Don’t get “deflated” if your walk is 2-4 weeks away, the Light The Night Paper Balloon Program is an excellent way to boost your local fundraising dollars in a short time!

Consider approaching establishments that interact with each customer (banks, fast food or Denny’s type of restaurants, ice cream shops, coffee shops, local grocery stores, franchised locations, etc.) Also think of businesses you frequent.

If the business is known for strong customer service, they can be very successful with the paper balloon program.

If you don’t like asking strangers for money, this is an effective way to get someone else to ask for you!

10 Helpful Tips:

1. Stock up on Paper Balloon pads and promo buttons from your local LLS chapter and posters/marketing docs from the FOH Team Kits.

2. Use the a) Paper Balloon Cover Sheet template, b) FOH Fact Sheet and c) Affiliate FAQ Sheet when you approach a manager or store owner. Be sure to include your contact info. Also, read the Cover Sheet for more benefits to the program. Download docs from our Walker Resources

3. Emphasize that this helps the community and that the money goes towards cancer research and patient services.

4. Emphasize that this is a short-term fundraiser. They only need to ask for donations for a month (or whatever your time frame is).

5. Buy their first balloon(s), so they can see what to do and have something to post.

6. Stop in once a week to see if they need more balloons, tape, pens, buttons, etc.

7. Collect a check (makes it tax-deductible to them) at the end or designate a pick-up time.

8. Avoid large chains unless you have an inside contact. Many times you’ll be referred to corporate.

9. Don’t be afraid to follow-up! If you “fizzle out” with your contact, they won’t be as motivated to sell balloons. Give them Relentless bracelets as a small incentive/thank you.

10. Invite them to Light The Night with Friends of Heroes!