How do I say this without sounding selfish?

Question

OK. I work for this military contracting company who donates to charities in the beginning of the year. They are donating money to the special olympics which is cool, and local high schools band boosters and sports teams.

My company elected me to be the team captain for the American Cancer Societys relay for life event. They said I had to raise all of the funds, as they weren't donating.

They just donated 1000 dollars to a freakin local violin club, and won't for CANCER? What is that c**p. How do I make what I am raising money for sound more important?

Answer 1

It may be that the company is trying to show a better local image.  Cancer societies are mainly national, and you company might not want to throw their money to that cause, because they may see it as a repetitive thing across the company board (i.e. the other branches in other cities).

So to be "different" they are donating their money more locally (where you can see the results), but yet want to support other groups (electing you to run it).

Answer 2

Sounds like a frustrating situation.  You can either be resentful and bring that negative energy to the cause or turn it into motivation to kick some butt.   If you make it human, people will be more motivated.  If you can get stories from your co-workers.  Everyone knows someone with Cancer, so it shouldn't be hard.   And in any creative way you can, get these stories out there and around the office.  Link how donating helps these individual people.  Ex, Joe so and so has a type of cancer that lacks a proper treatment and x$ is needed to perform research on finding a cure.  Current research does this and that...

Can you offer some social fundraisers at your work?  Auction off members, auction off raffle prizes, or get food donated and do a pay-for-dinner with some inexpensive entertainment, or do a survivor type event to raise money.  Your creativity is your only limit.

Answer 3

I would make it personal, like bring some of the recipients to your office for a tour since you are a team captain.  Then they will see how important it is to help these people instead of giving money to a silly violin club.

Why dont you talk the violin club into coming to play for the relay for life?

So sad your company is.

Answer 4

I am my teams captain for my local relay for life.  I have raised thousands of dollars already.  I suggest getting in touch with your local Relay chair and the rest of the committee.  I often have one of the local reps out to my store to talk to my customers on a regular basis.  They are great for informing everyone on what the American Cancer Society does.  They should be willing to come out to your base and put on a presentation about the ACS.  They can also provide you with tons of literature.  If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me.  This is my third year being involved and each year it gets easier.

Answer 5

Sign that your company is trying to shovel you out the door.

Answer 6

I don't get how you would end up sounding selfish in this...  What I do recommend is that you go to the individuals of the company and solicit their support, not just to donate money, but also as team captains so that they are responsible for bringing in money for their team.  I think asking that violin club to play for a fundraiser is a good idea (as someone else already said.).  I also think you should do a raffle, ask the violin club if they have a CD of their work or tickets to a performance that you could raffle.  Also, talk to your co-workers, almost everyone has had a family member or have even themselves been touched by cancer.  Ask them to help you with the campaign.  If your company has decided not to donate (they could have given all they had for that purpose with the violen thing), just let it be for now, but ask them if there is other support they can give you in making this year's campaign a successful one.