There have been many, many fundraisers since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti on January 12th. Everything from kids putting collection jars in their classrooms to George Clooney’s star-studded telethon. Not to mention the non-stop campaigning for donations by the multitude of charitable organizations participating in the gargantuan relief effort.
And the events keep on coming, including George Lopez’s event in Los Angeles last night and the BET concert, “SOS Saving Ourselves” airing live from Miami tonight. Both are star studded and sure to generate even more money for Haiti.
It’s great to see everyone continuing to show their support for such a worthy cause, but how much more can we really expect to raise? Between the concerts, telethons, online giving, texting, pancake breakfasts, and car washes, hundreds of millions of dollars have already been given, and yet people move forward with confidence that there are millions more out there to be tapped.
And there are. Because everyone is making it personal. Clooney’s telethon got us off and running by bringing everyone into the tent. There was something for every age and demographic in that show. Now as others look for ways to make a difference they’re going to their own communities for support. They’re making it personal.
George Lopez is tremendously popular with Latinos, with his standup comedy fans, and with families who enjoyed his sitcom. His show reflects that with guests like Andy Garcia, Los Lobos, Ray Romano, and Kobe Bryant. His impressive guest list extends outside the Hispanic demographic but he knows his community and he’ll speak to them. And he’ll raise money.
The BET concert, hosted by Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Pharrell Williams, will
be targeting the urban African American audience with performers such as Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, and Ne-Yo. The powerful triumvirate of hosts will speak to women, to hip-hop kids, to trendsetters; they’ll touch their audience. And they’ll raise money.
Meanwhile, the Fall River, Massachussets, Portuguese-American community sold out 1,000 seats in two weeks for the concert fundraiser they’re holding this weekend. The Tacoma, Washington, French Club is asking its communaute to gather and give. Anything that creates community can be targeted when it’s time to raise money. Roger Federer gathered tennis fans with “Hit for Haiti” in Australia, and Lang Lang will bring together classical music lovers for a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall.
You can do it, too. Your cause can generate the kind of passion and personal involvement we’re seeing right now for Haiti. Show your supporters how their money makes a difference. Demonstrate to them how their volunteer hours are changing lives. Never hesitate to tell them why their involvement is critical – and appreciated. Not in some form letter or pre-printed note. Make it personal, people. That should be every non-profit’s mantra.
Assistance Relief Telethon
