I held my first fund raiser for a candidate

[OhioBlue]

yesterday. One thing that I learned from this is - never try to do this alone. Try to get a committee. Not only will it help spread out the cost, the people on the committee will become invested in the event, sure to attend and encourage their network of family and friends to attend.

Also - you really have to remind people about 3 times to get an RSVP. I mailed invitations, made phone calls, sent e-mails and handed out fliers at our Central Committee meeting. My response rate was about 25%.

[NMDemDist2]

1. was it at your home? n/t

[OhioBlue]

3. it was at my Dad's house

my house is very small and not very good for a party... Dad has a large back yard, several picnic tables and easy access to the bathroom..

[Emit]

2. In early June I had "FriendRaiser" for a local candidate

I second all that you mentioned!

The next one I have, I will be better prepared for all the reasons you noted.

We mailed out 53 invites (inviting 2 people each), followed up with emails on those we had email addresses for and called those we could. We had about 25 RSVP's and of those only 8 people showed! I had spent over $200 in food and preparation for this and the turn out was so low, I was initially disappointed.

In the long run, though, the event turned out to have benefited the candidate well, because one of the guests was a Director of one of our local unions, and the conversation and atmosphere for that conversation was conducive to a positive outcome -- they hit it off well and will likely have continued discussions.

Also, two of my neighbors who attended have decided to re-register as Dems in order to vote for this candidate in the primaries (In our state, non-partisans cannot vote in the primaries). I consider that a beneficial outcome, too.

However, had I been more aggressive about calling people to remind them and to get a firmer commitment, my turnout would've been better. The 3 times contact rule is a must!

Edited to add, I like the idea you have of the committee participation -- spreads it out -- I'll keep that in mind for my next one, too.

[OhioBlue]

4. I know how you felt

I was sick to my stomach that I held this event and the candidate had to travel about 60 miles to attend and I didn't have the turn out I hoped for. They did raise a decent amount tho - $650 and their total to date is about $30k, so it pays their rent and buys a few office supplies for the month.

Also, just the fact that I sent out 100 invitations, at least put the candidates name in front of those that received the invites.

It is great news that the candidate made a Union contact and also that your neighbors are going to re-register as Dems. This was another positive outcome of my event. The candidate represents the party well and bringing the message to the voters, encouraged a couple of voters to vote in November.

[NMDemDist2]

5. $650 is great! and a statewide candidate is used to putting miles on

his car (or should be)

sounds like you did great!

[OhioBlue]

6. Thanks.

I'm feeling better about it. She's actually a candidate for U.S. Congress, but our district is gerrymandered into a ridiculous district.

Anyway - I also thought it might be better to sell tickets. I didn't at first b/c I thought the extra cost wouldn't payoff - but, if people that were "rsvp maybes" at lease bought the ticket, she would still get the donation.

Then, I had several people that donated more than the recommended donation - so, I'm not sure if it would have been better or not. I would welcome any thoughts, experiences on selling tickets vs. RSVPs and soliciting donations from attendees.

[geiger]

7. Excellent work

25% is great--remember, you are in a primarily R, albeit gerrymandered district. Marketing people in business are ecstatic when they get a 10 percent return. Email the people who didn't come, and give them another chance to participate (you never know which bills were due when and/or when the motivation hits to contribute. You were very thorough and excellent in your approach, and people will respect that.

PM me with an address; I am going to send you 65 dollars, ten percent of what you raised; I challenge other DU'ers to do the same. If you get another 650 dollars, I will send 65 more. It's just a little, that's all I can do right now, due to other obligations, but I will do it.

[OhioBlue]

8. Poli - That is so great of you!!

thank you soooo much!! I'll pm you.

[NMDemDist2]

9. woohoo!!

:yourock:

:applause:

:patriot:

:woohoo:

[geniph]

10. Speaking as a former candidate,

I'm here to tell you, that even if you only had half a dozen folks show up, I'll bet nearly all those folks donated money, nearly all those folks will volunteer their time, and they'll all tell others about the candidate. NOTHING is as important to a candidate as making that personal connection with people.

And $650 for a small private fundraiser is great. I'd have been ecstatic with that.

Another suggestion for these - invite your neighbors, including the ones who are non-political and the ones who are not party affiliated. A lot of them will be curious about the candidate, and many people will vote for the person they have MET in person.

[Kukesa]

11. Terrific advice! nt