Amer-A-Thon FAQs

• Does my school/organization qualify to participate in an Amer-A-Thon?
• How difficult is the program to implement?
• What is the sequence of events?
• How much lead time is required prior to the kick-off?
• How much can our school/organization make?

Does my school/organization qualify to participate in an Amer-A-Thon?

Amer-A-Thon prefers to work with those schools/organizations who exhibit a high level of enthusiasm and are able to recruit a committed group of volunteers who will be focused on producing outstanding results.

Schools/organizations must have:

• A minimum of 50 students/members in a Christian, Catholic, Parochial, or Private school/organization.
• A minimum of 100 students/members in a public school/organization.
• Specific and worthwhile needs for raising funds.
• A serious and business-like attitude from the staff, the volunteers, and the students/members.
• A Project Coordinator who is willing and able to provide the necessary leadership and will work "hand in hand" with the Amer-A-Thon Consultant .

How difficult is the program to implement?

Amer-A-Thon makes it easy for you! Since we have already invested hours and hours over the years to refine our approach, the school/organization simply has to "buy in" to utilizing our procedures and methods. All materials, manuals, and instruction are in writing, and our office personnel have multiple years of experience working with our clients nation-wide. The school/organization coordinator and the Amer-A-Thon consultant work as a team to develop the project to its fullest potential.

What is the sequence of events?

• The school/organization contacts Amer-A-Thon.
• Amer-A-Thon arranges for a consultant to meet with the leadership to explain the program in detail.
• The dates (kick-off, letter turn-in, and event) are decided and the agreement is signed. If possible, the Consultant will also confer with the leadership at this time concerning the awards program to be used.
• The School/Organization forwards a roster of students/members to Amer-A-Thon headquarters so that letters (two-way mailers) can be prepared.
• A parent letter is sent home explaining the fundraiser and how it all works
• The personalized packets of letters arrive at the school/organization.
• An assembly is conducted by the Amer-A-Thon consultant to explain the program and to outline the various awards that may be earned by the students/members for participating in the fundraiser.
• The packets of letters (two-way mailers) are taken home by the students/members.
• The completed letters (two-way mailers) are returned to the school/organization where they are screened for completeness, folded, taped, stamped, and mailed out to the potential sponsors.
• Donations and pledges begin arriving at the school/organization where they are sorted and the money from donations deposited.
• The event is held and the results are sent to Amer-A-Thon for tabulation, along with the letters which have been received from sponsors.
• Amer-A-Thon sends out notices to all who pledged letting them know how many laps were run and reminding them of how much they agreed to pay.
• Amer-A-Thon mails thank you cards on behalf of the school/organization to all who donated or paid a pledge.
• School/organization spends the profit!

How much lead time is required prior to the kick-off?

The Amer-A-Thon can be set up and ready to kick-off in as few as 5 to 7 working days from the time a decision is reached.

Variables would include the arrival of the agreement and class/group rosters to Amer-A-Thon headquarters along with all other materials required to get the program started, the workload already in place for home office personnel, and the program schedule of the consultant for schools/organizations who have already reserved a day for their kick-off.

How much can our school/organization make?

Amer-A-Thon programs nationwide average $52.14 net profit per participant after all expenses are covered. A number of the top performing schools/organizations average as much as $97.85 per participant!

Your school/organization's profit is up to you! Your Amer-A-Thon consultant will coach your staff, volunteers, and students/members to increase their levels of enthusiasm and participation.

The greater the students'/members' participation and enthusiasm, the higher your potential bottom line. To take a look at how much your own school/organization may raise, use the following worksheet as your guide:

Your total net profits after all expenses should exceed 60% and may exceed 70%. Variables that affect your net include which level of service you choose from Amer-A-Thon and how much of your Event Day refreshments, prizes, and supplies you deduct from your gross rather than receive as donations. The total expenses, including awards, postage, printing costs and Amer-A-Thon administration fee should not exceed 40%.

• First Class Postage for the letters (two-way mailers)
• Awards
• Event Day Refreshments and Supplies
• Packets of letters (two-way mailers)
• Notices for sponsors who made a pledge
• Postage for notices
• Amer-A-Thon consulting services

Contact Amer-A-Thon today to get started>>>