Quick Tips:
1. Send personal emails or Facebook messages (don’t just send the link in to all your contacts at once).
2. You can copy + paste the text, but do make it personal–address the person or group by name and say something about what the trip means to you.
3. Ask! People can always say no, but you never know until you try. Ask people who care about you (not just the ones you think will give you $). Central folks–your requirement is 20 letters to people outside the Central Church community. At least 10 of your letters should be to adults. Letters are due to Kat by May 1.
4. Include a stamped, return envelope with your letters to make it easier for people to respond. For Central folks–the return address should be: Central Congregational Church / Attn: Youth Group / 296 Angell St. / Providence, RI 02906. Checks should be made out to Central Congregational Church with “Youth Trip” in the memo.
5. For written letters, include a detachable piece at the bottom that they can return with their payment or pledge of support. Ex:
—————-
Please detach and return this slip in the envelope provided. Checks should be made out to Central Congregational Church with “Youth Trip” in the memo.
I would like to support you on your journey! I pledge to
_____ pray for you _______ think about you and ask you about your trip
_____give $25 _______give $50 ________ give $100 ________ give other
3 links you might want:
1. For church people and friends you ask via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
2. For people you tell (easy to remember link): http://www.centralchurch.us/givenye/
3. For non-church people, non-Christians, and for any email where you want people to be able to click the link and donate immediately: https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRrS4t1d9c9ogLWadawqcaO2hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouYWEDjre86IzDcyfD5IWa0c=&ver=3
Sample Email / Facebook Messages
Example #1 – To School Friends / Facebook Friends
Hey (Friend’s Name),
I’m going on a trip with my church this summer that will include several days of community service work in addition to a 4-day leadership-development conference. I’m trying to raise money to help me and others go. Will you help me out? Just go to https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRrS4t1d9c9ogLWadawqcaO2hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouYWEDjre86IzDcyfD5IWa0c=&ver=3. You can give online. Every small (and big!) amount makes a difference. Thank you for your support!
(Your Name)
Example #2 – To Church Members
Hey there (Church Name) Family! I’m participating in a summer trip for kids all across Rhode Island that will include 3 days of service work in Cleveland, OH and a 4-day service and leadership conference in Indiana (National Youth Event aka “NYE”). I’m trying to raise money to help me and others go. I’m writing to ask if you’ll go to https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRrS4t1d9c9ogLWadawqcaO2hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouYWEDjre86IzDcyfD5IWa0c=&ver=3 to donate. Every small (and big!) amount makes a difference.
A $100 donation will pay to get a student to Indiana. Another $100 will bring them home to share the Good News of how God (with your help!) transformed their life this summer. 
With a donation of $20, you can feed a student for a day–imagine how great a big spaghetti meal with garlic bread will taste after a hard day’s work!
Trips like these have made a profound difference in my own life and faith. Please consider supporting me, and pass the love (and link) along!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Love in Christ,
(Name)
Example #3 – To Colleagues in Ministry
Dear (Name),
Greetings from RI! The RI Conference of the United Church of Christ is participating in a summer service trip for kids all across the United States that will include 3 days of service work in Cleveland, OH and a 4-day service and leadership conference in Indiana (National Youth Event aka “NYE”). I am working with others to raise money so that students from our local churches can go. Can you help me?
My own life and ministry have been abundantly blessed by generous people who believed in me and supported me with their time, talents, and treasure. Now it’s our turn! Join me in investing in the next generation of Christian leaders and go to https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRrS4t1d9c9ogLWadawqcaO2hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouYWEDjre86IzDcyfD5IWa0c=&ver=3 to donate online. You can also send checks directly to the RI Conference: 8 Summer St. / Pawtucket, RI 02860. Specify “NYE Scholarships” in the memo.
May the Peace of Christ be with you!
In Love,
(Name)
Example #4 – To Family Members
Dear Family Member (personalize),
I am going on a youth Mission Trip this summer that will include 3 days of service work in Cleveland, OH and a 4-day service and leadership conference in Indiana: the United Church of Christ’s National Youth Event aka “NYE.” (Consider including a personal example of how Mission Trips have impacted you in the past–ex: Last year, I went on the Mission Trip to Chicago, and I learned a lot about myself and my faith. I was moved by worship at Trinity UCC, I discovered that I enjoy one-on-one service work, I found new inner strength and independence as a leader, I experienced a loving community that cared for me, I discovered new skills for leading groups, etc.) I know that this trip will have a huge impact on my life and faith, and I’m writing to ask if you will go to http://www.centralchurch.us/givenye and give a donation for scholarships for the trip (alternative if this is a written letter: I’m writing to ask for your support as I embark on this journey of faith). A $100 donation will pay to get a student to Indiana. Another $100 will bring them home to share the Good News of how God (with your help!) transformed their life this summer. With a donation of $20, you can feed a student for a day–imagine how great a big spaghetti meal with garlic bread will taste after a hard day’s work! I’m also writing to ask that you pray for our group as we travel together and learn more about ourselves and our faith. Please give generously!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Much Love,
(Name)
Example #5 – To Not-Necessarily-Christian Adults / Business Partners
Dear (Name),
I’m writing to ask if you’ll invest in a project of mine. Students from across RI, including youth from my church, are trying to raise enough money to go on a week-long service and leadership-development trip being held at Purdue University this summer. It’s called “National Youth Event.” The speakers, workshops, and service work they have packed into this trip are pretty incredible. Throughout our lives and careers, generous people have supported us emotionally, spiritually, and financially. This is just one way I see that we can give back. Will you join me? Go to https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRrS4t1d9c9ogLWadawqcaO2hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouYWEDjre86IzDcyfD5IWa0c=&ver=3 to donate online. 2 minutes could make a lifetime of difference in the life of a child.
Many Thanks,
(Your Name)
How can I get a “Donate Now” button on my church’s webpage?
Here is the html code for the “Donate” button. It’s simple! Copy and paste it into your html editor to get your own “Donate Now” button where peoeple can click to give to RI Students going to NYE:
<a title=”Give the gift of NYE!” href=”https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRrS4t1d9c9ogLWadawqcaO2hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouYWEDjre86IzDcyfD5IWa0c=&ver=3″ target=”_blank”><img title=”donatenowbutton” src=”http://www.centralchurch.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/donatenowbutton1.jpg” alt=”" width=”228″ height=”228″ /></a>
