Great Fundraising Letters

I want there to be clean lakes to swim in, trees to enjoy, beaches to frolic on, and lots of good breathable air for my nieces and nephews all their livesDear __________,

I think you know how important my 8 nieces and nephews are to me. I talk about them pretty regularly, and being an aunt is probably my favorite thing in life.

That is why this year I’m riding my bike during Labor Day weekend 120 miles in their honor.

I’m riding with Hazon, a fantastic Jewish organization devoted to environmentalism and food sustainability. Hazon and its partners teach Jews and others about the importance of being stewards for our planet to help it and us and all the creatures on it survive and thrive. And that is what I want for my nieces and nephews who range in age from 4 to 21 years old.

I’m trying to raise $6,000 for Hazon and its grantees so they can continue this vital work. And I’m asking you to be a part of it by donating a little.

Wait, don’t answer yes or no yet – first watch this video.

My brother’s kids made this video with me because they were so proud to be honored and so excited about the Hazon ride. Here they are in their suburban Illinois backyard demonstrating the pleasures of biking.

Now, don’t you want to donate a little money so those kids have beautiful beaches, forests, healthy food to eat, and clean air to breath when they are your age?

Thanks and Happy July 4th. Let’s keep America lookin’ good!

Hello Friends and Family,

As most of you know we are planning to participate in Hazon’s annual New York environmental bike ride this Labor Day. We will be biking over 100 miles from the Berkshires to Manhattan to support Hazon’s environmental and food justice initiative. A couple years ago when we did our first ride, with all of your help we were able to fulfill our commitment to raise over $2,000! We hope we can count on your support to help us do it once again.

The word “Hazon” means vision, and the organization works to create a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community and a healthier and more sustainable world for all. Over the past couple of years, Hazon has had a major impact on the way we think about food, transportation, and the type of home and community we are working to build. Whether advocating for a just Farm Bill and bike lanes, starting CSA’s, teaching kids about healthy and ethical eating, helping other organizations to “go green”, or supporting other programs and institutions through grants, Hazon is inspiring important change in the world around us. You can learn more at hazon.org.

Donating is easy! Visit our personal page here.

If this email isn’t persuasive enough,  watch our video!

This fourth of July you can help care for our country by caring for our environment! Thank you so much for your support.

Dear _________,

One of the highlights of my year is Labor Day weekend, when since 2007 I’ve bicycled 120-plus miles on Hazon’s New York Jewish Environmental Bike Ride.  I’m excited to be doing the ride again this year, my 70^th, through the southern Berkshires of Connecticut and Massachusetts and on to New York City.  I join this annual event not just for the physical challenge – though a challenge it definitely is — nor just for the camaraderie of my fellow Jewish tree-huggers, but because I really believe in what Hazon stands for: fostering environmental awareness and action in the Jewish community and promoting a healthier and more sustainable world for all.

Besides experiencing the exhilaration of riding tranquil back roads through verdant rolling hills and meadows, through the funds I raise I’ll be supporting a wide range of outstanding and innovative environmental programs, in the U.S. and Israel. You can read about these projects on the Hazon website . I feel strongly about these causes, and hope you will support them along with me.

Now for the tachlis:  (meat and potatoes) Each rider is committed to raising at least $1,500 from friends, family, and colleagues to support these very worthy causes. I’ve set a personal goal this year of at least $2,000.  I know, of course, that these are tough economic times for many of us, and that donating to this cause might be a bit of a stretch.  But there are even tougher environmental challenges facing life on our planet, and I hope you agree with me that we believers in tikkun olam should be playing a leading role in confronting them.  I would be deeply grateful if you could sponsor me with a donation of $120, $72, or whatever you feel is appropriate.  To make a donation, please go to the sponsor rider on the Hazon Bike Ride web site.

With gratitude for your generosity and your commitment to a greener world,