The Challenge
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (RTSC) needed to feed hungry work crews during this Spring's work weekends.  But how should they solicit those donations?
 
The Solution
With the help of their eMarketing Advisor, they sent a targeted email called the "Pizza Patron" specifically looking for donations to underwrite, or subsidize, their project.  The email suggested a donation price of $25 which would get a large pizza or two plus drinks for the volunteer workers. 

The Result
The idea really resonated with folks and within the first three hours after the targeted email was sent, the RTSC office received numerous phone calls and emails offering support.  They raised over $800 as a result of this campaign!  A number of people said that this was a great way for them to feel like they were actively supporting the work campaigns even though they couldn't physically be on-site to help with the labor.

This was a HUGE number for RTSC and they plan to keep the "Pizza Patron" program for the future.

"The community rallies around whatever need Rebuilding Together has and it's wonderful!  Neighbors helping neighbors resonates with all of us and Informz was able to help us find a niche for folks to fill and be a part of the action."

Michelle Larkin

Executive Director

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County          



 If you were to ask Michelle Larkin, President and founder of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (RTSC), about her ability to do broadcast email communication one year ago she would have laughed.  "Like any volunteer organization, we get by with what we have and with what people know how to do.  We had no idea how much better off we would be by using Informz."

Rebuilding Together is a national organization that seeks to provide renovation services for elderly and disabled low-income homeowners on a local scale.  There are local chapters throughout the United States.  While each chapter receives some support and guidance from "headquarters," each chapter coordinates activities in its own backyard.

Larkin found Informz because it too is located in Saratoga County.  Working together to support the greater community made sense to both organizations.  Although a bit unsure of how this would all work out, RTSC had great results using Informz's Professional Services Group to not only implement an effective and efficient communications program, but to also manage the RTSC communications campaigns.

"This past year was just amazing!" said Larkin.  "We increased the total number of projects we completed by 17% in just one year, from 25 projects in 2006 to 30 so far in 2007.  Imagine, 30 happy and grateful homeowners receiving much needed renovations, and at no cost to them."

"The biggest increase – which was where Informz really helped us – was in the ranks of our volunteers.  We increased the total number of volunteers working with us to 517, up from 300 in 2006, and our total number of hours worked increased by 26%.  These generous volunteers worked over 3,375 hours for people in need.  For an organization like ours, this is just phenomenal.  It shows that people in our community really want to help their neighbors in need.  They just need a way to find us, and us them.  Communications is crucial."

As a first step, RTSC rolled out an email collection effort at their annual November fund-raiser.  As part of the agenda of the event, a simple sign-up sheet collected name, email, phone number, and a box to indicate talents or interests of those attending.

According to Larkin, the key was in identifying the important roles within the organization where volunteers could be most effective and then getting the appropriate emails to them.  "We set our sites on our House Captains – the project managers – and the volunteer coordinators for starters.  All of our meetings and work day communications went through Informz.  Being able to manage who was staying in the loop was extremely helpful.  And people are very busy.  They don't necessarily want to read long emails.  Email communications should be concise and directed."

In addition to the utilitarian aspects of better communications in pursuit of RTSC's goals, Larkin also acknowledged the positive perception that Informz has helped cultivate in the community.  "Informz really made us look good.  Very professional!  And I think that made people who received the forwarded emails sit up and take notice.  We have wonderful volunteers and a fantastic Board of Directors.  Professional communications improved our image from a business management standpoint."

Asked about her plans for the coming year Larkin is quick to acknowledge the recent strategic planning session conducted with her eMarketing Advisor.  "We've got it all mapped out.  We're planning an expanded communications calendar for the year – particularly during the autumn and winter, when building activities are less busy.  We're going to integrate the email subscription form onto our web site, and we are planning on conducting at least one survey.  It's all very exciting!"

For more information about Rebuilding Together Saratoga County you can reach Michelle Larkin at RebuildingTogetherSaratoga@yahoo.com.