Send Christmas to Africa

by Jennifer Aldrich
(Tampa Florida)

A friend of mine was leaving for Africa for four months and still needed to raise over $3,000 to be able to go. After a while of thinking how to help to raise Funds I came up with the idea to put on a concert.
The first thing I had to do was line up a venue to hold the concert so I went to a church and asked them if we could use thier youth room for free, which they agreed to. Then I went to local businesses and asked them if they had any items they would be willing to donate to the silent auction, which was able to be used as Tax Deductable items.
After that I contacted several bands and told them what my plans were and asked them if they would be willing to come play for the show for free, which they agreed. After that I went to several restraunts and grocerie stores asking them if they would be willing to donate food, so that people could eat if they wanted.
After we set the date, the bands, the Venue, and the food in stone I started selling tickets for $5.00 a ticket and was surprised to find the amount of people who were readily buying tickets, even when they knew they would not be able to attend.
During the show we also took up a special offering and was able to raise all together over $1,200 and it costed us nothing to put on.
If I could share any good tips with you it would be to make sure to explain to people what the cause is and most people are more than willing to go out of thier way to help.