Helping a Friend Help Others...ddr charity

[joeshmo39]

A friend of mine belongs to a school organization called Key club. It is a service organization and as an event we are having a huge DDR competition/hangout/time in the gym on the 21st. Every team of 4-8 players raises 40 dollars and that goes to MS (multiple sclerosis) patients and causes. My school is in Pittsburgh in case you wondered. So we were looking for donaters for money, food, ddr products, and other assorted prizes. A few stores are on board, plus a few grocery markets and some restaurants. However, she is still looking for more contributions. Has anyone undertaken something like this? Does anyone have any suggestions on where to get contributions or things like that? ANY input would be appreciated!

[xequar]

At Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI), the DDR Student Organization has done a 24-hour marathon for charity for two years now. What we did was pretty similar to what you have done, like going around to businesses and restaurants, etc. to solicit charitable donations. Generally, we can get Papa Johns to cut us a really good deal on pizza for the participants, and we can generally get water donations (an Ice Mountain bottling plant is nearby). One thing we also do is try to get a lot of participation from passersby. We try to get them to play, and also to contribute, and indeed, that's where most of our cash money is raised.
It sounds to me like you're on the right track. Like I said above, though, do include the general public that might pass by (having the event outside like we do is a great attention getter). As far as DDR equipment to use, we all just donated personal items for the greater good (TVs, DDR pads, PS2s, etc.). Also, if you got stores to donate goods, you might be able to raffle them off. Just be sure to check your state laws regarding raffles, as in Michigan, it has to be registered with the State Lottery Board if it will take in more than $100. Finally, If I were you, I would PM one of the admin. from this site and see if they will put a posting on the front page headlines for your event. The organizer for our event did that this year (early April), and he had a paypal account set up to accept donations. It's worth a try.
One more thing: ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, and then keep advertising. No one will participate if they do not know about the event. Also, make it easy for the general public to come and watch. A gym like you have should work well. Just amp up the volume and stay close to the main entrance.

Sorry that was so long, but I hope you can get something useful out of it. Good luck.
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Well, the final total was 207, 342. The fuel pump went out, and since it would cost too much to fix, I donated the Buick to charity.

Fare thee well, Riviera, and God speed.