When I first started fundraising 25 years ago, I was always quite shy about asking friends, co-workers and family to support the cause. In fact, I often felt like I was doing something wrong or unfairly imposing by asking others for money. As a result, over those first few years, my fundraising totalswere low and remained fairly stagnant. In an effort to increase my pledges, I began asking people outside my inner circle for support, but that felt evenmore uncomfortable. To alleviate this feeling, I began giving people an "out". I would make my pitch and if there was any perceived hesitation, I would immediately tell them, "I know there are a lot of causes out there and I certainly understand if you cannot support MS. No, is an acceptable answer." To my surprise, very few people turned me down and the mere offer of an "out" alleviated any stress related to asking people for their money. As a result, I solicited significantly more people that year and my collected funds quadrupled! Now some 20 years later, I am so comfortable asking for pledges that I annually ask almost everyone I know. Remember, you cannot get pledges without asking! So, Just Ask....your family members, your cousins, your co-workers....Just Ask...your friends, your neighbors, your acquaintances....Just Ask....your co-workers, your plumber, your accountant...Just Ask!" --- Bruce Kantor

 

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