Fans of a Good Cause

Offer a big prize
Make your audience part of the “sport” by offering a big prize, such as a donated car or cash, to make a hoop shot or hole in one. Making this part of the event promotions is a great way to increase ticket sales.

Put on a great show
The most successful sporting-event fundraisers are those that entertain. The Ambassadors bring world-class athletes into small towns that rarely have such an opportunity. Young women can see a professional female basketball player live and up close. This is a great way to bring out the whole family.

By using these techniques to reach out to sports fans and their families, the Ambassadors have helped nonprofits raise thousands. The Colquitt County (Georgia) Habitat for Humanity hosted the Ambassadors at its high-school gymnasium and raised more than $14,000. The American Cancer Society filled a stadium with 2,000 community members and raised more than $21,000 — as well as awareness — for its program. So, don’t discount that hairy guy with the painted chest. He might just become your biggest fan.

Christine Weiser is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer and publisher of the nonprofit literary-arts publication, Philadelphia Stories.