Below are some ideas that other All-American cast members have implemented to raise funds to attend the All American production tour in recent years. While results vary from community to community, there are plenty of nice folks who appreciate the hard work you put forth to become an All American performer.

Don't be afraid to "Sell Yourself" whenever asking for support to attend the All American production tour! Remember . . . Only the BEST are invited to be a part of "America's BEST Halftime Show!™"

Here is a partial list of fund raising activities successfully
used by other "All Americans" across the country:

1. Sample Sponsorship Request Letter - Fill in your name, address, and the area noting to whom checks should be written to, then photocopy 50 to 100 copies of your sponsorship contribution letter. Distribute or mail it to friends, family holiday greeting card list, local businesses, and other parties who are interested in your success as an outstanding student performer. It is also a nice gesture if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that your sponsorship contribution can easily & quickly be returned to you. Always make a follow-up telephone call to everyone who gets a letter!
   
   
2. Personal Media Packet - Put together a personal sponsorship "Media Packet" about yourself, to help sell "YOU" to your community and organizations who may wish to sponsor all or part of your All American halftime production tour expenses.
   
   Your sponsorship "Media Packet" might include:
   
   • A cover page detailing your selection as an "All American" cast member and your necessity to earn funds to cover the cost of your performance tour.
   
   • A copy of your enclosed sponsorship request letter.
   
   • A copy of your All American selection brochure detailing your performance tour.
   
   • A listing of your awards and accomplishments as a performer.
   
   • A listing of your academic, school, and civic accomplishments.
   
   • Letters of recommendation (Squad director/coach, teachers, clergy, etc.)
   
   • Information about you and your squad, team or band's upcoming performances.
   
   • Your individual and group photographs in uniform.
   
   • Clipping of a newspaper article about you or your group.
   
   Make enough photo copies of your media kit to distribute to each potential sponsor. Keep the original packet of materials in a clear plastic presentation folder to show potential sponsors. When you have concluded your presentation, you should leave a photocopy of your media folder with the potential sponsor. Always ask if they can donate a check NOW, if not, ask when would be a good time for you to return.
   
   
3. Local Businesses - Call and visit everyone who advertises in your school yearbook, newspaper, football, and basketball game program. Give them your personal media packet and ask for their sponsorship contribution.
   
   
4. Sample Performance Cast Press Release - Contact your local media such as weekly & daily newspapers, television and radio stations. They will run a story on you if you present it to them properly (include typed information about how you were selected as an "All American" performer, awards you or your group have earned, things you intend to do while in Orlando, etc.) Make sure you use the proper name of the event - "The All-American Halftime Show".
   
   
5. Local Service Clubs - Contact your church and local service clubs such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, etc. Ask your coach or director if she or he could help you find sponsors and community support. Attend your school's sports, cheer or music booster club meetings to seek their support and ask about further fund raising suggestions.
   
   
6. Sidewalk Sales - Set up a booth or table at a busy location such as a grocery store, football game, or parade. Sell items such as baked goods, photo buttons, candy, flowers, glow sticks, etc. Always obtain permission to sell goods or solicit donations at any location.
   
   
7. Donation-a-Thon - Organize a Bowl-a-thon, Walk-a-thon, Cheer-a thon, Dance-a-thon, Swing-a-thon, etc. for pledged donations. Either by yourself, or with friends, you can organize a "???-a-thon" to show your willingness to be the best. Many times potential sponors are glad to go ahead and make a donation to you even before the event takes place (if you ask nicely!)

Always keep a smile, maintain a positive attitude, and let potential sponsors KNOW just how much this All American performance opportunity of a lifetime means to YOU!