information will be provided). It is critical that you actually get to the point of asking them to make a pledge. For many people, it is also a good idea to ask them to pledge a certain amount. When Should My Sponsorship Be Completed? Our fundraising campaign launches on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. It will probably take you about 30 days to reach your sponsorship goal. If you set weekly goals for yourself, and spend a couple hours during the week working toward your goal, you will be successful! It is best to make a list of prospective people or businesses. Then, send out some emails each week and follow them up with a phone call the next week. If you pace yourself and work hard, not only will you be successful, you will not burn yourself out. A key concept is "Ask Everyone, Everywhere. How can Sponsors Pay? Sponsors have two options for payment: 1. It is highly recommended that you create your own personal fundraising webpage. By creating your own webpage you will be able to direct supporters to a personal pledge page that will track your sponsor s pledges and personal contact information. This will save you time by not having to track down contact information and credit card information yourself! a. Create your own personal webpage by visiting the link below: https://grouprev.com/golfmarathon/signup
2. Mail payment to: The First Tee of Central Florida 1326 Palmetto Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 Make sure to include the golfer you are supporting and how much you are giving per hole. Also, please include your email address for your receipt. *Checks should be made payable to: The First Tee of Central Florida and should be sent to the address above. A receipt from the The First Tee of Central Florida will be sent to each sponsor for tax purposes. You will receive email updates as to what donations have been collected for your participation. You may also track your progress at: www.thefirstteecfl.org/golfmarathon. What am I Committing To? Hitting a minimum of raising $750 by getting individuals consisting of family, friends, co-workers etc. to support you and the organization by donating. How do I sign up? Sign up by visiting www.thefirstteecfl.org/golfmarathon. Other Important Details There are many keys to making this Golf Marathon a success. Experience shows us that beginning immediately and personally calling all potential sponsors are the most crucial elements of the entire Golf Marathon. Be sure to bring all pledge information and money you collect with you on the day of the event. You must turn in your sponsorship information at the Golf Marathon to be eligible to play.
Agenda for the Day 7:00 am Registration and Breakfast 8:30 am Shotgun start 1:00 pm End of 18 Holes, Lunch Provided 2:00 pm Shotgun Start 6:30 pm Awards Ceremony and Check Presentation and Photo Op Prizes will be given for many different categories, such as: Overall Low Score (36 Holes) Longest Drive (2 Holes) Closest to the Pin (2 Holes) Best Fundraiser Hole in One Longest to play without 3 putt Longest to play with same ball
Sample Script Dear Prospective Donor I want to share with you a great opportunity to partner with me in impacting young people s lives. I have chosen to participate in he Keeping Kids on Course Golf Marathon, which is raising support for The First Tee of Central Florida and its mission to impact the lives of Central Florida youth by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through golf. You can learn more about this great organization by visiting www.thefirstteecfl.org. I ve committed to play in their Golf Marathon on Monday, May 22, 2016 at the Golden Bear Club at Keene s Pointe and have sponsored myself at $4 per hole (I will play 36). I m giving it my best effort to raise $1,500 in sponsorships for The First Tee of Central Florida as I believe their mission is having a positive effect on the thousands of Central Florida youth that they reach annually. Altogether, 40 participants are trying to raise $55,000 for the organization. I am personally asking you to join me and be on my fundraising team as a sponsor. The 36 holes and my goal of $1,500 is very doable. Will you sponsor me with a tax-deductible donation of $4 per hole or $144? You can join my team and sponsor me by visiting www.grouprev.com/golfmarathon., Sincerely, Your Name 1 3 2 6 P A L M E T T O A V E. W I N T E R P A R K, F L 3 2 7 8 9 www.thefirstteecfl.org