What the heck is a Table Captain?
Here is a first-timer's guide to being a Table Captain for First Place.
A Table Captain:
- Reaches out into the community to help First Place tell our mission and our story.
- Brings 9 or more of their friends, family, and colleagues to the Fundraising Breakfast.
- Inspires guests to give a meaningful gift to First Place during the Breakfast.
Why do we need Table Captains?
Table Captains reach out to individuals in the community and introduce them to First Place and the services we provide to families. When guests come to the Breakfast, they have a chance to interact with other caring community members, gain a more intimate understanding of our work, and have the opportunity to financially support the organization. After the event, First Place follows up with guests and invites them to tour our building and to volunteer with the children.
The Fundraising Breakfast is a way for First Place to meet new friends, and for our programs to gain the sustainable funding they need to keep going.
Guests leave our Breakfast feeling inspired and personally fulfilled.
How do I get started?
- Sign up online today! If you have questions, call Melissa Collett (206) 323-6715.
- Attend the Table Captain Kick-off event February 10, 2010. Learn more about First Place and to meet others who have committed to being a Table Captain. Please bring a friend with you! We’ll have packets, tips and refreshments. More info on the date and time will be sent to you.
- Between now and the date of the event, First Place will keep in touch with you (mainly through email) to guide you in the process. We will provide a packet of materials, a Save the Date email, paper invitations, electronic invitations, and many other tools. Download the Table Captain Packet.
What are some of my duties?
- Send out a Save the Date email (created by First Place) to as many people as you can think of to get the date on their calendar. Compile your list of contacts and we’ll provide the email for you to send.
- Invite your guests to come to a tour of First Place. Our facility tours will take you inside a classroom and also feature a First Place parent telling you a little bit of their story. Learn more about tours here.
- Collect RSVP's to send to your First Place contact.
- As you meet new people, tell them about your interest and involvement in First Place, and let them know how vital our services are to the entire community.
- Let your guests know that the event is a fundraiser and to be prepared to make a gift which will be meaningful to them. We know that talking about money is hard. So we'll give you some pretty language to use.
- Know that your hard work helps First Place provide essential services to families in our community.
- Have Fun!
Table Captain Kick-off Event, Feb. 10
Join us on February 10 at the home of Event Co-Chair Ann Watson. RSVP by signing up to be a Table Captain and we will email you address and directions. Please feel free to bring a friend.
Event begins at 5:30pm, program begins at 6pm. Meet other table captains, hear from a First Place teacher who will talk about her experiences working with homeless students, and get all your questions answered.
Top Fears of Table Captains & our Answers:
What if I can't get 9 people? Try your best to bring as many as you can. We can help you fill the empty seats.
What if my guests can't give much money, or any at all? Invite them anyway! Part of the event is introducing First Place to new people. We have faith that one day they will find a way to support us.
What if people say no? This will happen and it's OK. In your Table Captain packet will be instructions on how to involve guests that are unable to make it. We understand how busy people are, and have a few different options to catch their eye.
