Featured Campaign
Hey everyone, I hope you can support me in this important endeavor. I'm raising money for an...
Sending Emails
We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you to create your emails. Here are some basic tips for writing your emails, and some templates of emails from the first two years that you can just copy and paste into your emails. Also, our Campaign Coordinators are highly skilled at writing these emails, so if you need some help, or even someone to write a draft for you, email us at ithinkican@atthecrossroads.org, and let us know how we can help.
Some basic tips for writing your emails:
- Explain the basic idea of the campaign, that by sponsoring you they will be helping to motivate and support you in achieving your goal
- Tell people why your goal matters to you
- Explain why you want to help ATC
- Explain in a sentence or so what ATC does
- Make sure you include the link to your campaign page
- You can include a link to ATC's website and mention that our documentary can be viewed on there, if you want
- If your campaign activity involves spending any money (getting a tattoo, taking a trip somewhere) make sure to explain that all of the money they donate will be going to ATC, not toward your goal
- In update emails, talk about how you are doing in taking steps toward your goal, how many people have sponsored you, how much you have raised, and how much left you have to achieve your fundraising goal
- Have fun with it!!!
- Make sure to copy ithinkican@atthecrossroads.org on all of your emails, so we can learn from you and give you tips
Initial Emails:
From: Ilana Golin
Subject: I Think I Can
Dear Friends and Family,
In an effort to improve my health and support an incredible organization, I have teamed up with At The Crossroads to participate in their "I Think I Can" campaign.
As some of you know, I was diagnosed with kidney stones a year ago.
Despite many attempts to heed the doctor's orders and drink more water, I have had trouble sticking to it. I am asking you to please consider sponsoring me in this effort.
Here's how it works: I will drink 2 liters of water per day in exchange for donations to At The Crossroads. You can pledge a flat amount, a certain amount per day, or -- if you're a math whiz - you can pledge a certain amount per liter.
Please take a moment to visit my personal web page, learn more about my goal, and sign up to be one of my sponsors. Just go to:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=ilanagolin
At The Crossroads works with homeless youth who others have given up on. Their skilled counselors and volunteers are truly reaching people who would otherwise be slipping through the proverbial cracks. The organizational mission is to help clients move beyond surviving and toward building outstanding lives. I'll drink to that!
I know that many of you already give to a number of worthy causes.
Please consider adding At The Crossroads to your list. Not only will you be helping out an amazing organization, but you'll be motivating me to develop healthier habits.
Looking forward to your support,
Ilana
Subject: I Think I Can
Dear Friends and Family,
In an effort to improve my health and support an incredible organization, I have teamed up with At The Crossroads to participate in their "I Think I Can" campaign.
As some of you know, I was diagnosed with kidney stones a year ago.
Despite many attempts to heed the doctor's orders and drink more water, I have had trouble sticking to it. I am asking you to please consider sponsoring me in this effort.
Here's how it works: I will drink 2 liters of water per day in exchange for donations to At The Crossroads. You can pledge a flat amount, a certain amount per day, or -- if you're a math whiz - you can pledge a certain amount per liter.
Please take a moment to visit my personal web page, learn more about my goal, and sign up to be one of my sponsors. Just go to:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=ilanagolin
At The Crossroads works with homeless youth who others have given up on. Their skilled counselors and volunteers are truly reaching people who would otherwise be slipping through the proverbial cracks. The organizational mission is to help clients move beyond surviving and toward building outstanding lives. I'll drink to that!
I know that many of you already give to a number of worthy causes.
Please consider adding At The Crossroads to your list. Not only will you be helping out an amazing organization, but you'll be motivating me to develop healthier habits.
Looking forward to your support,
Ilana
From: Amanda Navar
Subject: Help Me Win My Pulitzer While Helping Homeless Youth
Hi Friends and Family,
I am excited to share that I just joined the At The Crossroads "I Think I Can" campaign. At The Crossroads is a fantastic organization that helps homeless youth. It was started by my good friend, Rob Gitin, ten years ago. They have helped hundreds of street youth turn their lives around, find housing, counseling, jobs, and become successful, engaged members of society. Their success stories are amazing.
The "I Think I Can" campaign encourages people to fulfill their dreams while raising funds for their organization. I think it is brilliant! So I am asking you all to support me, and At The Crossroads, while I work toward my goal.
Most of you probably don't know my secret dream of becoming a writer. A few years ago, I started working on a children's book and it has just been sitting there, unfinished, in my computer. So my goal is to complete the book and submit it to five publishers by the end of the summer. If you'd like to support me in this endeavor, while helping homeless kids, please check out my campaign webpage:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=mandita
My goal is to raise $2,000 in the next two weeks. I figure I can get 40 people to donate $50. Even if you can't give $50, ANY amount will be much appreciated and will not go to waste. You can donate online, straight from my webpage.
The $2,000 I raise will be enough to provide blankets, beanies, and rain ponchos to all the homeless youth that At The Crossroads works with during the winter season. For any of you who have been to San Francisco, you know how cold it gets, even in the summer. Your donation will bring a little warmth into the life of a homeless youth.
If you have the idea that all homeless youth are screw ups that got themselves kicked out of their happy homes, think again. Many of these kids are victims of abuse who left on their own, or were born into horrific family situations that you can't even imagine. Regardless of the reason they are on the streets, the fact is, no one should ever have to endure such hardships at such a young age.
I hope you'll join me in helping At The Crossroads and realizing my dream. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll dedicate my New York Times Bestseller to you.
Lots of love,
Amanda
Subject: Help Me Win My Pulitzer While Helping Homeless Youth
Hi Friends and Family,
I am excited to share that I just joined the At The Crossroads "I Think I Can" campaign. At The Crossroads is a fantastic organization that helps homeless youth. It was started by my good friend, Rob Gitin, ten years ago. They have helped hundreds of street youth turn their lives around, find housing, counseling, jobs, and become successful, engaged members of society. Their success stories are amazing.
The "I Think I Can" campaign encourages people to fulfill their dreams while raising funds for their organization. I think it is brilliant! So I am asking you all to support me, and At The Crossroads, while I work toward my goal.
Most of you probably don't know my secret dream of becoming a writer. A few years ago, I started working on a children's book and it has just been sitting there, unfinished, in my computer. So my goal is to complete the book and submit it to five publishers by the end of the summer. If you'd like to support me in this endeavor, while helping homeless kids, please check out my campaign webpage:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=mandita
My goal is to raise $2,000 in the next two weeks. I figure I can get 40 people to donate $50. Even if you can't give $50, ANY amount will be much appreciated and will not go to waste. You can donate online, straight from my webpage.
The $2,000 I raise will be enough to provide blankets, beanies, and rain ponchos to all the homeless youth that At The Crossroads works with during the winter season. For any of you who have been to San Francisco, you know how cold it gets, even in the summer. Your donation will bring a little warmth into the life of a homeless youth.
If you have the idea that all homeless youth are screw ups that got themselves kicked out of their happy homes, think again. Many of these kids are victims of abuse who left on their own, or were born into horrific family situations that you can't even imagine. Regardless of the reason they are on the streets, the fact is, no one should ever have to endure such hardships at such a young age.
I hope you'll join me in helping At The Crossroads and realizing my dream. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll dedicate my New York Times Bestseller to you.
Lots of love,
Amanda
From: Jenn Guitart
Subject: Help my singing voice and homeless youth in one fell swoop!
Dear Friends and Family,
You know those fundraising campaigns where you run a marathon or do a triathlon and ask friends to sponsor you? Well, I would never do such a thing. In fact, at this point, being 6 months pregnant, even walking to the grocery store feels like a major athletic feat. Luckily, At the Crossroads, my favorite nonprofit organization, is having a different kind of fundraiser. It's called the "I Think I Can Campaign," and the idea is that participants set their own personal goal and try to raise money around that.
So I'm doing something I've wanted to do for a very long time -- take voice lessons! And I'm asking you to support me, and at the same time help homeless youth and young adults, by donating to this campaign. Please take a moment to check out my campaign website:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=jguitart
There you'll find more details about At the Crossroads, and this cool campaign. (And you'll see a cute picture of Nathaniel groovin' out to mama's music.) And you can donate right on the website (or by check if you prefer).
I'm very excited about this, not only because I'll be helping homeless youth, but because I'm already learning neat things about my voice -- and I just started my lessons on Monday.
Thanks for your support!
Love,
Jenn
Subject: Help my singing voice and homeless youth in one fell swoop!
Dear Friends and Family,
You know those fundraising campaigns where you run a marathon or do a triathlon and ask friends to sponsor you? Well, I would never do such a thing. In fact, at this point, being 6 months pregnant, even walking to the grocery store feels like a major athletic feat. Luckily, At the Crossroads, my favorite nonprofit organization, is having a different kind of fundraiser. It's called the "I Think I Can Campaign," and the idea is that participants set their own personal goal and try to raise money around that.
So I'm doing something I've wanted to do for a very long time -- take voice lessons! And I'm asking you to support me, and at the same time help homeless youth and young adults, by donating to this campaign. Please take a moment to check out my campaign website:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=jguitart
There you'll find more details about At the Crossroads, and this cool campaign. (And you'll see a cute picture of Nathaniel groovin' out to mama's music.) And you can donate right on the website (or by check if you prefer).
I'm very excited about this, not only because I'll be helping homeless youth, but because I'm already learning neat things about my voice -- and I just started my lessons on Monday.
Thanks for your support!
Love,
Jenn
Update Emails:
From: Christine Solari
Subject: Swim Update!
Hello everyone!
It's been a while since my last update, but aside from one awkward incident that is not appropriate to share in mass email, I haven't had much excitement at the pool. I have figured out that bananas, lattes and yoga, not necessarily in that order, are this swimmer's best friend (or is that just the Palo Alto in me talkin'?); I can pretty much swim a mile now though definitely not non-stop and definitely not every time I go to the pool thinking I'm going to swim a mile; and the flip turns? Well, everyone in their own time as I like to say.
Two items to share:
1. Including donations that have been mailed in by check, I have now raised $1405, meaning I am only $95 away from reaching my fundraising goal. You guys rock! And for those of you who have wanted to donate but were waiting for the right moment (TOM), this is the right moment! Go to my website to get me to my goal: http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=christinesolari
And, again, huge thanks to all of you who have already donated (in financial and other ways) for helping me get this far!
2. In an unusual turn of events, I'm doing all kinds of travel starting tomorrow and won't be able to swim again until I reach the allegedly Olympic-sized pool at the Date Tree Inn near Joshua Tree in two weeks.
I've spent a lot of time contemplating how much of my training I will lose by not swimming (or really having a chance to even exercise) for two weeks, and wondering if I should still try the April 5 swim or not. I concluded that, for my peace of mind, I need to move back the swim date so I have enough time to a) make sure I'm ready for it and can fulfill my pledge to all of you and b) don't hurt myself in the process.
I decided to push it back two weeks, to April 19, which gives me enough time to get back into shape and, if everything goes as it is supposed to, also falls one day after the conclusion of a significant event in the personal life, making it an optimal day for both a big swim and a big party.
I will keep you all posted once I'm back in the water, and thank you again for your continued support!
Much love,
Christine
P.S. For those of you confused by the date change because you are picturing a big event at the Aquatic Center with lots of swimmers and whistles and officials and what have you, please allow me to re-paint the picture for you: on April 19, during the regular open swim hours for the pool, I will swim one mile in the "Slow Lane" (one over from the "Family Swim" lane), dodging swim joggers and child swimming prodigies, while my friend and colleague Kelly Beck counts laps. Most people at the pool will not know anything is happening other than that they are doing their regular Saturday aquatic thing. When I'm done, I will hop out of the pool, say, "yay me!", maybe allow Kelly to take a snapshot to prove it happened, and then head for the locker room. No medals. No event t-shirts. No free yogurt samples. Just a girl, a pool, and a dream.
Subject: Swim Update!
Hello everyone!
It's been a while since my last update, but aside from one awkward incident that is not appropriate to share in mass email, I haven't had much excitement at the pool. I have figured out that bananas, lattes and yoga, not necessarily in that order, are this swimmer's best friend (or is that just the Palo Alto in me talkin'?); I can pretty much swim a mile now though definitely not non-stop and definitely not every time I go to the pool thinking I'm going to swim a mile; and the flip turns? Well, everyone in their own time as I like to say.
Two items to share:
1. Including donations that have been mailed in by check, I have now raised $1405, meaning I am only $95 away from reaching my fundraising goal. You guys rock! And for those of you who have wanted to donate but were waiting for the right moment (TOM), this is the right moment! Go to my website to get me to my goal: http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=christinesolari
And, again, huge thanks to all of you who have already donated (in financial and other ways) for helping me get this far!
2. In an unusual turn of events, I'm doing all kinds of travel starting tomorrow and won't be able to swim again until I reach the allegedly Olympic-sized pool at the Date Tree Inn near Joshua Tree in two weeks.
I've spent a lot of time contemplating how much of my training I will lose by not swimming (or really having a chance to even exercise) for two weeks, and wondering if I should still try the April 5 swim or not. I concluded that, for my peace of mind, I need to move back the swim date so I have enough time to a) make sure I'm ready for it and can fulfill my pledge to all of you and b) don't hurt myself in the process.
I decided to push it back two weeks, to April 19, which gives me enough time to get back into shape and, if everything goes as it is supposed to, also falls one day after the conclusion of a significant event in the personal life, making it an optimal day for both a big swim and a big party.
I will keep you all posted once I'm back in the water, and thank you again for your continued support!
Much love,
Christine
P.S. For those of you confused by the date change because you are picturing a big event at the Aquatic Center with lots of swimmers and whistles and officials and what have you, please allow me to re-paint the picture for you: on April 19, during the regular open swim hours for the pool, I will swim one mile in the "Slow Lane" (one over from the "Family Swim" lane), dodging swim joggers and child swimming prodigies, while my friend and colleague Kelly Beck counts laps. Most people at the pool will not know anything is happening other than that they are doing their regular Saturday aquatic thing. When I'm done, I will hop out of the pool, say, "yay me!", maybe allow Kelly to take a snapshot to prove it happened, and then head for the locker room. No medals. No event t-shirts. No free yogurt samples. Just a girl, a pool, and a dream.
From: Rob Gitin
Subject: Fat Albert/Fat Robert Challenge, Week 3
Friends and Family-
Highlight moment of week 3:
Two days ago, the doorbell rang at my office, and when I opened the door, I saw Eric, who has been a client of ATC for the past nine years. Eric looks me up and down, and without saying a word, launches into the form of break-dancing (or B-Boying, for you old schoolers) best known as "Popping." He pops for about 10 seconds, stops, looks at me, says "nice outfit," pats me on the back, and walks past me.
Near highlight moment of week 3:
As I was getting into my car, I caught the eye of a woman who was jaywalking across the street. She stopped to stare, and nearly got hit by a car.
Awkward moment of week 3:
I walked into my neighborhood Starbucks wearing the outfit (the picture from week one was from a different Starbucks). I religiously get a morning Frappucino, so they see me 5 times a week. Paul, AJ, and Linda, the regular crew, were all there. They didn't say anything about the outfit, and instead just looked at me oddly. What this meant is that they all believed I was wearing this outfit as part of my regular wardrobe. It was horrifying.
Thank you so much for those of you who donated to my campaign, and have now taken me to the SECOND Fat Albert level! I'm wearing the outfit two days a week, and exercising at least two days a week. Quick campaign stats:
# of donors: 30
Dollars raised: $2,810 ($750 in checks)
I'm more than $1,600 away from level 3, so I need your support! If you haven't donated, ask yourself: If not now, when; if not me, who?
The more money I get, the more I exercise, and the more I will have to wear the outfit. Go to my page at: http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=Robgitin
If you are amused and inspired, sponsor my campaign, help me shed pounds, and make me sacrifice my dignity on behalf of the organization I love.
Rob
PS-If you are interested in learning more about the campaign and might want to sign up for your own campaign activity, go to http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org. If you want to see what other people are doing for campaigns, go to http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/learnMore.php?page=12
PPS- If you already support ATC (and many of you generously do!) , be warned that we'll still be seeking an annual contribution in addition to any sponsorship of my campaign. Contributing to my humiliation and health is an extra bonus for ATC, and for you.
Subject: Fat Albert/Fat Robert Challenge, Week 3
Friends and Family-
Highlight moment of week 3:
Two days ago, the doorbell rang at my office, and when I opened the door, I saw Eric, who has been a client of ATC for the past nine years. Eric looks me up and down, and without saying a word, launches into the form of break-dancing (or B-Boying, for you old schoolers) best known as "Popping." He pops for about 10 seconds, stops, looks at me, says "nice outfit," pats me on the back, and walks past me.
Near highlight moment of week 3:
As I was getting into my car, I caught the eye of a woman who was jaywalking across the street. She stopped to stare, and nearly got hit by a car.
Awkward moment of week 3:
I walked into my neighborhood Starbucks wearing the outfit (the picture from week one was from a different Starbucks). I religiously get a morning Frappucino, so they see me 5 times a week. Paul, AJ, and Linda, the regular crew, were all there. They didn't say anything about the outfit, and instead just looked at me oddly. What this meant is that they all believed I was wearing this outfit as part of my regular wardrobe. It was horrifying.
Thank you so much for those of you who donated to my campaign, and have now taken me to the SECOND Fat Albert level! I'm wearing the outfit two days a week, and exercising at least two days a week. Quick campaign stats:
# of donors: 30
Dollars raised: $2,810 ($750 in checks)
I'm more than $1,600 away from level 3, so I need your support! If you haven't donated, ask yourself: If not now, when; if not me, who?
The more money I get, the more I exercise, and the more I will have to wear the outfit. Go to my page at: http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=Robgitin
If you are amused and inspired, sponsor my campaign, help me shed pounds, and make me sacrifice my dignity on behalf of the organization I love.
Rob
PS-If you are interested in learning more about the campaign and might want to sign up for your own campaign activity, go to http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org. If you want to see what other people are doing for campaigns, go to http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/learnMore.php?page=12
PPS- If you already support ATC (and many of you generously do!) , be warned that we'll still be seeking an annual contribution in addition to any sponsorship of my campaign. Contributing to my humiliation and health is an extra bonus for ATC, and for you.
From: Mary Howe
Subject: 20 hours of pain to help homeless youth......UPDATE
Friends and Family-
I have decided to rename my campaign from 20-hours of pain to 30 hours of pain, as I have become aware this might take longer.
Week 1: This was my first sitting we did the entire outline in 4 hours and although it really hurt I made it through.
Week 2: We began shading and it really f***ing hurt.
In fact at the second hour I did two things I have never done, One: I asked Derrick to stop and 2: I cried. I then gathered myself back up and went for another 3 hours.
Week 3: I just (a half hour ago) got done with a 5 hour session. At this point I realize it is redundant to tell you how painful it was so I won't. We finished 2 ravens and started on the third. We both decided we were done for the day so I was standing up to get saran wraped (saran wrap is used so you don't bleed all over your clothes) and we started discussing passing out and then yet another thing I have never done happened--I passed out. After a candy bar and some cold towels I paid my bill and came home. At this moment I feel as if I have been skinned and I want to die, but I will be back there next week for more torture.
With all that said I would like to thank Derrick Snodgrass of Temple Tattoo (even though he is really heavy handed) for the good times we've had the last few weeks. Tattooist HATE doing cover ups and no one wanted to attempt such a large one but Derrick has taken this on and I am in awe of how beautiful it is!!!
To look at the photos go to:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=mhowe
Thank you so much for those of you who donated to my campaign.
Quick campaign stats:
# of donors: 9
Dollars raised: $330 ($20 in cash)
To those of you who have not sponsored me, I have a serious message.
Open your wallet and shell out the cash because ATC needs and deserves your money. They ROCK!
PS-If you are interested in learning more about the campaign and might want to sign up for your own campaign activity, go to
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org.
The campaign has become a huge success, and people are loving participating! If you want to see what other people are doing for campaigns, go to
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/learnMore.php?page=12
Mary Howe
Subject: 20 hours of pain to help homeless youth......UPDATE
Friends and Family-
I have decided to rename my campaign from 20-hours of pain to 30 hours of pain, as I have become aware this might take longer.
Week 1: This was my first sitting we did the entire outline in 4 hours and although it really hurt I made it through.
Week 2: We began shading and it really f***ing hurt.
In fact at the second hour I did two things I have never done, One: I asked Derrick to stop and 2: I cried. I then gathered myself back up and went for another 3 hours.
Week 3: I just (a half hour ago) got done with a 5 hour session. At this point I realize it is redundant to tell you how painful it was so I won't. We finished 2 ravens and started on the third. We both decided we were done for the day so I was standing up to get saran wraped (saran wrap is used so you don't bleed all over your clothes) and we started discussing passing out and then yet another thing I have never done happened--I passed out. After a candy bar and some cold towels I paid my bill and came home. At this moment I feel as if I have been skinned and I want to die, but I will be back there next week for more torture.
With all that said I would like to thank Derrick Snodgrass of Temple Tattoo (even though he is really heavy handed) for the good times we've had the last few weeks. Tattooist HATE doing cover ups and no one wanted to attempt such a large one but Derrick has taken this on and I am in awe of how beautiful it is!!!
To look at the photos go to:
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/campaign.php?id=mhowe
Thank you so much for those of you who donated to my campaign.
Quick campaign stats:
# of donors: 9
Dollars raised: $330 ($20 in cash)
To those of you who have not sponsored me, I have a serious message.
Open your wallet and shell out the cash because ATC needs and deserves your money. They ROCK!
PS-If you are interested in learning more about the campaign and might want to sign up for your own campaign activity, go to
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org.
The campaign has become a huge success, and people are loving participating! If you want to see what other people are doing for campaigns, go to
http://campaign.atthecrossroads.org/learnMore.php?page=12
Mary Howe