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Community Support for FastPitch

Discussion in 'Softball Forum' started by NCLadyNitro, Oct 30, 2009.

  1. Oct 30, 2009 at 8:47 PM #1
    NCLadyNitro

    NCLadyNitro Member

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    Is it just Gaston County or is the support for Fastpitch lacking in other areas as well.Take fundraising for instance.We are the only organization in Fastpitch in our area that carries Ateam banner displaying our supporters.Our banner support mostly came from our major Non-Profit.But government stipulations on the way the Non-Profit was set up.They can't give us the funding as they did in the past.We charge our players the first year their uniform cost.after that $40.00 per season.Now we are looking for local businesses to support our FastPitch Team,and the response is not so Great.I have been through Travel Baseball with my nephew,and have seen 9-10 Gaston County Teams full of local Sponsors.And with the
    2010 Banner we have 4 supporters so far.We were looking to expand to a 14u in Spring along with our 12u TB Team.Not sure that is going to happen.Can anyone give suggestions on how to approach these businesses,and what fundraisers worked for you in the past.The support is not there and I will not join a township,for the reasons my organization started with.Township was doing nothing but place A team and force A staff member to coach.Any help would be greatly appreciated.How do we get the support from the community for our girls softball and not only the baseball.:1zhelp:
     
  2. Oct 30, 2009 at 9:17 PM #2
    CometFan

    CometFan Moderator

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    Support

    I don't think support is lacking. Several years ago sponsors was easier to get. Today there is a fastpitch softball team on every corner. Those starting new teams are having trouble getting support due to the fact that most people that support fastpitch are already supporting a team. I see the day coming when the only way to support a team is through player fees. Many of the big name travel teams are already doing this.
     
  3. Oct 30, 2009 at 10:05 PM #3
    NCLadyNitro

    NCLadyNitro Member

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    Well there is only one in our area and they are supported by a community center.Maybe my whole approach is wrong.New to the TB World.
     
  4. Oct 30, 2009 at 11:08 PM #4
    marlinfan1

    marlinfan1 Full Access Member

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    The economy sucks. Not to get all political here friend, but if the "money folks", you know, the people or businesses that are mega-billionish see a decline in the return (profit) of using their money in the "market", then they stop moving the cash around. BAM!, the declining flow of funds at the top trickles down to ALL of us.
    Hello, we're in a recession. Its Oct. 30th, and most corporations are finished or finshing their budgets for 2010. Go for the jugular right now to any big Corp. in your region. Snooze, looze.
    Now, how do you go about getting some of the funds needed to put your teams on the field.....
    1. Who's the guy putting $6000 worth of braces on your kids mouths?
    Trust me on this one, he'll pony up a check.
    2. Who's the "TV popular" car dealer? $1000 to that business is nothing.
    3. Fundraisers....forget golf tourneys. Cooking a pig....presale for sure, is
    a good, but time consuming venture.
    4. You say you're "tax exempt", many teams work concessions at the RBC or other places, Lowes Motor Speedway, eg, for a piece of the profit.


    Just a couple of things here that might help. Good luck.

    Marlin
     
  5. Oct 31, 2009 at 7:06 AM #5
    cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    being from gaston county, i understand your plight. most of this is timing my friend. most corporate sponsors had a specific budget for this and at this time of year, its all spent. some start over with their budgets in january and some start the second quarter in april. companies like wix/affina and western auto have people who do nothing but accept requests from local charities and then these requests are voted on by committee.

    money is tight and budgets have been slashed, but concentrate on the companies that are excelling right now, like the following: metal recycling companies (seven in gaston/cleveland county) large manuf's like wix, A&E, stabilus, globe, parkdale, and curtis wright to mention a few, find out who's in charge and when the budget is discussed.

    companies like lowe's and home depot will rarely donate money, but they will donate items that you can auction off like grills/outdoor tents, etc....

    we raised more money from car washes at places like sam's club and walmart then we ever received from private donations (600-800 a day). pizza hut and domino's will donate food cards that you can sell for 5-10 each and they go fast (we sold these in the parking lots of these establishments while doing car washes and it added to the total)

    i dont know of one small business in our area who isnt struggling financially, so money is tight. and as far as a change in rules for donations, i know of no changes in the last five years.

    do not: sell candy, flowers, flower bulbs, magazines or popcorn as you compete directly with the middle schools/boy scout/girl scout systems and you will be wasting your time.

    i have been told that sam's/walmart might not allow car washes any more, so move to auto zone who will not only allow it, they will supply you all the materials to do it including the hoses (in some places) and donate money on occasions (if you share some of the team pizza with the owner) lol.....

    good luck
     
  6. Oct 31, 2009 at 8:11 PM #6
    Hurdle1

    Hurdle1 Member

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    Everybody eats

    The economy is bad but everyone still has to eat. Bbq plates, bbq chicken plates, or stew by the quart. Its a lot of work with a lot of support needed to pull it off. Maybe have it on Friday and go by these businesses and pre-sell for lunch and dinner. Pre-sell as much as you can.
     

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