Good for you! I bet they have a website where you can create your own personal page and send out emails, right? They probably have tons of tips and guidelines right there for you. A few years ago, I rode my bike 2 days for 175 miles for MS. I used the web site to create my page, where people could donate anonymously or openly with or without the general public knowing the dollar amount of their donation - even if it was just $1. I sent emails to everyone I ever knew or worked with or had an email address for. I was just casual and honest and said it was something I really wanted to do for a good cause and to meet a personal goal. I had never ridden 100 miles in one day before, and the training for it was a serious commitment. I lost 45 lbs and some days rode 4 hours a day to train, and I told them all of this and I said I needed to raise $X by whatever date and that I needed their help even if they only had a buck. I paid the registration fees and I started myself off with $100 openly so people saw that I was seriously doing this. Donations poured in, and I really was surprised at how fast the numbers grew. I ended up more than doubling my goal. Once the money came in and I realized it was easier than I thought, I started asking neighbors and friends and people whose email addresses I didn't have. I hate asking for things, especially money, but I realized I wasn't asking for me, I was asking for a cause. I updated my site often, and I thanked everyone immediately. After the ride, I sent additional thank yous to every person who donated a single dime towards my efforts. It was a very rewarding experience. I learned a lot about Multiple Sclerosis, too. At the time, I didn't know what it even was to be honest, but my friend asked if I was up for riding 175 miles with her 3 months before the event. Prior to saying yes, I didn't even know her mom had MS. Just ask people. Ask anyone. You'll never regret it. The worst thing that can happen is they say no. And you lose nothing at all. Like I said, I sent emails (and even reminder emails as the deadline approached) to EVERYone. My mortgage guy donated $300 and included a note saying his wife used to bike all the time but her MS was holding her back now and to go ride a few miles for her. How inspiring. A company I used to work for sent my little email all around their office and even to clients and together came up with over $1000 with $5 here & $20 there. It was amazing. And remind people that it's tax deductible...that can be an especially good incentive for a small business. I asked restaurant owners and hair salons and anyone who recognized me as a patron. I'm really not all that outgoing, but the more stories that came in, the more I read about MS, I found myself practically asking strangers on the street. And I was truly amazed by the response. So again, GOOD FOR YOU. Start asking away and go do it!!!
