§ Each year we assign our runners a client from the agency for whom they run on race day. This can be incorporated into your letter and will help the recipient understand why you are running for OE.

§ Send a letter to anyone you know that would consider supporting you and include a self-addressed stamped return envelope, this makes it extremely easy for the donor.

§ Make a follow-up call to those who you think are interested. It is not badgering, but a simple reminder.

§ Whether you are a new OE runner or a past member of the OE Marathon Team, send at letter after the run thanking those who donated to you. Enclose a photo of yourself at the finish line and plant a seed by letting them know you will be running next year with the team.

§ Involve social or service organizations you are a member of by asking for their sponsorship or volunteer support.

§ Plan a small or big event around your fund raising efforts (i.e. raffle, contest or other fundraiser) to get more people who are not interested in running involved. There are two runners who have already down this with great success. Below are some larger fundraiser ideas:

1.Hole in One: A hot air balloon or helicopter drops numbered golf balls onto a gold course. The closest ball to a Hole in One wins.

2.Goldfish Game: The object of this game is to throw a ping-pong ball into a fish bowl. If you win, you receive a coupon for a fish or hermit crab. The goldfish and crabs are kept in coolers until the winner is ready to pick up their prize. You get one ball for 25 cents, seven balls for $1; 15 balls for $2; and 30 balls for $3. **Christel Reichenbach (847) 910-5039 runs a goldfish game and is willing to give hints and tips.

3.Car (motorcycle) Giveaway: The Lewis Cass Band Boosters sold raffle tickets to win a 1966 Ford Mustang. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

4."Swing for Relief": Participants have the opportunity to challenge high profile people - the mayor, police, fireman, school principal - at the driving range. Awards to longest drive, closest to the hole, sand drive, etc.

5. Adventure Ride: About 158 motorcyclists raised over $1,000 for food pantries at a recent Fall Colors Adventure Run and Chili Dinner. Motorcyclists paid their way into the event, drove through Porter and LaPorte counties and finished the day with a chili dinner. Organizers handed out awards and prizes at the dinner.

6. Teeing Off For Charity: The fifth annual Golfers Against Cancer Tournament in Texas raised $800,000 for cancer research this year. A group of golfing buddies developed the tournament after one in the group was diagnosed with his third cancer. They raised $80,000 the first year.

7. Plant auctions and sales: Great for people with garden club ties. Gardeners often need to thin their plants. A collective thinning and fundraising sale serves a dual purpose.

8. Arts and Crafts Fair: Great if you can tap into a list of arts and crafters, and if you have an area to host the fair. You collect booth fees from exhibitors and entrance fees. Need to choose a theme - holiday bazaar, antique show, spring fling, fine arts.

9. Euchre Party: Charge $10 per person and let the game begin. Cash prizes for highest scores.

10.Garage Sale: Everyone has items they need to get rid of. Accept the donations and throw a garage sale.

11. Host a wine reception: Depending on your resources and energy, you can host a wine and cheese reception. This is great for people who like to entertain.

12. Food: Whether it's spaghetti dinner, pancake breakfast or anything in between. We all have to eat and what better way than to forego the cooking and cleaning while benefiting a good cause.

12. Murder Mystery Party: An interactive who-dunnit evening of food, drinks and murder. The LaPorte County tourism bureau (800-634-2650) is currently doing one at the Orr Mansion.