• Start asking for pledges early.

• Set a goal and let people know what it is. Let everyone know that you're taking the plunge and need their donations to help you help the developmentally disabled in Allegany County. Be clear about your goal. Ask everyone to give something and make it clear that no amount is too small. Every donation will make a difference – even if it's only $5.00. Remember, $5 each from 20 people is $100.00!

• Learn about the Hooley Plunge and where the money goes.

• Email everyone you know. One of the most effective and easiest ways to raise money is to start an email campaign. Compose a short email explaining why you are raising money. Not sure who to send email? Send to your family, your friends and any groups to which you belong. Ask your parents and friends to pass the word around to their friends and coworkers.

• Use Facebook or other social networking sites. “Like” our Hooley Plunge facebook page and invite your friends to like it as well. Ask them to join or support you, whether as an individual or a team.

• Don't forget – you're not raising money for yourself. You're raising money to support the Allegany County Special Olympics, programs in the schools and local programs that help our developmentally disabled. Every pledge makes a difference.

• Make it personal – whether it's someone in the inclusion sports or a member of your family or a friend, we all know someone who will benefit from the monies raised at the Hooley Plunge.

• Invite your donors to come out and watch you take the Plunge.

• Be creative and have fun!