Think about great experiences you have had as a customer—restaurants that feel like home, clothing stores that always have great stuff, the mechanic you can trust. They share a skill: knowing what you’ll appreciate and delivering to you.

Give your co-workers a great experience with your campaign and they will be much more receptive to the idea of giving. Below we offer you time-tested ideas that are sure to leave your co-workers in a happier (and hopefully, more generous!) state.

Food: The way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart… Fact: Most people associate good food with good times. There are scores of ways to use food to spark up your campaign. Here are just a few ideas that go beyond a tray of donuts:

• Roll a snack cart through the office and let people pick out their own favorites—and hand out pledge cards at the same time.
• On the day of your kickoff, greet people at the door with chocolates or other treats to say: Welcome to the campaign! At the same time, give them a program that outlines how your campaign will run.
• Rent a popcorn machine and charge a quarter for a big, buttery cup—or FREE to all those who turn in their pledge cards.
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Contests: Harness the power of competition
Friendly competition can bring out the best in people—and generate lots of laughs. Winners can get prizes or just bragging rights!

• Cookoff scored by popular vote or “celebrity” judges
• Ugliest tee-shirt
• Hallway golf tournament
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What some companies are doing… There’s no shortage of creativity at companies and non-profits in Onondaga County. Here’s a look at a few popular special events held in the area.

• Several companies have discovered that karaoke contests are events that everybody looks forward to. Karaoke is a great way to build excitement—and a lot of friendly embarrassment!
• Onondaga County’s Cookie Contest/Bake Sale gives all county employees a chance to enter their favorite recipes, or just do a lot of sampling.
• Last year, male bosses at Cooper Crouse-Hinds agreed to dress up in a hula skirt and coconut bra if they received the least donations in personalized containers. The event was a huge hit with everyone—at least, everyone who didn’t have to dress up!
• Lockheed Martin’s Videogame Triathlon gave employees a chance to compete for high scores on handheld versions of Ms. Pac Man, Space Invaders and Tetris.

Auctions, raffles & fundraising events Auctions and raffles are great ways to build your campaign total, while giving your coworkers a chance to win something fun. Consider having employees, management or local businesses donate the items.

• Hold a themed raffle—sell tickets for chances to win homemade items, days off, a prime parking spot, or gift certificates.
• Silent auction—scheduled to conclude as you wrap up your campaign
• Online auction—e-bay style!
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• Posters, signs, emails, or handouts that let people know what’s happening before, during, and after your campaign.
• Little thank-you gifts (pens, magnets, keychains or mousepads—United Way has a catalog of items that might interest you)
• Creative thank-you notes, voicemail messages, emails
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Remember, studies show that it takes four thank-yous for people to FEEL thanked—it’s hard to overdo appreciation!