FAQ’s: Serve-a-Thon

What is the idea behind the Families Helping Families Serve-a-Thon concept?

For years Bethany friends and donors have donated money to help make adoption possible for families needing financial assistance. Instead of doing a standard appeal campaign, we wanted to do something big and audacious! By creating a national event based on serving others, we believe this unique outreach event will bring prominence to the cause of Christian adoption. And we believe you will be blessed in the process! We wanted to invite our friends and supporters to be part of something special that would be an outward example to others of the love of Christ, and at the same time, be a blessing to themselves and their children. The National Serve-a-Thon concept embodies the spirit of Bethany – families helping families.

What should I or my family do for our service project?

You may choose any service you wish. (Here is a list of great ideas!) You may want to gather your children and brainstorm who you know as a family that needs help. Engage your children and point out how your family will be blessed as you serve others. Use this experience as a family mission experience and point out how Jesus served others as our model.

Do we have to conduct our Serve-a-Thon project on August 15?

No. We encourage families to conduct their service project as close the August 15 as possible; however, you may conduct your project at any time.

Do we have to let Bethany know what our Serve-a-Thon project is?

No. However, we do request that you let us know your project on the sign-up form on the event Website.

Can we do our Serve-a-Thon project on our own?

Yes. We encourage you to join with other Bethany families in your area for fellowship and encouragement; however, you’re welcome to do a project by yourself. Please contact our Serve-a-Thon coordinator, Tim Taylor, at 888.595.7422 to be connected with other individuals/families in your area.

I’m single and don’t have a family. Can I still participate?

Absolutely. If you have a heart for people and a desire to serve, this event is for you.

Would Bethany like to see pictures or hear stories from our Serve-a-Thon project?

YES PLEASE!!! We would covet your pictures and testimony! Please e-mail us your digital photos along with your name, city, state, and the type of project(s) you did. At the end of the campaign we will post the best pictures on our Website. These photos and stories will be a HUGE BLESSING to our staff and other Bethany families.

FAQ’s: Fundraising

How does the money we raise help Bethany Christian Services?

All proceeds from the Families Helping Families National Serve-a-Thon will go to the Caring Connections Fund (to help fund the adoption of children with special placement needs) and to help your local Bethany branch office.

How do we raise money?

It’s very simple. Watch the “How To” instructional video on our Website for specifics. Essentially, all you have to do is ask people to financially sponsor you/your family for your Serve-a-Thon project. When you sign up online, we’ll send you a set of 20 sponsorship letters. Simply sign, address, and mail them to friends and family anywhere in the country. If you have children, we encourage you to give each one a different colored felt pen so they can also sign each letter.

How to fill out your Sponsorship Brochures

In addition, you can create your own personal fund-raising Web page from our Website and e-mail a link to your page to your e-mail address list. People will give because of their friendship with you even if they’ve never heard of Bethany, and even if they don’t have a personal heart for Christian adoption. If you ask, they will give!

What are the spiritual principles behind fund-raising?

Above all, God is our provider. One of his names is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord Your Provider. He’s still in charge of the provision through this campaign. However, he usually requires us to be part of the process. In the Family Helping Families fund-raising campaign, we are asking you to simply be faithful to ask others. You present the need and the opportunity for your donor prospect to be part of meeting that need, then let him/her respond.

Whom should we contact to sponsor us?

Friends and family. People who know you and like you. One of the most important principles in fund-raising is that People Give to People. So go to your Christmas card list and your church directory. It doesn’t matter where your friends live – people will respond to you from all over the country if you ask them. Here are some people to put on your prospect list:

How many people will give?

Statistically, 30% of the brochures and e-mails you send will be returned to Bethany with a donation. However, if you make a follow-up phone call within a week or two, the response rate will go from 30% to almost 90%!

Why do people give?

Because it feels good! How do you feel when you give to a friend or a neighborhood child who comes to your door? It feels good. People respond much greater to a personal request than a generic or direct mail request.

Should we financially sponsor ourselves?

Yes! You should be your first sponsor. This shows your prospective sponsors that you’re committed. And your sponsorship should be generous. Most people will match what you’ve done yourself, or come close to it. The more you sponsor yourself for- the more others will give in sponsoring you.

What do we say when we call?

Just share your heart and ask if they received your sponsorship brochure or e-mail. It’s really that simple. Your conversation might sound something like this:

“_____, this is ______. Do you have a moment?... About a week ago I sent you a sponsorship brochure about a service project my family is doing to support Bethany Christian Services – a national Christian adoption ministry. Did you receive it?... The reason I’m calling is my family is trying to raise $1,000 to help fund Christian adoptions for children with special placement needs.

We are extremely interested in this mission and have already sponsored ourselves financially for $___. Would you be willing to sponsor my children to help us reach our goal of $1,000? Your gift would play a key role in helping a child get adopted... (If Yes): THANKS! You know, any amount you give will be fine. I would ask you to consider matching what I’ve done or close to it if you’re able. Either way, I really appreciate your help.”

Will we offend people by asking them for money?

No, not if you’re sincere. If you feel very uncomfortable about asking a particular person, go with your discernment and don’t ask them. It’s important to understand that you’re not begging for money, and you’re not asking for yourself. You’re simply asking that person to join you in supporting a very worthy cause – one that will have a life-long impact. Experience shows that, as long as you’re polite and sincere, the small percentage of people who can’t give will actually admire you more for working on behalf of a cause you believe in. (It should be noted that most people who say “no” do so, not because they won’t give but because they can’t give.)

Are the funds raised tax-deductible?

Yes. At the conclusion of the campaign, Bethany will send a thank you letter and IRS tax receipt letter to each person who sponsors you.

How can I tell who has given to me?

At the end of the campaign, we will send you a report of each person who sponsored you and the amount of their donation.

Are people still giving during the down economy?

Yes! People are still giving and want to give to causes that are meaningful. The fact that they can give in a way that helps you, increases their willingness. During the past six recessions, charitable giving continued to grow at an annual rate of 6.8%. During recessions, people who can give usually give more. Also during recessions, the relationship between the donor and the recipient is more important, and a greater portion of the charitable giving pie is directed to life-impacting causes. So be confident that people will give if you ask. If you ask, you will receive!