Participant Toolkit and Goal Guide

STEP UP
You’re about to do something amazing. This summer, you will be one
of 100 Over the Edge fundraisers to step onto the roof of the Westin
Cleveland Downtown, strap into your harness and lean out over the
Cleveland skyline. For 23 unforgettable floors, you will have the wind in
your helmet and Northeast Ohio at your feet.
Your participation as an individual fundraiser or as part of a team
will raise $1,500 for the children and adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities Hattie Larlham serves. For more than 50
years, Hattie Larlham has provided comfort, joy and achievement to
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This participant toolkit will prepare you to go Over the Edge for Hattie
Larlham and get your successful fundraising campaign started.
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STRAP IN
Go Over
Hattie Larlham
Community Support
Get Started
Teamwork
Stay Grounded
The Ropes
Fundraising
Go Online
Donations
Offline Donation Form
Go Social
Sample Plan
Sample E-Mail
Details
About the Company
Thank You
Contact
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GO OVER
There are many reasons people choose to go Over the Edge for Hattie
Larlham. Some want to conquer a fear of heights. Others want to do
something they never thought they would. Some love the thrill.
Many rappel to support a worthwhile mission: Hattie Larlham.
Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham is about pushing yourself, about doing
something you may never have thought you’d do. It’s about being part of
an elite corps of dedicated fundraisers, bound by a common cause and
united in the experience of rappelling a Cleveland landmark.
So, get ready. Strap in. Step to the edge. And get ready to go over.
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HATTIE LARLHAM
For 55 years, Hattie Larlham has inspired people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and their families to dream and achieve. Your
fundraising directly benefits these children and adults with disabilities.
Hattie Larlham’s services support the lives of 3,000 children and adults
with developmental disabilities. These essential programs assist people
with disabilities with everything from daily tasks like getting dressed
to the aspirational goal of independent living. Hattie Larlham delivers
comfort, joy and achievement to the people it serves.
Thank you for being a part of our mission.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Community support has long been a tradition at Hattie Larlham.
You participation in Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham continues this
tradition. Thank you for raising money to help the people we serve. Your
contribution to our mission makes a lasting difference in the services
we provide and the lives we change.
Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham is a fundraising and awareness event.
Hattie Larlham is committed to making our communities a better place
for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
to live, work, thrive and grow.
With your support and the support of communities in and around
Northeast Ohio, we can make this dream a reality.
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GET STARTED
Getting started is easy. The first step is to go to the event’s website,
overtheedge.hattielarlham.org, and register. You can sign up as an
individual fundraiser or you can create a team or join an existing team.
The cost to sign up for Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham is $35 per
person. This is non-refundable.
INDIVIDUAL RAPPELLER
Register as an individual and begin fundraising. Be among the first
100 rappellers to reach your $1,500 goal and guarantee your spot to
go Over the Edge. Remember, you can increase your goal and continue
fundraising even after the event.
CREATE A TEAM
Get together with family or friends and form a fundraising team. Gather
your coworkers to form a team and fundraise to toss your boss, another
coworker or friend Over the Edge. Teams will have to raise $1,500 per
person they wish to send Over the Edge. Creating a team is a great way
to come together to support a great cause.
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TEAMWORK
Teams are a great way to participate in Over the Edge for Hattie
Larlham. Teams can set goals, create excitement, share responsibilities
and support each other when they go over the edge. There’s no required
number of people to establish a team. You can have two people on a
team or four or as many as you like. Each team does require a team
captain.
Each team is required to raise $1,500 for each person it chooses to
send over the edge. A team of four people fundraising to send one
person over the edge could split the $1,500 goal evenly amongst its
members. A team of two who both wanted to rappel, conversely, would
be required to raise $3,000 or $1,500 per each team member who
wants to rappel.
CHALLENGE ANOTHER TEAM
Go head to head with another team. Teams can select a prize and
compete to see which teams reaches its goal first. The winning
team might have lunch paid for by the other team or a week without
household chores. The possibilities are endless.
CORPORATE CHALLENGE
Does your company have a friendly cross-town rivalry? Want to finally
see which sales team is best? Issue a corporate challenge. When
companies compete to Go Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham, people with
disabilities win.
TOSS YOUR BOSS
Teams can select a person who is not a team member to go over the
edge. This type of tribute fundraising can be intentional or it can be a
surprise. Groups of employees that form a team can elect to toss their
boss Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham. It doesn’t have to be a boss,
either. Some teams may choose to send a friend or family member Over
the Edge for Hattie Larlham, too.
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STAY GROUNDED
If you’d like to support Hattie Larlham’s mission, but prefer the idea of
keeping both feet on the ground, there are many ways you can be a part
of Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham.
BECOME A FUNDRAISER
Individuals who might not wish to rappel, but would like to raise funds
can become a fundraiser for Hattie Larlham. This is a great option for
Hattie Larlham supporters who live outside of Northeast Ohio.
VOLUNTEER
It takes many dedicated people to make Over the Edge for Hattie
Larlham happen. There are many volunteer opportunities for you,
your family, company or organization. Hattie Larlham needs help with
rappeller registration, directing rappellers and cleaning up.
MAKE A DONATION
Visit overthedge.hattielarlham.org to make a donation to an individual
rappeller or team of rappellers.
CORPORATE PARTNERS AND EVENT SPONSORS
Many Northeast Ohio companies and organizations elect to support
Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham with an event sponsorship or by
becoming a Hattie Larlham corporate partner. To learn more about
these promotional opportunities, contact Hattie Larlham.
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rappel \r -`pel, ra-\: to descend a rock face or other
vertical surface using mechanical descent devices
and a double rope system affixed at a higher point.
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THE ROPES
TRAINING AND SAFETY
• Hattie Larlham will host practice rappelling events before Over the
Edge to help you become familiar with the equipment.
• On the day of the event, you receive your equipment and will be
trained how to use it and practice rappelling.
• Rappel practice is an opportunity to feel the harness, find a
comfortable position and practice using the descender.
• You may practice as often as you like before going Over the Edge.
THE RAPPEL
• You will wear a full-body industrial harness and
use an industrial descender. Squeezing the handle
makes you go down; releasing it halts your descent.
• It will take between 5 and 15 minutes to reach the bottom.
• When you are within 20 feet of the ground, an
Over the Edge staff member will assist your landing.
THE EXPERIENCE
• While you cannot take your own camera or phone on the roof, photos
will be taken throughout the event and posted on Hattie Larlham’s
social media.
• You will receive additional information on accessing online photo
galleries and instructions on how to purchase prints.
• Everyone’s rappel is recorded. In the weeks following the event, you
will be given instructions to access your video.
• Invite your supporters to watch you rappel. A viewing area with
seating will be available to anyone who wants to cheer for you.
• The event is also on a live stream. Family and friends who cannot be
there in person can watch you rappel online.
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FUNDRAISING
Some people don’t relish the idea of fundraising. To help you, we’ve
listed some ideas and provided some samples. This will make attaining
your goal easier.
Many previous rappellers have said raising the minimum $1,500 was
easier than expected. In 2015, one Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham
participant reached her goal in only three days. Some rappellers
reached their goal and continued to fundraise for Hattie Larlham. This
extra effort is greatly appreciated. The proceeds from Over the Edge for
Hattie Larlham support programs and services for children and adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
There is a brief description of the services Hattie Larlham offers near
the end of this toolkit. To learn more, visit www.hattielarlham.org.
MATCHING GIFTS
Your supporters may work for companies that match employee
donations. When an employee makes a charitable donation, a
company that matches gifts makes a donation to the same charitable
organization, usually for the same dollar amount as the employee
donation. Ask your supporters if their employer has a matching gift
program. If a company matches gifts, all you typically need is to obtain
a matching gift form from the company’s human resources department.
A matched gift essentially doubles a donation to your fundraising
campaign.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Hattie Larlham on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Share our posts and create your own. Encourage your friends to make
a pledge to your Over the Edge campaign. Post frequently as the event
date approaches. Use the hashtag #OTEforHattie in your posts.
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E-MAIL AND LETTERS
Send a thoughtful letter or e-mail message to your contacts. Printed
letters take time to mail, but may capture your reader’s attention more
than an e-mail. Some people, however, prefer the ease of clicking on an
e-mail link to donate online. Add a link to your fundraising page in your
e-mail. This helps people find your page and contribute to your goal.
ASK FOR SHARES
It is helpful to ask your supporters to forward your e-mail, re-tweet your
tweets and share your social media posts. This increases the number
of people who see your message. The more people who receive your
message, the more likely you are to reach your goal.
REMINDERS
Some people may need more than one request to donate. It’s okay to
send your invitation to donate more than once, but don’t overdo it.
FOLLOW UP
Always follow up. People will appreciate the reminder. Include an update
on how close you are to your goal and going Over the Edge. Once you’ve
reached your goal, post an announcement on social media. Be sure to
invite your supporters to watch you go Over the Edge on July 2.
SAY THANK YOU
This simple tactic goes a long way. Be sure to send a thank you e-mail
or letter to your supporters. Their generous support will help you go Over
the Edge for Hattie Larlham.
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GO ONLINE
BUILD YOUR PERSONAL FUNDRAISING PAGE
The Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham participant center is a great tool
for communicating with your donors and supporters. It’s important to
take time to personalize your message and tell people why you are going
Over the Edge. The participant center is easy to use. You can view the
changes you make to your page before they become public.
PERSONALIZE YOUR MESSAGE
Start by changing the title of your personal fundraising page. Tell your
story. Explain why you have chosen to fundraise for Hattie Larlham.
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ADD A PHOTO
You can upload a photo or video to your personal fundraising page. This
photo or video can be changed as often as you like. Have fun with your
photos. You can hold a sign or wear a costume.
ADD A VIDEO
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video has to be worth
even more. In addition to writing your message, a video may help explain
your fundraising goal. Take a few minutes to write a script or an outline
of what you might like to say. Rehearse out loud a few times. This
preparation helps prevent unwanted “ums” and “ahs” in your video.
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SEND E-MAIL
The Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham participant center is a useful
platform to send e-mail to friends, family and coworkers. Use these
e-mails to ask for donations to reach your goal.
You can send an e-mail to more than one recipient at a time. There are
templates you can choose from to help you create your message or you
can start from scratch. Remember, if you use a template, it’s important
to personalize your message and always direct your supporters back to
your personal fundraising page.
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IMPORT YOUR CONTACTS
You can type in individual e-mail addresses into the Over the Edge for
Hattie Larlham participant center or you can import a contact list from
your existing e-mail account. Importing your contacts is quick and easy.
Doing this will allow you to keep track of who you’ve reached out to for a
donation as well as who you have thanked.
WEBSITE HELP
If you need help using the Over the Edge participant center, contact:
Wendy Voelker
Hattie Larlham Events Manager
(330) 274-2272, ext. 3087
wendy.voelker@hattielarlham.org
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DONATIONS
ONLINE DONATIONS
Your personal fundraising page in the Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham
participant center will help you collect and manage your donations.
Online gifts made to your personal fundraising page are processed and
recorded when the donation is made. You won’t have to collect any
credit card information. The process is simple and secure.
OFFLINE DONATIONS
During your fundraising, you may receive a check (or cash) donation. You
will need to add the offline donation to your online fundraising activities
on your fundraising page. Log into your Participant Center on the Over
the Edge website and click Enter New Gift.
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Then, follow the instructions to enter offline donations. Promptly send
the donation and your fundraiser information to the address below.
Once Hattie Larlham has received and processed the offline donation,
the donation amount will be credited to your personal fundraising page.
Due to delivery and processing time, please be diligent about logging
and sending Hattie Larlham offline donations. All checks should be
made payable to the Hattie Larlham Foundation, and should have your
name (the fundraiser) on the memo line. Send checks to:
Hattie Larlham
Attn: Wendy Voelker
7996 Darrow Road
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
Do not send cash through the mail. You may either write a personal
check to Hattie Larlham for the amount of cash you receive, or you may
drop off the cash donation to the address above. You may also send
offline donation forms to potential donors.
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OVER THE EDGE OFFLINE DONATION FORM
Print this form and give it to supporters who prefer to donate to Over the
Edge for Hattie Larlham with a check, money order or credit card, rather
than making an online donation.
OVER THE EDGE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
NAME
DONATION $
OR TEAM NAME
DONOR INFORMATION
NAME
DATE
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE PHONE
E-MAIL*
ZIP
o I LIKE WHAT HATTIE LARLHAM DOES. PLEASE INCLUDE ME IN FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
PAYMENT TYPE
o CHECK
o VISA o MASTERCARD o AMERICAN EXPRESS o DISCOVER
CREDIT CARD NUMBER
EXPIRATION DATE
CVV (3-4 DIGIT CODE)
SIGNATURE
By signing this form, you give Hattie Larlham permission to debit your
account for the amount indicated on or after the indicated date. This is
permission for a single transaction and does not provide authorization
for any additional unrelated debits or credits to your account.
Mail this form and your payment (please, do not send cash) to:
Hattie Larlham Foundation
Attn: Wendy Voelker
7996 Darrow Road, Suite 10
Twinsburg OH 44087
*An electronic receipt is automatically generated for all donations and sent to the e-mail address
provided. The IRS will accept a canceled check as a receipt for all donations under $250.
Donations of $250 and greater will receive a written acknowledgment to the address provided.
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GO SOCIAL
Share your Over the Edge fundraising on social media. Below are sample
social media posts you can use on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to
include a link to your personal fundraising page so friends can make a
donation. You can use the posts below, modify them or write your own.
FACEBOOK
Send me Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham. This is a great cause. With
your support, I’ll rappel the Westin Cleveland Downtown for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities at Hattie Larlham on Sat.,
July 2. [LINK TO YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE] #OTEforHattie
I’m going Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham. See me rappel the Westin
Cleveland Downtown Sat., July 2. Support my campaign: [LINK TO YOUR
FUNDRAISING PAGE]. Proceeds benefit people with disabilities at
Hattie Larlham. Thank you. #OTEforHattie
TWITTER
I’ve pledged to go Over the Edge for @HattieLarlham. Donate on my
page. [LINK TO YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE] #OTEforHattie
I’m raising money for people with disabilities. Over the Edge for
@HattieLarlham: [LINK TO YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE] #OTEforHattie
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SAMPLE PLAN
Fundraising doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. Break
your fundraising goal into small, easily accomplished tasks. Below is a
sample fundraising plan.
DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
WHO TO ASK
PER DAY
TOTAL
Donate $50 to your own fundraising page
$50
$50
Ask two family members to match your donation
$100
$150
Ask two of your friends to sponsor you at $50 each
$100
$250
Ask your boss for a company contribution match
$250
$500
Ask five local friends to sponsor you at $20
$100
$600
Ask five out-of-town friends to sponsor you at $20
$100
$700
Ask five businesses you frequent to sponsor you at $20 $100
$800
Ask three coworkers to sponsor you at $10
$30
$830
Ask two neighbors to sponsor you at $10
$20
$850
Ask five people from your club, church, school, gym for $50
$900
$10 each
You’re almost there. Now that you have a strong start, go back to those closest to
you for the last $600.
11 Ask five more family members to sponsor you at $30
$150
$1,050
12 Ask two more out-of-town friends to sponsor you at $25 $50
$1,100
13 Ask two more coworkers for a $25 contribution
$50
$1,150
14 Ask six more friends to sponsor you at $50
$300
$1,450
15 Return to your social group to ask 10 people for $5
$50
$1,500
contributions
Don’t stop at $1,500. Keep going. Your fundraising efforts benefit
the children and adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities Hattie Larlham serves throughout Northeast Ohio.
You can increase your goal at any time.
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SAMPLE E-MAIL
Dear [INSERT FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, OR COWORKER NAME],
On Sat., July 2, I will rappel 23 stories off the roof of the Westin
Cleveland Downtown hotel to support children and adults with
disabilities.
The event is held by Hattie Larlham, a nonprofit organization that, for
55 years, has delivered comfort, joy and achievement to people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
There are only 100 places available to do this, so I’m writing to you for
your support. Please make a donation to my fundraising page at [INSERT
LINK TO YOUR OVER THE EDGE PROFILE]. Each rappeller has been
asked to raise $1,500. With your support, I know I can reach this goal.
The money you donate supports Hattie Larlham’s programs.
If you haven’t heard about the work Hattie Larlham does for people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I encourage to you to
check out their website at www.hattielarlham.org. This is a worthwhile
organization that does good work for people with disabilities in our
community.
Your support is greatly appreciated. You can donate online at [INSERT
LINK TO YOUR OVER THE EDGE PROFILE] or write a check to Hattie
Larlham. In the memo section please write, “Over the Edge donation for
[INSERT YOUR NAME].” You can send checks to me or mail them to:
Hattie Larlham
Attn: Wendy Voelker
7996 Darrow Road, Suite 10
Twinsburg, Ohio, 44087
Your gift is 100% tax deductible. Thank you for sending me Over the
Edge for Hattie Larlham.
Sincerely,
[INSERT YOUR NAME]
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DETAILS
Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham
Saturday, July 2, 2016
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
777 Saint Clair Avenue NE
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
overtheedge.hattielarlham.org
Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham raises funds for children and adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Hattie Larlham. The
first 100 participants to raise $1,500 or more will earn a spot to rappel
down the outside of the Westin Cleveland Downtown.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
Over the Edge is a special events
company that provides signature
rappelling events for non-profit
organizations. The Over the Edge
staff possesses an outstanding
safety record, and provides the
technical expertise, training and equipment needed for the event. The
company requires every rappelling site to have a comprehensive site
inspection and safety plan. Over the Edge employs IRATA- or SPRATcertified industrial rope specialists to train and prepare participants the
day of the event. Visit www.overtheedgeusa.com to learn more.
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THANK YOU
Thank you for being a part of Over the Edge for Hattie Larlham. Your
participation in this event will have a lasting impact on the lives of the
children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Hattie Larlham serves. Everything you do makes Northeast Ohio a better
community where people with disabilities can dream and achieve.
Thank you and we’ll see you on the roof.
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Wendy Voelker
wendy.voelker@hattielarlham.org
T: (330) 274-2272, ext. 3087
Tonnie Alliance
tonnie.alliance@hattielarlham.org
T: (330) 274-2272, ext. 3069
Hattie Larlham
7996 Darrow Road, Suite 10
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
overtheedge.hattielarlham.org
www.twitter.com/hattielarlham
www.facebook.com/hattielarlham
www.youtube.com/hattielarlham
www.linkedin.com/company/hattie-larlham