It’s been a couple of weeks now since the end of the ride and this is a reminder to all of you to remember to thank your sponsors.

Write a letter of thank you (e-mail is fine nowadays) and you can use the ADA’s online fundraising tools to make sure not to miss anyone (click “Follow ups” then in the drop-down list, select “have donated on your behalf to this event”. That will get the list of all your donors.

Write them a letter and tell them what happened during your ride. All too often, people donate to an event, then never even hear that you actually participated. That’s just not good. Bring your sponsors along for a part of the ride. Did anything notable happen to you? How was the food? What was it like to climb Crawford Notch? Did you meet any new friends? Ever been to Vermont before? How much better did you feel after the massage? Have you stopped eating 5,000 calorie meals since you got back? Have you been back on the bike since you got back? How much money did you raise? How much money did the event raise? What will the money be spent on? How many people participated. How was the weather?

Are you planning on riding next year? If so, tell your sponsors and remind them right now that you’ll be asking for another donation next year. That way, they’ll be expecting it and possibly saving something for you. Remember, your donors have many, many people asking for money; everything from public radio, to churches, to schools, to every charitable organization under the sun. Every one of them is deserving but there simply isn’t enough money to go around, especially nowadays.  This is one of the best ways for you to stand out in the crowd, and your sponsors will really appreciate and remember it.

My family lives in Kokomo, Indiana, which has the distinction of having been named one of the 10 most rapidly dying cities in the US, by USA today. Our current unemployment rate is 17% and climbing, thanks to the auto industry.

I felt very nervous asking people for money when I know they are either unemployed or sitting on the edge expecting a layoff notice. I put these paragraphs at the start of my fundraising letter:

“I always find it difficult to ask family and friends for money, even when it is for a cause that is a critical as finding new treatments for the millions of Americans with diabetes. This year I feel particularly awkward because I know that many of you are experiencing personal challenges due to the current economic and employment crises. I have considered not asking some of you for your support this year but have decided instead to send you my annual appeal. Please be assured, however, that I understand if you choose to reduce the amount you contribute or defer your contribution until a time when your circumstances have improved.

For those of you who have not been too adversely affected by the economic downturn, please consider increasing your contribution. The American Diabetes Association has already undertaken strong measures to reduce overhead costs (reducing staff, cutting back on some activities, etc.) but the need for the association’s education, advocacy and research efforts has not declined. The need for your generosity is greater than ever. My goal is to match, or exceed, the $5000 that I raised last year.”

I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of my supporters. A number of them have increased their contributions significantly, and even those who are at risk of layoff, or already out of work, have still made sizable contributions. This is a testimony to the good people of Kokomo, but also to the importance of continuing our efforts to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.

Feel free to the text of my “give if you can, give more if you can” paragraphs in your fundraising emails or letters.

I look forward to seeing all of my New England Classic friends in July. Until then – tailwinds to all!

Barbara Sehr