I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the campaign. We raised $2750.00 out of the $3000.00 goal. This was my first experience of online fundraising. I consider it a success.

Here’s what worked:

1. Got permission from the Red Cross to use e-mail and this blog. I’m not sure if I needed it, but permission never hurts.
2. Wrote a blog post (web page) about the campaign. I made sure to choose an image since it really helps conversions (donations) when people see images of familiar icons. The copy included various ways to donate.
3. Changed my e-mail signature to read: "Help me help the Red Cross…" The signature was only two lines and explained I would match everything the person donated. There was a link to the blog page.
4. I e-mailed people in or from the Bluegrass. The campaign was for our chapter so it seemed like the natural group of people to contact. Approximately 200 people were e-mailed. Around 30 donated and I got two people who donated after the campaign was over. I’m not sure if this is a good ratio or not, but it served the purpose.

In addition to the funds raised, I learned who donated funds and who communicated they did not because of other charitable contributions. The last communication was very valuable to me since it acknowledged people do care.

I am a bit surprised about the total number of people who did not respond to my e-mail request. My request was personalized and its not as if I make these requests all the time (it was my first one). No matter…I will respond to them in the future because its only polite to do so.

Thanks again if you donated!

(written while on a train to the city housing the Red Cross international HQ: Geneva.)