Golf tournament suggestions for local K-9 units???

[Craig Caughlin]

Hi folks,
I'm a volunteer for my local law enforcement K-9 organization, and we're planning a golf tournament to raise money for the care of our retired K-9 officers.

Since we're new to planning an event like this (this is our "2nd Annual") and raising $$$, I was hoping some of you might have some suggestions on things we might think about to make it a successful event, and raising as much $$$ as possible for these heroes???

Thank you,
Craig

[clfike]

I don't have any experience with fundraising, but I just wanted to wish you luck and say this is a wonderful thing you're doing.

[Craig Caughlin]

Thank you Cindy.



I'm really excited and am really hoping we'll have a FABULOUS event for the people and, of course, for the K-9 dogs!

One of the officers just had to retire his dog due to cancer and has incurred nearly a $10K vet bill (they're treating the cancer, God bless them!).

All of us volunteers are going to do our very best!

Craig

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

How neat!

You can google Charity Golf Tournaments and check out other orgs websites, see what they do, gather some ideas that way.

If there is a healthy, willing retired K9 (or rotating ones-current and retired so no one gets too tired) to have your picture taken with for a donation, that would be nice.

Closest to the pin contest seemed popular.

The one I went to (one!) to take pictures had me obviously taking pictures as part of their mementos for the day-in a little card frame-my expenses only (not time-donated) was covered by a donation from a computer place. They also got a gift bag of donated items for participating.

Silent auctions are always big.

Having sponsorship opportunities for businesses helps. Here are the ones for the tournament I was at-this is in WNY so youmay be able to up your $ depending on the economy:

$1,000 Major Sponsor. Includes paid foursome (include names below), hole sponsor and full page Program ad**. Banner displayed entire day of event.
___$500 Business Sponsor. Includes 1 paid twosome (include names below), hole sponsor and full page Program ad**. Banner displayed entire day of event.
___$250 Eagle Sponsor. Includes 1 individual golfer (include name below), 2 hole signs and 1/2 page Program ad**.
___$150 Birdie Sponsor. Includes 2 hole signs and 1/4 page program ad**.
___$95 Scotch Sponsor. Includes 2 hole signs and business card size program ad**.
___$50 Hole Sponsor on tee box of choice #____________.

Also stressing that part of their fee is tax deductible (MAYBE-if it is!) would maybe help.

I would also get a list of typical vetting costs in your area. Let them know what a 2x/year senior visit costs-bloodwork, supplements, quality food, etc. so that they have an idea of what the dogs need.

I wonder if you could also get a "famous" GSD owner to participate somehow.

Good luck!

[MLinn730]

My company sponsors things like this all the time - we usually get a table at a hole and can hand out water, gatorade, etc.

If you can contact your local Chamber of Commerce, they might be able to have members who would want to sponsor the event. It is a great source of advertising for them too.

The previous post really covered most of the opportunities in this type of event.

Oh, and depending on how many people sign up to play, you could always do a "best ball" tournament to speed along play.

[LisaT]

Originally Posted By: Craig CaughlinThank you Cindy.



I'm really excited and am really hoping we'll have a FABULOUS event for the people and, of course, for the K-9 dogs!

One of the officers just had to retire his dog due to cancer and has incurred nearly a $10K vet bill (they're treating the cancer, God bless them!).

All of us volunteers are going to do our very best!

Craig

Oh no, I hate to hear this.

Here's a pic of one of the SD K9's from the trial at Crocker in 2006. I have a bunch of pics from that trial, and the one the year before. (Didn't want to post one with an officer in it, in case they didn't like that.)

[Mozart396]

Hole in one contests with $1million payouts or 50 ft putts are very popular. There are companies that underwrite and pay the prizes.

Example: http://www.hio.com/putting-contest/index.php

Sell golf balls for $1-$5 and let people take a swing or putt for the $1million (or whatever denomination) prize!

[AZGSD]

Silent auction in reception area --- get lots of donations, the small stuff make into baskets, the big stuff do as individual items. You can do this with anything, spa, trips, tax prep you name it.

Driving for yardage -- longest drive wins something.

Ride along's cost nothing (maybe include a T shirt) and some have gone for up to 800 bucks in stuff I have been involved with. Don't limit it to K9, any other PD units and fire as well is always popular.

[Smithie86]

With the silent auction, set it up on an access database. Pre-fill in the starting and bidding increments.

We did this at the Ronald McDonald House fundraisers and got a better return. Create a formula that will set the minimum amount (based on pre-determined %) and the set $$ increments.

You will do better on the return this way.