Braille Monitor               April 2024

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How to Host an Event that no one Attends Absent-Tea

by Cindy Scott-Huisman

Cindy Scott-HuismanFrom the Editor: Cindy is becoming a frequent contributor. We are the beneficiaries of her putting her mind to writing and sharing with us her good ideas and observations. Here is her latest contribution, which should give all of us who fundraise some fantastic ideas:

Fundraising. It may not be everyone’s favorite part of being involved with an organization, but some of us love that feeling of getting fired up when we have identified our upcoming goals, and figuring out clever ways to not only raise money to support the mission, but to also find ways to create more awareness. Making a budget is another crucial part of the process. We fundraise to help cover the cost of our projects. We have a plan in place, and if we need money to accomplish our goals, that’s where a great plan for fundraising comes in. This whole aspect can be thought of as development.

I feel fortunate to have several friends who work in development professionally. I learn a lot from them about the whole picture. I want to share my understanding of the step-by-step process.

Here's one example: If you and your team on development in your area are looking for a simple and out-of-the-box fundraising idea, consider having a non-event. When this concept was first presented to folks in the NFB of Arkansas, there were plenty of questions!

This was not a completely original idea.

I have been involved with fundraising my entire adult life. It’s a general practice of ours to donate items to non-profit organizations anytime clients of my small business ask. My business, Cantrell Gallery, has hosted several fundraising events through the years. I have helped plan and participated on the acquisitions committee for both small and major fundraising events. Years ago, I first heard about the “Not At All Ball,” implemented by Potluck of Arkansas, a non-profit organization that works towards helping with hunger-relief. A friend of mine was on the Potluck board of directors and explained how much time, effort, and cost goes into throwing these large fundraising events. The Not At All Ball, carefully spelled out to potential non-attendees how much money they might spend on getting dressed up for a fancy ball, and described how that money could instead support this organization, from the comfort of their homes. Potluck was operating on the proverbial shoestring budget, and this fit their needs perfectly. I remember responding favorably to this idea because of its simplicity. During the spring and fall seasons, so many folks have calendars which keep them busy, it’s a refreshing concept.

After I got involved with the National Federation of the Blind, there was the pandemic to contend with, and I remembered the idea of raising money while allowing supporters to stay at home. At the end of August, 2022, the NFB of Arkansas members kicked off the Absent-Tea. To instill a level of urgency, a deadline for purchasing tickets was set for October 15, White Cane Awareness Day.

There’s no reason this type of fundraiser has to be saved for a pandemic. It can work well anytime! The full wording that was used for promoting this project is included below.

The description was added to the NFB of Arkansas website, accompanied by an image of a table setting that has a silver tea set, no one seated at the table, and included Alt-text. The complete text was also printed on large-format postcards that members mailed. We were able to negotiate special pricing on the printing, since it was for a non-profit organization. The printing was the only cost to the affiliate, because members who distributed the cards either paid for postage or handed them out. My business donated the cost of sending the thank-you letters, and I found a friend who was happy to volunteer help with formatting mailing labels.

We also created a Facebook event to help spread the word about not attending the Absent-Tea. The team shortened the wording and sent out the basic details via text messages and Twitter. Some folks also sent out emails about the Absent-Tea. There are so many ways for members and friends to help spread the word.

The final, and very important step is sending out thank-you letters. The state treasurer organized a spreadsheet of all who purchased tickets and their complete mailing addresses, so we were able to thank each participant. The thank-you letter included information about the National Federation of the Blind, went over what the money would be used for, and we included our tax ID number, so it could also serve as a receipt for the non-attendee’s tax records.

Find the thank-you letter we used at the bottom.

The other area of appreciation to remember goes towards each NFB member who helped make the fundraiser a success. Members will look forward to future fundraising campaigns when they know their part was sincerely appreciated.

When you consider the number of people who got involved with this fundraiser, it’s really remarkable to realize it raised over $3,000. It’s an easy way to get members involved with helping raise funds, no matter where they live in the state.

I’m always thinking of the next idea. Perhaps the spelling could be slightly altered, and we could host a golf tournament called an Absent-Tee, and no one has to lug their golf clubs to the course. Surely there’s some kind of fun ideas that would involve using a scorecard.

Who knows? Maybe you and your development committee will come up with the next big event that no one attends. This idea has a lot of room for creativity.

With no further ado, here’s the official invitation:

You are cordially invited to not attend the ABSENT-TEA, hosted by the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas.

Who doesn't love fancy finger foods accompanied by tea in china cups (pinkies up) and all the formality of a traditional high tea? Only in this instance, there's no need for you to purchase a new outfit, travel to a destination, tip the valet, or any of the other added expense when attending an event, because this is an ABSENT-TEA.

By purchasing tickets, you have the honor of supporting the National Federation of the Blind from the comfort of your home! We have taken all the hassle out of (not) coming to our ABSENT-TEA.

The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas is raising funds to help send members to Washington, DC, so we can work with our government leaders to make a difference for people who are blind in our communities, along with other vital projects.

Use #AbsentTeaNFB to let everyone on social media know you are not attending.

Select how many tickets you and your group need.

Don't delay! The deadline for getting in on the loveliest un-event of the season is October 15, 2022, which is National White Cane Awareness Day.

Want to help the NFB with another dollar amount?

Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!!

If you want to use a credit or debit card, visit our website: nfbar.org and click the "Donate Now" button.

If you prefer to write a check, make it out to NFB of Arkansas and put ABSENT-TEA in the memo.
Mail checks to:

NFB of Arkansas
c/o (add name of treasurer), Treasurer
(add address here)

Want to learn more about our movement? Visit our state website: www.nfbar.org, and find out more about National Federation of the Blind nationally at www.nfb.org.

Thank you for your support!

Here is the thank-you letter:

(We added a small format NFB of Arkansas logo to the top of the page)

October 18, 2022

Dear (fill in participant’s name),

Our gratitude overflows for you agreeing to not be a part of the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas’ inaugural Absent-Tea! You took the time to put your money where your tea goes, and we are so appreciative of your support. Our 2022 Absent-Tea campaign netted over $3,000. This money will go toward helping members attend Washington Seminar in DC next year. Many preparations are taking place for us to have an effective voice for the blindness community during this event.

In addition to the funds, we hope this non-event helped raise awareness about the National Federation of the Blind. Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with our movement by visiting our website, nfbar.org.

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines us or our future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. We can live the life we want; blindness is not what holds us back.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you know someone who needs to be connected with our organization,

Cindy Scott-Huisman
Chair, Absent-Tea, 2022
National Federation of the Blind of (your state)

Please use this letter as documentation of your tax-deductible donation in the amount of: (fill in the $ amount donated).
National Federation of the Blind of (your state) Tax ID: (your number)

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