Community Fundraiser FAQ

What is a Community Fundraiser?
A community fundraiser is an event to benefit Blythedale Children’s Hospital that is completely sponsored and organized by an individual, company or organization outside of Blythedale. Since you are the architect of the event the possibilities are endless! You come up with an idea, plan all the details, handle the associated expenses, and enlist the help of your friends, family, and coworkers to organize and staff the event. Once your application has been submitted, and your event approved, Blythedale can help spread the work about your event and recognize those who contribute. Community fundraisers are a great way to have fun and benefit Blythedale Children’s Hospital at the same time.

Why host a Community Fundraiser?
When you plan and host an event to benefit Blythedale Children’s Hospital, you help spread the word about the wonderful work we do as well as support us through the money that is raised. Organizing a fundraising event can be a fun, empowering and rewarding adventure, especially if it involves your children. Money raised from these events touch every corner of Blythedale as they help us to invest in superior people, technology, and state-of-the-art equipment that define the exceptional care we provide to the children and families who need us.

What is the process for hosting a Community Fundraiser?
Think of an event > Apply > Plan > Host your event > Send Blythedale your donations.

Can Blythedale Children’s Hospital provide guidance on preparing for the event?
Blythedale Children’s Hospital will:

• Publicize the event via e-news, online social networks and other web sources.
• Provide self-addressed envelopes to simplify gathering donor information, if needed.
• Provide Blythedale’s logo in several formats for use on collateral materials for your event. 

Please don’t hesitate to discuss with us your ideas for a fundraiser. We are thrilled to help you help us and can share our past experiences. Please contact Vice President of Development Lisa Koch for more information.

Please keep in mind: We strive to support community fundraising events to the greatest extent possible.  Unfortunately, Blythedale Children’s Hospital does not have the resources to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with community fundraisers, nor are we able to attend all of them. Therefore, you are responsible for all details of the event including: underwriting the costs, recruiting volunteers to help out at the event, creating flyers to publicize the event, and working at the actual event. Proposals should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled event, although at least 30 days is preferred.

What do I call my event?
It’s your event. Make it topical, informative, fun, silly – whatever you think will work best!

What is involved with the Planning and Application phase?
First, obtain a Community Fundraiser Application from Blythedale Children’s Hospital. You can download the application here. The application will point you to important issues to consider.

You should cover the following questions during your planning:

• Will you need volunteers to help on the day of the event? 
• Will you need a permit for your event?
  How much money do you plan on raising?
• What unexpected costs might you encounter? (Please remember that you are responsible for underwriting any expenses or obtaining sponsors to help with expenses associated with your event.)

The application form provides more information. Proposals should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled event, although at least 30 days is preferred.

I have someone who is willing to sponsor my event. How does that work?
To ensure that all donations (including in-kind donations of space, food or other items) are properly documented, please have your sponsor complete an in-kind invoice.
Please make sure to inform us of any corporate sponsors you engage to raise money for Blythedale Children’s Hospital, so that we can thank them properly and avoid over-soliciting a local organization.

Where do I get an application and where do I send it?
Anyone who is interested in planning an event to benefit Blythedale Children’s Hospital must complete, sign and submit a Community Fundraiser Application prior to the event.   
Completed applications may be sent via email to lkoch@blythedale.org or mailed to:
Lisa Koch
Vice President of Development
Blythedale Children’s Hospital
95 Bradhurst Avenue
Valhalla, NY 10595

Reminder: Please do not proceed with your event until you have heard back from Blythedale regarding approval of your event.

How will I know if my event is approved?
We will do our best to reach out to you within one week of receipt of your application via e-mail or a telephone call.

How do I handle the money I raise?
You may collect money via check or cash and hand deliver or mail in the donations. Alternatively you may choose to send us one check for all donations if you would like.  Please contact Lisa Koch if you have any questions regarding how to handle the money at your event, or how to deliver any money to Blythedale.  

What are some examples of Community Fundraisers?
As the event planner, the sky is the limit.  You are free to come up with any kind of fundraiser you like – They can be as simple as a bake sale or birthday party donations in lieu of gifts and as complex as you can dream. If you need a little inspiration you can take a look at a sample list of ideas that we have come up with.  Feel free to send us ideas to share with others as well – We always love to hear about the unique ways that people are helping us to empower children with complex medical conditions.

If you have any questions, please contact Vice President of Development Lisa Koch.

Once again, our sincere thanks for your interest in planning your own fundraising event to benefit the children of Blythedale Children’s Hospital and their families!