Rollin' For Rett

If you have checked out our Dress Up 2 Cure site then you have probably read about our Rollin' For Rett events! April is the PERFECT month to reach out to your local Roller Derby team because many of them are right in the middle of their season! We have worked with quite a few teams nationwide and have had an absolute BLAST! These ladies are perfect examples of GIRL POWER! We make it easy for you to reach out to your local team:
To find your local team click HERE
For an email you can personalize to send them click HERE
All that is left for you is the FUN and the money that will be raised for your DU2C team!!
If you have any questions send us an email: kelly@girlpower2cure.org
To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Gas Station Attendent

Ask a local gas station to let you pump customers gas and wash their windshields. You can either ask for a donation or a set amount. Since most stations are now self service you will be offering the customers a welcome option. It's a win-win situation. It doesn't cost the station a cent and their customers get premium service. This is a nice fundraiser because you have no upfront cost. The gas stations already have the windshield cleaner, squeegees and paper towels. You just provide warm bodies and elbow grease. It would be great to have your purple cards available to hand out to your donors as well to let them know about Rett Syndrome! We got this fundraising idea from a friend who does this at least twice a year for her child's private school and earns $300 in three hours with just seven people! So, call a few friends, get out there, and raise some money!! To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Donation Containers

This is a straightforward cash collection fundraising at local merchants. Here's what you do: Save old coffee cans and cover them with information about Rett Syndrome as well as the GP2C logo. (we can personalize one of these for you!) Visit your local merchants and ask if you can leave a can at their cash register. For help with personal information for your team email us: kelly@girlpower2cure.org

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Jail-N-Bail

Jail-N-Bail involves a mock jail set up. An off-duty police officer or volunteer “arrests” the unsuspecting participant, serving them with a warrant. He or she is then whisked off to “jail”. When the participants arrive at the jail their "bail" is set by a judge. Telephones and telephone books will be provided to the jailbirds so they can make pledge calls to friends, relatives and co-workers to earn their bail Most incarcerations should be limited to one or two hours as too not take up too much of the jailbirds day! They also can be released early if they choose to pay their fine upfront :) To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Car Bash!!

When someone you know is struggling with Rett Syndrome, it is good to be able to get your aggressions out! What better way than with a Car Bash. Contact a local junk yard, automobile dealer, or auto insurance company to see if they have a car in relatively good condition that they would be willing to donate.
All fluids should be removed from the car as well as other hazardous materials. Allow people to take a swing at the car with a hammer for a donation. Proper safety precautions must be taken such as safety glasses, protective outerwear, and a safe distance maintained by the crowd.
It is always a good idea to have volunteer paramedics on hand in case of emergency and check with your local authorities for permission and other safety tips.

Popcorn Proceeds

Check with your local movie theater to see if they might be willing to donate $1.00 for every popcorn purchase throughout the month of April in honor of Autism Awareness month. Make signs informing customers about the proceeds and Rett Syndrome. We can even personalize fliers for you! Send me and email at kelly@girlpower2cure.org


To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit www.dressup2cure.org

Gold Party!

Hosting a GOLD party is a simple and easy way to raise SERIOUS money for your Dress Up 2 Cure team. At your gold party fundraiser, guests simply bring their old or unwanted jewelry to the party. Professional jewelers will appraise each item and guests receive instant payments. Typically, 10% of all the jewelry purchased will be given to your team at the end of the party! Also, there is the opportunity for your guests to also donate their money back to your team as well! (EVEN BETTER!)
You'll be amazed by how much money you can raise in just one evening by selling old jewelry that guests have had lying around their house for years that they never wear!

50/50 Raffle

Easiest fundraiser EVER is the 50/50 raffle.
You get a roll of raffle tickets from a local party supply shop. (These are the style of tickets that have two sections that both share a unique serial number.)You sell as many tickets to each person as they want, for a fixed fee. Typical fees are $1, $5, or $10 -or some even do "an arms length" for a set price.
You give the participant one half of the ticket and place the other half in a bucket or box. At the end of the event you draw a ticket from the bucket and announce the winner. The prize is the half of the amount collected from ticket sales. Your team would of course receive the other half of the money!
You might even want to see if there is a local sporting event or concert going on that might let you host the 50/50 raffle during their event or check with your office. The options are endless for this one!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Bagger for a day

This easy fundraising idea lets you provide a nice service to your community and raise funds at the same time. Gather up your friends and family then find a busy grocery store that is willing to help your team and pick a busy day of the week.

Print off flyers that explain Rett Syndrome and Girl Power 2 Cure and what you are doing in the store that day. Hand out the flyers to people entering the store. Give your “baggers” a quick lesson on how to properly bag, for example heavy items on the bottom and eggs and bread on the top.

Be sure to have a tip jar at each register. You may want each bagger to wear a name tag with GP2C's name on it or even a GP2C t-shirt! Bag each person’s groceries quickly and with a smile. Offer to push their cart and help to unload them into their car....all proceeds will go directly to your team!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Roller Skating for Rett Syndrome

You have heard of dance-a-thons, walk-a-thons, but here is a REAL fun one....a SKATE-A-THON!

Get in touch with your local roller skating rink and see if they would be willing to stay open a little late one night OR allow you to host your Roller Skating for Rett one Saturday or Sunday all day. Simply get your friends, family, co-workers AND THEIR KIDS to join you! Everyone will get pledges for hours skated. People can donate per each hour you skate or simply make a flat donation to your cause. Either way - it will be your motivation to KEEP ON SKATIN'!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Make your BEST guess!

You will need your best guessing skills for this fundraiser.
This one is very simple to run and requires very little equipment. You will need a large jar or clear box and something to fill it with. (Pick something like jelly beans, gum balls, or m&m's.)
You will also need index cards or slips of paper for name, phone number, and the individuals guess. Set the jar in a public spot (like your local coffee shop) and have someone selling guess slips for a dollar (or maybe any donation amount.) People are welcome to submit as many guesses as they are willing to pay for. Be sure to also have a box for placing guess slips into.
At the end of the month announce the winner and give them the jar of goodies!
*This is also something that can be done in a classroom - where the kiddos get to guess for an opportunity to win!
(JUST REMEMBER TO COUNT THE CANDY AS YOU PUT IT IN THE JAR!!)

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Yard Sale/Garage Sale

Who doesn't have stuff cluttering their attic, basement, or spare room that just isn't used or needed anymore? Clear out the mess and help raise money for Rett Syndrome at the same time......It is time for a GARAGE SALE!!!!
Be sure to post signs letting people know that all proceeds will be donated in honor or your daughter to Girl Power 2 Cure. Maybe even have your Purple cards on hand to share with shoppers - you would not want to waste an excellent education opportunity!
You can even offer simple concessions like cookies and sodas or water for hungry shoppers, and earn a little extra cash!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Workin' at the CAR WASH!

First item of business is to find a place to have the car wash. There needs to be a source of water that you can use. A school, gas station, or church on a busy main road would be a good location. You will need to have all of your own supplies, such as a garden hose, buckets, sponges, towels, and car wash soap.
Pick a date for your car wash, and plan a rain date as well. (Let's face it, a rainy day would completely ruin your car wash.)Make signs for members of your group to hold by the street to bring in the cars. Advertise with flyers, your city’s cable station, and in your local newspapers.
Charge a set amount for a car wash, or simply accept donations. You may earn more by leaving it up to each individual.
Have some small bills on hand in order to make change. Most of all, remember to HAVE FUN......your proceeds will reflect it!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit www.dressup2cure.org

March Madness:Hoops to help!

Every March across the nation our minds turn to one thing MARCH MADNESS!! Basketball fans go nuts rooting for their favorite teams. It's a huge event, right up there with the Super Bowl.
An event like March Madness gives you a theme to work with, and an opportunity to appeal to a group of people who might not otherwise participate in a fund raising event.

Hold a March Madness Party - charge everyone $10 at the door and let the games begin!

Pick a game and have your guests wager on:

• How many three point shots will be made.


• Will there be a technical foul?


• How many times will the cheerleaders be shown on camera?


• Will the team mascots fight during the game?


• Will the coach remove his tie at any point throughout the game


• How may free throws will be made?

You get the idea - make it fun! Encourage each guest to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert to share and that will cut down on cost for you!

Make it a TRUE "Dress Up" event and have everyone come dressed in their "team" colors!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Lia Sophia (or other great products!)

Another great way to raise money if you sell products like Lia Sophia, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc - is to donate your proceeds from a special party to your team - OR ask a friend that might sell products like this to help out your team!


Here is a GREAT example of a party being held by Elizabeth Breden in honor of her daughter Kelly:


April is Autism awareness month and as a mother of a "special" needs child I wanted to honor Kelly in a "special" way. Order any jewelry now until April 15th and I will donate my full commission (30% of all sales) to Girl Power 2 Cure a non profit raising awareness and $ for research to cure Rett Syndrome.

SALE!!! Buy 2 items at full price (the least expensive) and get up to 4 more items at half price (the most expensive piec...es at 1/2 off.) Orders will arrive in time for Mother's Day. What better way to spend that income tax refund then gift giving and helping my beautiful daughter and all those affected by this terrible disorder.

Just go to www.liasophia.com/elizabethbreden click on the words "our jewelry" and type my name (Elizabeth Breden) under hostess info. You can shop until you drop. Email me at bethbreden@yahoo.com with any questions or come by the house on 4/15 to see my sample and have fun and munchies too!

If you'd like to just make a donation in honor Kelly please go to the first giving link at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/elizabeth-breden Its safe and quick and would make Kelly's heart sing!!



To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Preferred Parking Prize

This is either given by the boss or by someone who has a great parking spot they would donate for a week or longer -- the prize would go to winner of an "essay" competition about why they deserve the spot! (with a $10 entry fee of course!) OR simply auction the space off to the highest bidder!



To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit www.dressup2cure.org

Raffle for Rett

Once a month some friends and I get together for Girls Night Out! For April we are going to make it a Raffle For Rett! Each lady will bring some items to enter in the raffle. Anything goes with an event like this: baked goods, a bottle of wine, gently used items like purses, rings, or dvds, you name it! We raised over $200 for Team Brooklyn last year and had a blast!
The girls buy raffle tickets - $1 each or 10 for $12. Each item has a bag in front of it - the girls simply put their tickets in the bags of the item they are hoping to win and at the end of the night we draw a ticket for each item!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit www.dressup2cure.org

Cup cakes for a cure!

We would like to thank Katie for this GREAT idea!
This is an easy fundraiser to run as part of a larger event, such as a holiday craft sale, or sporting event. You will want to package items individually (single cupcakes) and in larger groups (plates of cupcakes) so that you have something for everyone. Clearly label all items with a price and also mark anything with nuts so you don’t have any allergic reactions.

On the day of the sale, set everything up on a long table. Have a cash box and have at least twenty dollars in small bills and coins for making change. Sell bottled water, soda, or coffee to wash down the yummy goodness!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit www.dressup2cure.org

Lose weight and raise money!

Are you trying to lose weight to benefit your health? Well you might not have heard about such thing as a weight loss fundraiser, but many are using this type of event as the motivation they need to stay on track with their weight loss goals!

You simply set your weight loss goal and your friends, family, and co-workers support your efforts by pledging per pound lost! (ie. they will donate $5 for every pound you lose throughout the month of April)It is a win-win! You lose those unwanted pounds and your team raises money!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Reading For Rett

Another great idea that can be used in schools or with your kiddos at home is "Reading for Rett." A few of my homeschooling friends participated in this last year! The basic idea is that throughout the month of April - each child sets a goal of how many books they will read. They then get people to sponsor them (either per book read or with a flat donation.) All proceeds will go to benefit your team!

For a personalized handout, send me an email kelly@girlpower2cure.org

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Casual For A Cause

We understand that Dressing up silly might not be appropriate for every work place. We do not want anyone to be left out! "Casual For A Cause" might be PERFECT for you! Simply ask your employer to consider hosting a “Jeans Day” or “Casual Day.” All employee’s that participate would make a donation to benefit your DU2C team!
*Click on the photos below to print each flier.


To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Block Party!

A block party, street party, apartment party......just get your neighbors together for some fun and food! Make it a pot luck and that takes ALL the stress out of planning the party for you!

We are more than happy to personalize an invitation for you just email me at kelly@girlpower2cure.org

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure please visit: www.dressup2cure.org

Restaurants Helping Rett

Your favorite local restaurant can be the PERFECT place to help you raise money for your team!
Be sure to work with the restaurant on how proceeds will be donated. Some will give you a certain percentage of their total sales while others will give you all of the money they earned from selling a certain item. All you have to do is distribute fliers with information including location, time, and what the event is promoting. The restaurant will often allow you to use their logo on them since it is a great advertisement for them.

*Also, Plan to have an informational table during the event that includes a donation jar for customers to make additional donations!

EXAMPLE: Applebees has a "Dining to Donate" program. They give 15% of sales to
anyone who brings in their flyers - the family just needs to talk to their local Applebees general manager. Click here to visit the Applebees Atlanta area link to the program to learn more!

Buffalo Wild Wings is another great Restaurant that works with non-profits on fundraising.

Check out this link to learn about The MacDonald family's night at Bdub's or this link to learn about the Brooks' family night at Chili's!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure please visit: http://www.dressup2cure.org/

Make it a "Red Carpet" night!

Do you have pre-teens or teens in your house? Then you probably already have your DVR set for the 2011 Kids Choice awards! Why not turn it in to a super fun event for all of your family and friends? The Shubert family is doing JUST THAT in honor of their daughter Emma. Way to go Emma's Heros YOU ROCK!

If YOU would like a personalized flier for your event just let me know! kelly@girlpower2cure.org

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure, visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/!

DARE to raise awareness

Let your friends, family, and co-workers DARE you in your effort to raise money for your Dress Up 2 Cure team and for Rett Syndrome Awarenss!
You can choose the dare or if you are truly brave, let THEM choose the dare!
For example: "If I raise $1,000, I will: shave my head.......get a tattoo......let my children give me a makeover.....wear a clown wig and tutu into work. I think you get the idea - are you brave enough to TAKE THE DARE to make others AWARE of Rett Syndrome?????

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure, visit www.dressup2cure.org!

Birthday Celebration

Do you OR does someone in your life have a birthday coming up? This is a perfect opportunity to Dress Up 2 Cure! Fellow Rett Mommy, Jerimarie came up with this FANTASTIC idea........

"Miss Daphni turns the big 10 this year and we have decided to have a Dress Up 2 Cure Tea Party Birthday. Asking for donations instead of gifts this year and your attendance to her Birthday Tea Party with big hats and feather boa's on April 24th. "

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jerimarie-irby/girl-power-2-cure-inc

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure, visit www.dressup2cure.org!

Cheers!

Contact your local coffee shop and/or bar about having a “Drink of the Month,” a portion of sales would be donated to YOUR TEAM!

You can even get creative with it, "Rett-O-Ritas" have become quite the favorite at our local bar for sure!

Encourage your friends to join you for a night out and TOAST to a CURE!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure, visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/!

Personalized Post Card

All you need is your Christmas card mailing list for this idea! Send out a DU2C postcard to all of your friends and family asking them to support your team! If you are interested in a personalized postcard for your daughter, email me at kelly@girlpower2cure.org I will create it for you and email you a pdf file. All you need to do is print, cut, and get them in the mail!

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure, visit www.dressup2cure.org!

Garden of Hope

You didn't think that I would let the month go by and NOT mention one of the easiest ways to raise money did you? Our GP2C Garden of Hope is our most popular fundraiser. It is great way to raise awareness about Rett Syndrome in local business (and of course raise money!)
You might even want to talk with your local Chamber of Commerce office - they might vote to have a Garden of Hope ALL OVER town! We currently have gardens "blooming" all over the country! Be sure to "plant" one in your town!!


To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure 2011 visit http://www.dressup2cure.org/

"Kick Me"

We are kicking off our DU2C fundraising "Idea-A-Day" blog with the good ole' "Kick Me" sign! Thank you to Justin (Nora's daddy) for this fantasic and super easy suggestion that anyone can do at work (just maybe check with the boss first.)
THIS is Justin.....

Last April he went to work for the day dressed as a "nerd" for his daughter's Dress Up 2 Cure team. He taped a sign on his back that said: "KICK ME (and pledge $5 to cure Rett Syndrome)" According to Justin, lots of people chipped in with $5 and several for more.....A few also took advantage of the kick!

Thanks to Justin, his friends and coworkers donated almost $200 for the cause.

To get involved with Dress Up 2 Cure, visit www.dressup2cure.org!