One topic that we really focused on at the meeting was our personal fundraising.  Although we have several cool events planned, a bulk of the money we bring in is still going to come from you guys sharing your heart with your friends and family.

Things to do:

• Customize your fundraising page!  Your page is going to be at the center of everything you do.  It's a great place for you to express why you are running this marathon.  Put your picture on it, tell your story, or even put a YouTube video on it.  Have fun with it!  Here's a few examples of people who have already done this:
  
  Paula: http://www.firstgiving.com/pauladowler
  Rob: http://www.firstgiving.com/robneal
  Callie: http://www.firstgiving.com/callieporter
  
• Email or send letters to your friends and family!  One thing I always remind the team is that this is not about you.  You are not asking people to buy expensive (yet tasty) cookies so that you can do to space camp.  Instead you are asking people to look at this crazy thing you are doing and join you in making a difference.  I don't want to sound over-dramatic, but we are saving lives!  Don't be scared to tell people that!  Here's a couple examples from our team:
  
  Rachel's Email
  
  
  
  Michael's Email

Andy's Gift Certificates

Another awesome way to help raise money is by selling Andy's Gift Certificates.  (Thanks Rob for hooking us up with this fundraiser!)  Here's how it works:  You get a book of $5 gift certificates from me.  (Each book has 10 in it.)  You sell them for $5 and for each one you sell we get $2 towards our cause.  I am keeping track of how many each of you sell and when we are all done, I will put the money on your Firstgiving page.

I honestly don't think you will have too much trouble selling them!  Who doesn't go to Andy's?!  I will also be putting on here a little strip of paper that you can print out to give out with each one.  It will explain where the money is going and how they can learn more.

(One little item of note: This gift certificate work a little different than a gift card in this sense: If somebody uses one but doesn't spend all $5, they won't get change back.  For if they buy a large concrete for $4.50, they won't get the $0.50 back.  Of course, if you can't spend over $5 at Andy's, you aren't trying very hard!)

If you would like a book of them, just drop me and email (chrismiller262@gmail.com) or give me a call (417-576-5778)!