One of the best ways you can help Hank’s campaign is by taking part in our  Grassroots Finance Committee.  You can agree to be a Texas TrailBlazer by pledging to raise $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 on or before December 31.

You can do this by soliciting contributions through your contacts online, by hosting a fundraiser, or a house party.

Hosting A “Keep Hank On The Trail” Fundraiser

A “Keep Hank On The Trail” Fundraiser is a fundraising event designed to raise a minimum of $3,500 for Hank’s campaign. These fundraisers are typically evening events held at locations such as restaurants or special events locations. These are events which Hank will attend in person.

To host a “Keep Hank On The Trail” fundraiser:

1.)  Formulate a host committee of three to ten people committed to raising at least $3,500 in sponsorships for the event. (In addition to sponsorships, a $25 suggested donation ask for admittance is recommended)

2.)   When you have a host committee set up, contact the campaign at (512) 705-7001 and we will put you in touch with the Regional Finance Director for your area who will handle all event logistics for you (you won’t have to worry about picking a location, menu, etc.). We will also help you select a date for the event that will allow Hank to attend.

3.)   Start publicizing your event locally. The campaign will also hit its email address in your area to help spread the word.

4.)   Continue to work with the campaign to plan the event.

5.)   Hold the event and raise money for Hank!

Hosting a Grassroots Finance Committee House Party

Hosting a Grassroots Finance Committee house party is a great way to invite your friends and family to get more familiar with Hank and ask them to join the campaign by making a donation.

By hosting a party, you can:

• Reach out to undecided friends. Ask them to attend your party to learn more about Hank.
• Tell others about your fundraising effort and the importance of making a donation.
• Ask friends who support Hank to own a piece of the campaign by donating to your personal fundraising page (which you can set up using ActBlue).

With at least two week’s notice, we can arrange to send a personalized video to you for your House Party or make arrangements for Hank to personally call your House Party (requires a minimum fundraising benchmark of $500).

Step 1: Let the Campaign Know About Your Event!

Email the campaign at vince@hankgilbert.com and let them know about the event.  We will add it to the campaign’s online schedule and help work with you to share the word to people in your neighborhood.

Here are some things to keep in mind while creating your event:

• Make sure to create an Act Blue page for your Huse Party
• Include a link to your personal fundraising page so your guests can donate before the event.
• Feel free to suggest that all guests make a minimum donation in order to attend.

Step 2: Invite Family, Friends and Neighbors

Start with people you know. Think about family, friends, colleagues and neighbors who would be willing to hear more about Hank Gilbert. Aim to invite at least 15 people, knowing that at least half will probably not be able to attend.

You may also want to consider reaching out to your larger community. Our campaign can help you locate people in your neighborhood and we can invite them for you through our email system.

Encourage all of your attendees to RSVP for your event so you know how many people to expect. Send an email to all of your a week before the event and then again the day before to remind everyone of the event’s details.

Step 3: Set a Fundraising Goal

Set a fundraising goal for your house party. We recommend a minimum goal of $250, although most people set their goal at between $500 and $2,500. How much do you need to raise at your party in order to be on track to meet that goal?

It’s important to encourage all of your guests to make a contribution. No matter the amount, every contribution benefits the campaign and brings us one step closer to victory.

Step 4: Get Your Materials in Order

Review the list below for materials you may find useful at your party:

• Sign In Sheets. This is the form that you will want to have all your attendees use to sign in.
• Contribution Form. Every guest that makes a donation must fill out this form. Once we receive the donations, we’ll be able to add the amount you’ve raised to your personal fundraising page.
• Computer. Prepare your computer by making sure you’re connected to the Internet and your personal fundraising page is on the screen. That way, guests can donate directly to your personal fundraising page during the party.
• Policies. Think about printing out flyers detailing Hank’s positions on important issues.
• Camera. Don’t forget to take pictures and share them with us after your party!

This agenda is meant only to be a suggestion to guide you in your activities. Feel free to organize the evening differently, according to your preferences.

Guests arrive and sign in

Welcome your guests and introduce them to others at your house party. Make sure every attendee signs in on your sign in sheet You can ask your guests to make a donation as they arrive.

Mix and Mingle

Invite everyone to socialize, but let the group know that you’d like the whole group to circle up at a certain time.

Introduce yourself and talk about your support for Hank

Introduce yourself and share with the group why you joined the Grassroots Finance Committee and why you support Hank Gilbert. Aim to answer the question, why did you get involved with the campaign? Everyone has a unique story about how they got engaged, and your guests want to hear it directly from you. Your openness will help set the tone for the rest of the event.

Watch The Video/Get The Call

We will send you a personalized video to watch online for your House Party, or will plan for Hank to make a brief, five minute all into your house party to help engage supporters.

Group Discussion

After watching the video or debate, spark up a group discussion. What issues are most important to your guests? Ask your guests if they have any questions about Hank that you can answer.

Ask for Donations

Before your party breaks up, tell your guests why you’ve committed to raise whatever your goal is. Talk about the candidates, and talk about the field operation we need to support. Ask them to show their support by making a contribution to the campaign.

Your guests can make donations by cash, check or credit card. Make sure the contribution form is included with each offline donation. If you’ve set up your computer beforehand, your guests may also make a donation directly to your personal fundraising page on Act Blue (we recommend this method)

Thanks

Thank your guests for coming and make sure to gather the sign-in sheets, contribution forms and donations before they leave.

Return Donations & Sign-In Sheets

Return all donations, contribution forms and sign-in sheets by mailing them to:

Committee to Elect Hank Gilbert
P.O. Box 1930
Whitehouse, TX 75791

As soon as we receive the donations you send in by mail, the amount will be added to your personal fundraising page and you will receive an email confirmation. Make sure a contribution form is included with each donation.

Let Us Know How It Went

Your feedback is very important.  What worked?  What didn’t?  Did you reach your goals? Email feedback to vince@hankgilbert.com.

Thank Your Guests

Send individual thank you emails to all of your guests. For those who made a donation, make sure they know how much you appreciate their support. For those who didn’t make a donation, thank them for coming and send them more information on issues they mentioned were important to them.

Congratulations!

You just helped Hank get one step closer to victory! It’s people like you that make this campaign for change possible.