by Jenna Caroccia, ALSF Donor Appreciation and Development Coordinator 

Lemonade Days is quickly approaching and you’re all ready to host an outstanding event. You’ve chosen the date, ordered the lemonade and publicized your stand all over town. You have a fundraising plan and with that, something amazing will happen - you will raise funds for children fighting cancer and make a positive impact in the world. All of us at ALSF are so thankful for your amazing help! 
After the photos are posted and the funds are turned into ALSF, it’s time for you to thank your supporters!  Did you know that the most important thing you’ll ever do in a successful fundraising campaign is to say thank you? Saying thank you is not just an expression of gratitude and good manners, it’s the way to build meaningful relationships with your donors. When done well, recognition will encourage future gifts and continued involvement, whether through volunteering or being an ambassador for your stand. It also helps encourage gifts from other networks or companies. When people see their friends and family members are passionate about a cause, they might consider supporting as well - that’s the true power of a thank you. 

Follow these 10 tips and tricks and start thanking!

1. Write a Handwritten Thank You Note
Handwritten notes are becoming a thing of the past, but sometimes they're the best way to help your message stand out. Taking the time to write a thoughtful, handwritten note shows your supporters that they mean a lot to you.  

2. Share Your Progress
Share your stand success with pride! By adding a sentence about progress, this allows your donor to see the tangible difference that they are making. “This year, we have proudly raised $1,500, which is $500 more than last year. We could not have done it without you! Thank you!” 

3. Don't Ask, Just Thank
Thank you notes should contain gratitude, and make your supporter feel appreciated. If you thank them with enthusiasm now, you should definitely ask again in a month or two—and if you do it right, they’ll be more than happy to give next time.

4. Include a Photograph 
Say lemonade! What better way to thank your supporter than sending them a special reminder from the day. Whether you send a photo of them or of the kids mixing and pouring, it is sure to be appreciated. 

5. Be Specific about Where the Money is Going
Be specific and report to your supporters with pride that they have helped raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national childhood cancer foundation dedicated to raising funds for research into new treatments and cures for all children battling cancer.

6. Pick-up the Phone! 
Try to take time out of the week for you or your kids to call your supporters and volunteers and thank them for all they do! Bonus points: If you happen to get a voicemail, add some pizazz and come up with a special thank you jingle or song.  

7. Keep your ALSF Stand Coach in the Loop! 
Always remember to keep your stand coach in the loop of how your stand went and your awesome donors and volunteers. If you had an extraordinary donation or a company supported your stand, connect with us and we will be happy to send them a thank you note or phone call, too! We are here to help you every step of the way! 

8. Record a Video Message
Break out the video camera, and start thanking! This is a fun, interactive way to say thank you. It's a great tool to use on social media platforms, too! 

9. Host a home-cooked meal for your top donors and volunteers
If you have top five donors or a planning committee, why not go the extra mile and plan a thank you dinner. (Bonus tip: Check out Alex’s Table cookbook for some inspiration!) 

10. Say it from your Heart 
No one can share your story quite like you. When you believe in something with your mind and your heart, you bring it to life. 

No matter how you express your gratitude, say it often. When you send a sincere thank you note or take the time to give your volunteer a call, it shows that their donation and effort has been noticed and appreciated. Not only that, but your thank you message is a chance to deliver the warm feelings of goodwill that drive people to give. 

Thank you for all you do and thank you for joining us in our fight against childhood cancer. (Oh, and thank you for reading this article, too! ☺) 

Jenna is a proud employee at Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. As the Donor Appreciation & Development Coordinator, Jenna enjoys working with individual donors and building meaningful and relationships with our supporters. She says she's never been happier than she is right now putting her talents and her energy to work as part of a team committed to achieving Alex's dream of finding a cure for childhood cancer.