Finding Sponsors

Tips from Nixida Vega: Pageant Coordinator and Former Queen

Anyone can be a sponsor, no matter how BIG or small the donation. We provide our delegates with a great method for raising money.

• Sell "Good Luck Lines" in the program book.  With this form of raising money the possibilities are endless! 
• Friends and family are usually ready to support. If they are not able to make a large donation, ask them to buy a "Balloon Good Luck Line" in the program book for less than $20. Ask your friends for $5 each towards a good luck line or raffle ticket.

Don't like our method? Here are some more ideas. If this doesnt work for you, be creative and set up your own fun charity event or fundraiser!

• Sell empanadillas or pastelles. Make sure you let people know what its for! This is a positive program many will be happy to support.
• Sell candy. Buy candy cheaper at a local factory and sell them at your own set price to raise money. Just don't eat it all!!

• Visit local businesses.
• Bring an envelope, disguised tin can, etc. to hold any monetary donations.
• Make a sponsor letter that includes the pageant name, brief description of yourself and pageant system, name of Director Marizol Gore, the website address and pageant phone number. Tape a picture of yourself on it and make photocopies. It's that easy!
• Ask for the manager or owner.  If they aren't there, introduce yourself and explain to the employee that you are raising funds to participate at a state pageant. Announce your title, give them your sponsor letter, and lastly ask for a donation. 
• I suggest to NEVER ask for a set amount, tell them any amount will be fine. If they refuse, always thank them for their time.
• Politeness goes a long way! There have been many times that customers donated money to me when the owners didn't!!!!
•  Remember even $1 goes a long way! You'll be surprised! I was!!!

If you decide to go to local businesses, heres my best advice. Money won't find its way to you. You have to get out there and make it happen. A city title, sash, tiara, and experience of competing in a state pageant will be worth the hard work. I guarantee it!!! The feeling of being on that stage is indescribable. The friends you will make are priceless. I still talk to girls I've competed with 7 years ago, Today!

Try, Try And Try Again: It is the same as any undertaking. You have to persevere. Keep moving forward. NEVER GIVE UP. You will rarely, if ever make progress in leaps and bounds, but if you keep looking for another way forwards, you will get there.  This is not only a mentality needed to raise your fee, but a lesson you should take with you for the rest of your life.  You will hear many No's. I have been there. But when you hear a yes, its worth it! Keep smiling no matter how discouraged you get. In fact, don't let yourself get discouraged. I have raised MANY of my fees by collecting from my local businesses. I find that Latinos have supported me the most, but don't limit yourself and be sure to go to business owners you know and have given business to.

The Personal Touch: When you are trying to raise money, writing letters might get you a few pennies, but it is the personal visit that will get you the notes of the cheques. In this economy it may be hard for some people to say yes, but it's even harder to say no to a hopeful smiling face.

Be Appropriate: 

Think of how you will introduce yourself. Seriously. You might get nervous, so planning an introduction will be helpful. 

Ask for the right amount. If they say they don't have much or they can't donate $20/$50, tell them ANY amount will help you make your dream come true!

Be confident, act confident. If you don't speak like you have confidence, act scared or sound like your asking a question instead of making a request they most likely will say no. Let them know this is a smart and helpful decision. They won't donate to a girl who doesn't have confidence in herself. I was always nervous going out, because you never know the reaction your going to get. But everytime I spoke to someone I made it look like I wasn't. Act!! Don't act silly or laugh at what your saying. Be firm and sound happy!!

If they are rude, please stay positive and polite! If they ask questions, answer them in full detail nicely. Some people just like to make sure it is legitimate and most are just interested; which is a good thing!

Dress Appropriate: Don't go out in sneakers, jeans, and a t-shirt!!! Look the part. People will sponsor a young lady who looks like a queen. You don't need a gown, but you do need to make an impression!

Thank You: Say 'please' and 'thank you' and when you have said 'thank you', say it again. Maybe even make copies of a thank you letter for those who do make a donation. Leave them with a GREAT impression and positive experience.

Don't just Fundraise for One Hour: Bad idea. One hour of fundraising is better than none, anything is possible, but please take the appropriate amount of time to find sponsors.  Set aside 3-5 hours to walk business to business. Bring a parent or professional female friend for company.  Don't bring anyone who is going to make you look unprofessional or make you act unprofessionally. It can look unprofessional if your boyfriend or a male friend accompanies you, honestly. These are not just not words, this all comes from experience! I've been there. YES, I've done it! And I've ALWAYS raised my funds!!!

GO OUT THERE!: What are you waiting for? In my experience and other delegates' experiences, half of your entrance fee can be raised in one day!!! Don't get discouraged if this doesn't happen. I liked to take at least 5 days aside in total to find sponsors in my community, store by store, block by block.

Reward Yourself: Remember to be proud of yourself for going out and trying to raise money!  It takes hard work, patience, preparation, and courage to do that. It doesn't matter how little or how much you make, by going out there and doing your BEST, you have suceeded. When the funds are raised for your pageant fee, the reward will follow.

Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. No one can put you down, but yourself. It is up to you and I know you can do it, because when others thought I couldn't, I DID.