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About
It started with a
pair of blue jeans on a Friday afternoon. It became an innovative
way for businesses and organizations to get their employees involved in
helping out kids in need. And now, it’s a chance for your team to make a
difference.
A few years back, Northeast Parent & Child Society was looking for a way
to engage the community to raise funds in honor of National Child Abuse
Prevention Month. As we looked forward to our Friday ritual of loosening
our ties and kicking off our heels, an idea was born: Blue was the
official color of Child Abuse Prevention, and they’d join office workers
throughout the area in wearing blue jeans on Friday. What if every one
of those workers gave a donation for the privilege?
Dozens of businesses and schools loved the idea and got involved for the
inaugural Dress Down for Northeast in 2009, with each employee or
student contributing $5 for the privilege of dressing down on one Friday
in April. Thousands of dollars were raised for a worthy cause. The next
year, the program got even bigger. Dress Down for Northeast expanded to
include the whole month. Opening up the process got everyone’s creative
juices flowing, and businesses began developing their own fund-raising
ideas. Hair salons sold blue hair extensions, “who can wear the most
blue?” contests took over offices and individuals, businesses made and
sold blue ribbons and many other innovative ideas were huge successes.
Dress Down for Northeast turned out to be a lot more than blue jeans,
and over $10,000 was raised.
But why stop at a month? Now, you can Go Blue whenever you want to!
Develop your own creative fundraiser, or choose from one of our proven
and tested examples to get your staff involved. We want you to make Go
Blue your own, because we’re all united in the fight against child
abuse.
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is Go Blue for Northeast?
Go Blue is whatever you want it to be!
Growing out of our successful Dress Down for Northeast campaign,
Go Blue lets you create your own
fundraiser in your office, school or neighborhood in honor of National
Child Abuse Prevention Month.
How do I Go Blue?
The (blue) sky’s the limit! From
holding a dress down day to selling blue-frosted cupcakes, to getting a
blue hair extension or hosting a blue-themed party! Click
here for more of our suggestions, or better yet, come up with your
own creative idea!
When can I Go Blue?
Go Blue for Northeast is our spring
campaign, focusing on April, National Child Abuse Awareness Month.
However, you can pick any day that works best for you!
How do I register my group?
You can register your group by completing the
online registration form or calling Stephanie Douglas at
518-579-3504.
What about promotional
materials for my event?
We’ve posted some files for you on our Go
Blue website here. Still
need help? Contact
Stephanie Douglas and she’d be happy to help you design any posters
you might need!
Will you send me blue awareness ribbons to sell?
Yes! If you would like to sell awareness ribbons as a fundraiser,
contact
Stephanie Douglas and just let her know how many you’ll need!
What do I do after the event is finished?
Place the completed
donation form
along with checks or money orders (don’t send cash) to:
Stephanie Douglas
Director of Development and Communications
Northeast Parent & Child Society
530 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor
Schenectady, NY 12305
What is Northeast Parent & Child Society and how do they help?
Northeast Parent & Child Society provides a full array of
residential, special education, family foster care, children’s mental
health, family preservation, and career development programs.
Over the past 122 years, we have helped
more than 100,000 children and families build better futures. Our
dedicated staff is 570 people strong, annually serving 7,000 people from
our 30 county service area in New York State. For more information,
please visit
www.neparentchild.org
Is
there a minimum donation?
No! Go Blue is YOUR
fundraiser. You set the rules!
Can I still hold a Dress Down Day?
Yes you can! If Dress Down Day worked great for you last year, of
course you can do it again. If you think it’s the perfect fundraiser for
your office, dress down!
My
organization has a matching gifts program. How does that work with Go
Blue?
It’s easy! When you submit donations, simply indicate the matching
amount from your employer on the donation form.
How do I…?
Do you have additional questions? We’re here to help you
Go Blue! Feel free to contact our Go
Blue Guru, Stephanie Douglas, at
Stephanie.douglas@neparentchild.org or 579-3504.
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