Have you checked the New York City VisionWalk thermometer lately? If so, you'll notice that we have raised nearly $200,000 for the fight against blindness! We've got a few days left until VisionWalk and every dollar we raise brings us closer to a cure! Every day more donations come in, via the website and in the mail, and we are steadily working our way up to our goal. Keep up the great work and be sure to send in any donations you receive or bring them to the VisionWalk!

Do you have donations that need to be added to the website and want to see the thermometer jump before Saturday? Email the information to Katie at KVanBenschoten@FightBlindness.org or call (212) 244-1470.

Fundraising Tip: Don't just ask once!

Have you ever missed an email? Have you ever promised to do something and then completely forgotten? If so, you are just like the vast majority of us. That's why today's fundraising tip is so important...

Don't just ask for donations once!

If you've sent out your fundraising letters and emails - great job! But, the money hasn't come pouring in yet - sad, but sometimes true. Well, chances are that your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and everyone on your list wants to - and is happy to - support you but needs a reminder. Most likely, they simply forgot to visit your webpage or write the check.

That's why sending friendly reminders to your contacts is so important! You can share updates and successes. You can redirect them to your website. You can help them to remember to support you. With just a few days until the New York City VisionWalk, now is a great time to send a reminder email.  Click here for a terrific sample that you can personalize and use.

Need help with your fundraising letters and emails? Contact Katie at KVanBenschoten@FightBlindness.org.

Local Fundraising Events

Over the past few weeks we've had several different fundraising events - from private shopping nights to benefit concerts to happy hours. In this last week before the VisionWalk we've got three additional events coming up that you can attend to support your fellow walkers. Information about each of these events is below.

Now, with the VisionWalk being this week you might feel like it is too late for you to host your own event to boost your team's fundraising. I'm happy to tell you that it is not too late! VisionWalk is a year-round event. Anything raised before June 30, 2012 will count toward this year's VisionWalk. So, plan a poker night, a dine-to-donate, a yard sale - anything! Every dollar we raise gets us closer toward a cure.

Need help planning your fundraising event? Contact Katie at (212) 244-1470 or KVanBenschoten@FightBlindness.org.

In addition to all the local events happening this week, don't forget our "Get All Your VisionWalk Questions Answered" office hours on Wednesday, April 18th from 7:00pm until 8:00pm. This is a drop in call where you can ask any questions you have about the VisionWalk to make sure you are ready for Saturday. To join the call, dial (888) 270-9936 and enter access code 7375706#.

Thanks so much for all you do in support of the VisionWalk and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Your dedication truly makes a difference.

All the best,

Katie

Office: (212) 244-1470
Mobile: (212) 961-6881
KVanBenschoten@FightBlindness.org