PTO Today

Has anyone ever gotten a donation for a free stay from a hotel chain? I am hoping to get one for a huge raffle our school is having. Thanks so much for any information.

I've never solicited them, but I belong to a professional group where hotels are members so those members frequently give complimentary stays for door prizes and silent auctions. That being the case I tend to receive 2 or 3 a year. Being on the receiving end, I've found:

* The stays are most often authorized by the specific hotel location rather than "corporate".

* The easiest ones to solicit are from your local community - but that may not be attractive as people may not have a use for a hotel stay in their home area.

* The documentation/wording is often not clear. A "weekend stay" might mean one night, might mean two. Sunday night might be eligible, might not.

* There is HUGE turnover in the hotel industry. I've sometimes had trouble redeeming certificates for a complimentary stay because the right form/code wasn't used and the person who authorized it is long gone.

* It's not always clear when the offer expires.

It might work to send the request to corporate. Couldn't hurt. But try to make sure any offer is very clear and get detailed contact info for who authorized it.

I have received donations from hotels in the past.

You need to submit a request in writing to your local hotel at least 1 or 2 months prior to your event.

I would first get a short script ready, then call the hotel manager, (not the front desk clerk) and introduce yourself.

SMILE! "Hi, this is Momski Lewinski, my phone number is 555-5555. I am a PTO Mom active with Krakow Elementary School and we're having our annual Kickin Kielbasa Cookoff. I was wondering if your property would want to get involved and get some great exposure. I would like to send a letter to you explaining this opportunity and need to know who to send it to. Please call me back at 555-5555, so I can send the information to you. Again, the name is Momski Lewinski and you can reach me at 555-5555."


Be ready for voice mail as they will probably shoot you through. Keep the message brief and don't beg. Sound UpBeat! Tell them about your event. Be ready to follow up with a phone call at least 1 week before your event.

Another tip:

Don't go after the most popular hotel in town with the water park - opt for a nice one near the airport with a pool. Most families would be happy just to swim and have a nice clean room.

Offer free advertising in exchange for their donation.
If your PTO has a website, offer that you will put their name and a link to their website from yours for 1 year. Or a mention in your PTO or school newsletter and posters with the hotel's name on it at your event.

Good luck!

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