Debbie Lewis, Emily's mom, congratulates Paul Nebraska for raising the greatest amount of funds for the Pot of Gold Pledge Program. Paul asked his co-workers to make contributions to the Pot of Gold Pledge Program for the opportunity to wear jeans to work. His efforts raised $573! Congratulations and thank you, Paul!

Set-up your own fundraising webpage by clicking on the “Join the Team” button below. Then click “Become a Fundraiser” to set-up your website. This will allow you to accept online donations, enter cash and check donations, easily keep track of your progress, send emails and run reports. Alternatively, you may keep track of your donations on the Pledge Program collection sheet. (Click here for a Pledge Program collection sheet.)

Bring pledge money and your online report or collection sheet to the Pledge Program table by 8:00 a.m. on race day or mail your forms and contributions by April 15, 2010 to Emily’s Rainbow Run, Attn: Pledge Program, P.O. Box 451194, Westlake, OH 44145 in order to be eligible for prizes. Watch for website announcements about prize details.

Pledge Program participants will be eligible to win prizes at our Pledge Program raffle drawing and to be recognized as raising the greatest amount of funds.

One raffle ticket will be given per online report or collection sheet package mailed by April 15, 2010 or turned in on race day. All tickets will be entered into a random draw. Winners do not need to be present to win. The raffle drawing will be held during the awards ceremony on race day.

All Pledge Program donations will be tallied and confirmed immediately following race day. The Pledge Program participant with the greatest amount of funds raised will be notified by telephone and/or email no later than May 15, 2010. The winner’s name will also be posted on our website. This participant will be awarded a prize. Watch for website announcements for prize details.

Checks are to be made payable to “Emily’s Rainbow Fund.”

Online donations can be made by visiting www.EmilysRainbowFund.org and clicking on the “Donate” tab featured on the home page and then clicking on the “Donate Online” button. If you have set up your own webpage, remind your donors to type your name into the “Find a fundraiser to support” search box. You may also provide your donors a direct link to your webpage. (This link will be provided to you at the time you create your webpage.) If you are keeping track of your donations on a collection sheet, note “online” as the payment type.

Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital non-profit tax ID number is 34-1567805.

If you have any questions about the Pledge Program, please contact Cathy Milowicki at info@emilysrainbowfund.org or 440-823-6356.

• Begin your Pledge Program early.
• Begin your Pledge Program by becoming the first donor. This gesture demonstrates your commitment to your cause!
• Share Emily’s story with your donors, talk to them about how you are training for the race and educate them about Emily’s Rainbow Fund and its mission.
• Do not be afraid or uncomfortable about asking for donations. Remember that your efforts are providing necessary funding for pediatric cancer research.
• Host a fundraising event like a garage sale, a bake sale or a social function at your home.
• Spread the word about your participation in Emily’s Rainbow Run Pot of Gold Pledge Program! Send an email, a text or a tweet! Even send some Snail mail! You will be surprised at others’ generosity and support. Be enthusiastic! Your excitement will be contagious! (Click here for a sample donation letter.)
• Always send a thank you note or an email of appreciation.
• Be positive and stay motivated. Fundraising can be challenging and you will hear “No, thank you.” Stay focused on your efforts and do not be too hard on yourself!