Dear Judy,

Thank you for supporting the Food Bank by coordinating We The People – National Tax Day Tea Party.  Now that you have selected a date of 3/30/09 – 4/15/09 and are committed to raising food and funds for our hungry neighbors in Central Texas, its time to get everyone motivated to help end hunger.  Here’s a few ways to make your Sponsored Event a success! 

• Set a Goal:  Set a goal for the amount of food and funds you believe is attainable.  This will help to motivate your peers.  

• Inspire:  Be creative and have fun with it! Use posters, flyers or create a friendly competition among teammates/friends/family to get everyone involved and motivated.  We review all promotional material, which makes use of our name and/or logo; please allow 3 business days to review your materials. In addition, don’t forget to send us photos from your event for possible inclusion in our quarterly newsletters. 

• Start Collecting:  Fill your boxes full of food!  If you are collecting financial donations send out reminders and keep track of your progress through a personalized donation page, also known as a “Virtual Food Drive (VFD).”  We can include your goal on your VFD, which will show your current donations.

• Publicize the Results:  Thank everyone involved and share the results.  Let them know their hard work is appreciated.  Additionally, the Food Bank will send out a thank you letter at the end of your drive documenting your success.

Helpful tips

Food Donations:  We encourage healthy non-perishable food donations.  Please see below for our list of most-needed items. 

• Peanut Butter
• Soups
• Personal care items (shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, feminine hygiene).
• Canned meats like tuna, stew and chili (pop-tops preferred)
• Canned vegetables
• Pasta & pasta sauce
• Beans
• Rice
• Healthy cereals
• Peanut Butter
• Baby food & baby formula
• Diapers (adult and baby)

If possible, we kindly ask that you provide transportation for container pick-up and delivery.  Remember, transportation is a gift too! 

Checklist:
(10)                       # of Boxes (I’d like to suggest boxes for your event as they are collapsible and each box holds up to 150 pounds of food)

(4.13.09)              date of supply pick-up

(4.16.09)               date of supply/food/donation drop- off

(Yes)                      VFD

Hunger Awareness Education:

We encourage you to learn and share information about hunger in Central Texas and the Food Bank’s work. For example, did you know the need is up 50%?  Make use of Hunger Awareness Education materials: Facts about Hunger in Central Texas; What is Food Banking? 

Donate with Confidence:

Did you know nearly 98% of all resources received by the Food Bank are returned to the community in programs and services? This is the highest of any non-profit based in Austin!  Learn more at www.austinfoodbank.org. 

Good luck with your fundraising efforts.  If you have any questions or need further support, please call me at the number listed below!

Sincerely,
Molly Robbins
Community Events Coordinator
8201 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78745
Ph: (512) 684-2531
Fax: (512) 282-6606