Unfortunately, the demand for donations is so great that our small family business is unable to meet it. We’re sorry be can’t be of help, and we wish you success with your fundraiser.
I agree with Dani - there are so many companies that have responded that they have been totally overwhelmed by the massive amounts of requests. I think its nice to share ideas, but think about the magnitude of new requests that these companies are receiving.
I understand what you are saying. This is our first event of this magnitude that we are trying to do. I know some places that are local only give to us once a year. Which is fine. I can understand not wanting to give multiple times to the same group. I respect that.
I did find a website that was for event planning in our area with a list of companies sorted by categories. This is one way we are going to look for donations. People can take, a list of Limo's for instance and contact them all and see what they can get.
I have lists for local photographers, inn's/hotels/ limos/flower shops. This way I do not have to search for all of these local places it is already done for me. Let the internet work for you!
I do like the ideas of maybe giving suggestions of where to search or ideas of things to think of for donations that we may have over looked. I have been using my house in this way. I see brands that I use and think, well maybe they will give. It cannot hurt, right?
For me, who is new to this, it would be nice to know of places not to ask so I do not waste my time.
@ Lisa - Some of these companies have a very specific time frames or quotas. I did not get a yes from Dogwell, but it was because I did not submit the request with in 90 days of the event( it was 84 days out).
Many others now seem to have quotas - that is why we are doing our event in the fall. Too many school auction events in the Spring and too many activities at our school in the spring months.
I have gotten responses that simply state please try again for your next event or next year. About 50% of the companies I have solicited from this list now give a donation to org/schools once a year or every other year.
It's nice that you all want to help eachother out and share ideas, but most of these companies are no longer offering donations, because they have been blasted with requests as a result of these posts! It's too bad, because those of you who received items from them already will not be able to get donations from them again. I think "tips" are a good idea though!
