How do you say "Thank You Sponsor"

[artdutra04]

Along with many of the things already mentioned in the thread, our team usually creates DVDs at the end of each season for our sponsors to keep, documenting out team from the beginnings of the kickoff to the final post-season competition of the year.

Our 2005 Season DVD was the most popular so far; I've burned over 50 so far.

[Kyle]

Originally Posted by Carol

MOE sends at least two letters to each sponsor from a student, along with a team picture. Getting the students to write the letters can be hard at times, but it is a requirement to have the letters done before we leave for Atlanta or they don't go. And we mean it. No one yet has missed but there have been some last minute compositions.

In each letter the student introduces themselves, talks about what they got out of the program, and a little about our successes that year. Some of them are really good. One student wrote his in verse form this year (It started "Roses are red, violets are blue, without your support we can't do what we do.....etc.)" Some need an adult to edit before we can send it.

All are invited to our end of the year picnic as well, although I don't know how many ever show up.

I remember writing those letters each year, 2 or 3 to different sponsors and supporters. It was a great way to say thank you for all of the opportunities that they were giving us by donating money or parts.

[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

FIRST works because of thousands and thousands of sponsors. Every sponsor, from the big companies sponsoring regionals and the championships, to the smaller companies who sponsor a team or two, to the local hardware store that gives a team discount, to the pizza place that gives you a deal because you are in there so much, has a part in making FIRST work for all of us.

So, what have you done to say "thank you " to one of your team sponsors?

Maybe sent a letter, a picture of the team, even just a thank-you note?

In addition to being the right thing to do, sending a thank you and some recognition for their support will make those sponsors much more willing to say "yes" when you call on them again in the fall. Remember, you are probably only one of several people that "knock on their door" every year looking for money. Help them want to say yes to you.

So, what have you done to say thank you?

Share your activities here so others can get some ideas of what they can do.

Thanks for starting this thread Chris,

As an owner of a small business (my Wife owns a hair salon that sponsors our team) and the employee of a large corporation (Rolls Royce sponsors Nine local teams, plus the Boilermaker Regional) I would like to re-iterate Chris' points from above. It is vitally important to show your sponsors some love.

Our team has historically had a difficult time wrapping up this most important season-ending task (which should actually be on-going). I am sure we are not alone in that regard. Please keep those great stories and suggestions coming to help us all out.