Last year, we decided to give back to 3 non-profits for their good work in our community. We created a survey and let you vote on who should win $3,000 for their charity. You all really came out strong in support of your favorite causes, but at the end of the day Phantom Regiment came out on top with 10,839 votes! Congratulations!
We had a few questions for the winners. Read what they said here:
1. First things first. What are you planning to do with the money?
Well we always have a "wish list" of items or services that we can't budget for yet. I'm going to put this money towards something on the wish list. Not sure exactly which one just yet - we have everything from a new vehicle for the organization to iPads to help our educational team. There are a few items that we could cross off the list now with this donation though.
2. How was your experience mobilizing your followers to vote? What worked, what didn’t?
We have a very passionate group of followers. Not all 93,000 Facebook fans are at the same level - but they are all interested in what we do. The easiest and the best thing we did was to ask all of our Facebook fans to not only vote, but to share it as well. We made sure we created links and short status updates that they could post on their own walls, as well as encouraged them to share our posts as well.
We also sent an email out to our subscribers list. Many of them aren't on Facebook. The email only contained a story about voting for us and a reminder about free shipping in our online store. So basically it was a very quick read with a call to action (vote) as well as free offer (shipping).
4. What’s your favorite thing about working for your organization?
Being able to see the number of young people that take part in our programs grow not only musically but to see them become more confident & responsible. Whether it's one of our weekend programs, or the longer 9-month program, our staff does a phenomenal job of teaching music and dance skills alongside lifelong skills that these young people will be able to use as they become adults.
We strive to provide a life changing experience for everyone involved within our organization. After one of our participants has left our programs, one of my most favorite things about working with the Phantom Regiment is hearing from one of them about how we helped form and shape their life success stories.
5. What’s your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge as with probably every not-for-profit is fund raising. As the economy goes, so do donations. So every year is a struggle to keep our current donors while at the same time trying to cultivate new donors. There are so many worthwhile and deserving charities, trying to find our part of the charitable giving pie continues to be the biggest challenge.
6. What would you most like our readers to know?
First, we want to thank all of those that voted for us, but truly give the heartiest of thanks to the Zoomerang team for allowing us this opportunity. Little surprises like this help to brighten the days of those like me that struggle to find the funds to be able to continue providing life-changing experiences for the young people that come through our doors.
No matter what you are passionate about, there is a place for everyone to help. Find where you passion lies, and look for an organization who's ideals and beliefs line up - and get involved.
Yes, we rely on fund raising, but there's much more to it than that. If you don't have the ability to donate money, there are many charities like us where time is just as valuable. If you're passionate about music and dance, and want to see young people learn how to succeed and to become outstanding young adults - please get involved with the Phantom Regiment. But no matter what, continue to be involved and support where your passion lies.
None of us can do it alone—we need your support.
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