Guest Blogger Melissa Papanayotou; "It's Important to Keep Spreading the Word"

Melissa Papanayotou is one of this year's Eat So They Can Ambassadors. We asked Melissa to share a bit about how she plans to raise her target of $20,000 and were blown away by her initiatives. We wanted to inspire our hosts who may be looking to do something creative or find a fun way to support Eat So They Can; we think Melissa provides some GREAT suggestions! We were especially amazed at the generosity of the Macquarie Group Foundation matching all donations. Below Melissa discusses some of her ongoing initiatives. She is one busy lady!

"In terms of what I've raised so far, I've really just spoken to lots of people about the cause, and discussed my time in Kenya at the orphanages, and people have started donating already. I'm also trying to start getting donations now, so that I have time for my company to match them before the deadline. Also, I got a yoga studio on board - they have added one extra class a week to their schedule, for which the proceeds go to ESTC. The students know that it is a 'Community Class' and that their donation goes to ESTC. I am planning on doing one dinner on October 16th in Montreal, and another on October 17th in Toronto. I've sent out letters to about 200-300 organizations in both Toronto and Montreal (restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, clothing stores, salons, yoga studios...) asking for Gift certificates, Gift baskets or products to auction off and/or use for a raffle. I have received a handfull and I will start using these soon - giving out a couple gifts at the end of each week/month to the top donors. At the dinners I will do silent auctions, and in a month or so I plan on selling raffle tickets.

While I've sent hundreds of letters asking for auction or raffle prizes - it is inevitable that many (realistically, the vast majority) will be unable to help out. But at the end of the day even if 10% of the 300 companies I ask come through with a Gift Certificate or Prize, then that's 30 more sources of donations that I would otherwise not have. So for me it's important to not get discouraged with all the 'Sorry we can't help this time' and just keep asking people and spreading the word.

Given that Canadians don't get a tax receipt for their donations, it is challenging (and often just intimidating) to fundraise...Not everyone cares but it typically prevents the larger donations. So I've been trying to focus on asking for smaller donations - and that's why I'm trying to get raffle prizes...so that donors feel like they are getting something in return too."

Melissa thank you for your efforts and a special thanks to Macquarie Group Foundation for their support of Eat So They Can. Melissa states it best; "If they are willing to match what I am able to raise, then so much more gets to go to this amazing initiative and my efforts can help that many more people!"

Caitie Goddard
Eat So They Can Host Mentor