Get a head start! It is never too early to begin thinking about who can sponsor you. Ask your parents or guardians to help by asking their friends and co-workers to contribute. Companies often contribute something called a matching gift, where they donate an amount that matches your overall fundraising total. This DOUBLES your fundraising amount.

Go online! Even relatives who live in another state or country can easily sponsor you online at www.readathon.com. Ask donors to click on the For Parents section, then click To Sponsor a Participating Student and follow the instructions. The Web is a fast, easy and safe way to help you raise donations. (Remember: Don't approach strangers, and never go door-to-door.)

Set a goal! Pick a prize you like and figure out how many sponsors and contributions you need to reach it. For example, to earn the $20 level and win two tickets to a minor league baseball game, you need to collect $5 from each of four people. If you want to set a more aggressive goal, increase the number of potential sponsors and your donation request.

Think about what you're going to say to potential sponsors, then practice saying it with enthusiasm and a big smile. (Your teacher could make suggestions and let you practice with other students in your class.)

Don’t know what to say? It’s okay if you’re not sure how to explain what you are doing. You may even feel nervous when asking sponsors to help you with fundraising. To make this easier, the MS READaTHON has written a letter that you can send to your potential sponsors.

• To print this letter, click here. Fill out the information needed, then mail it out to your family and friends.
  

Explain why you're participating and why helping others with MS in your community is important. Tell them you are joining the movement and making your mark against MS. Ask them to join you.

Be polite. Thank everyone you ask to sponsor you, even if they don't donate. Write thank-you notes to donors after the event. This will help them remember you next year, and after all, they helped you achieve your goal!

©2007 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, All Rights Reserved