Over the years participants in the Climb for Clean Air, Trek Tri-Island and the Big Ride Across America have exercised tremendous creativity and inventiveness in finding interesting ways of raising funds. We can only offer a sampling of their ideas here. Use them if you can, but better yet look at the list and see what ideas it suggests that will be uniquely yours. Remember the best idea is the one you think up and have faith in.

In the Name Of. One thing we have observed over the years is that people who have a specific person they are dedicating their ride or climb to are more successful fundraisers. By dedicating your efforts to, that is riding or climbing "in honor of" or "in memory of", a specific individual you personalize the fundraising for both yourself and your donors. Take a picture of the person with you. Write a short biography of the person and hand it to perspective donors. Tell the person's story in your fundraising letters.

At Work. Put up a sign or poster in the break or lunch room where you work and encourage your coworkers to make a donation. Put up a graph or donations thermometer that shows your progress. Challenge your boss or the company to match what employees give. Post an "Honor Role" with the list of your coworkers who make contributions.

Auctions and Raffles. Many merchants and retail business people find it easier to give merchandise or services in place of cash. These donations can be turned into cash by auctioning or raffling them. It's also possible to auction or raffle your own time and talents. You don't have to be an artist, offer to clean houses, wash windows or weed gardens.

Visit the Washington State Gambling Commission website for information and the Washington State laws regarding Auctions and Raffles - http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/Newsletters/5-164.pdf. The Washington State Gambling Commission website frequently asked questions page is a good resource to understand the laws you must abide by when conducting an auction or raffle - http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/FAQ/RafflesFAQ.htm. Please note the information on selling multiple raffle tickets at a discounted price.

Sales. Anyone who has had a garage sale knows it's amazing what people will buy. Ask friends and neighbors for donations of items they don't need or baked goods and have a sale. We've had riders who've raised $1000 and more in a single weekend selling donated "stuff" at a garage sale.

Parties. Use donated food and door prizes and invite friends (to invite friends) to a pledge party. Make it fun, but also make it educational by making a presentation on the American Lung Association® programs and ask for donations and pledges. One way of leveraging your own contact list is to ask a small set of your close friends to commit to bringing ten friends each or something like that. Create teams and give prizes to the team that pledges the most.

Chocolate. One participant purchased candy bars at Costco, took them to work and wrapped each in a letter and pledge form. She put them out in the lunchroom and let her coworkers' chocolate addictions and guilt work their magic.

Use T-Shirts. For some reason, T-Shirts have amazing powers, well at least amazing possibilities. Have donors sign a T-shirt or bike jersey you will wear on your adventure. Or design a special T-shirt commemorating your Big Ride and give them to donors who make significant contributions. (Remember, however, that the American Lung Association® and Big Ride logos are trademarked, so if you're going to use them, be sure to talk with us about it. We're glad to have you use them, but will want to review your design with you.)

Service Clubs. See if you can get "adopted" by a local service club. Even if you're not a member, find the program chair of a local Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club or other service organization and offer to give a program at one of their meetings on the American Lung Association® and your efforts on our behalf. Ask for both individual donations from members and a donation from the club itself. Also ask members for help from other contacts they may have. Know the companies with Matching Gift programs and ask members to fill out the matching gift paperwork if they are employed by one.

Publicity.Publicize your efforts in every way you can. Local newspapers are frequently looking for human interest stories. Service club, church and Union newsletters are good places to have your efforts publicized. But remember, news articles won't automatically bring in donations. They will only help build awareness of your efforts. You will need to follow up with people and ask them for their support.

Check our sample letters collection and get some ideas on how to start writing your one letter to your contacts.