I'm certain that you've noticed that Readathon 2017 is about to start. For the past few months I have been working hard on getting the Readathon organized. This year will be our 12th annual Readathon! It's hard to believe that I've organized so many Readathons already.
I won't waste your time telling you why the Readathon is such a fabulous project. (It is! In one sentence - kids read and their English improves significantly). I won't bore you with the Readathon details (you can read that here). What I do want to share with you is the importance of sponsorship. Why we need that sponsorship, how is it done and why this will make certain people happier.
Why do we need sponsorship?
Because even non-profit projects cost money. Currently the cost of the Readathon is 30,000 NIS to operate this project. Local businesses and registration fees covers about 50% of the cost, leaving us with a large gap to fill. If every participant would find enough sponsors to raise 100 NIS, the Readathon costs would be completely covered!
How does sponsorship work?
Each sponsor commits to a certain amount - either a one time donation or a certain sum per book or page read. This way, let's say you have read 25 books of 40 pages each (totaling 1,000 pages read!). Furthermore, we'll say that your Aunt Betty commits to $180 one time donation, your Grandmother sponsors you for a dollar a book and your Saba sponsors you a shekel a page. Then you have managed to raise $205 and 1,000 NIS!
Of course, sponsors can sponsor you as little (10 agurot) or as much (the sky's the limit!) per page/book as they want. You can use the sponsorship table in this form to keep track. Here is a sample letter to send to potential sponsors.
Where can you find sponsors?
Everywhere. Call up family members, send a collective video in your family whatsapp group, email relatives in America and ask friends in a post on your facebook and other social accounts.
Not only will you be helping A.H.A.V.A. run the Readathon so more children can read and improve their English - you will be making the donors happy. Yes, you read that right! Science has shown that money can definitely buy happiness. You just need to spend it right:
So what are you waiting for?
Go get those sponsors and start reading!
Gaila
Gaila has almost 40 year of experience teaching and runs A.H.A.V.A., a non-profit to promote English literacy. Would you like to ask Gaila a question? Email us at ahava.org@gmail.com or send us a message. Look out for more Dear Gaila columns