A Few Questions....

[Aimee OC]

Hey everyone {thumb2}

I've been autograph collecting for about 10 months now, and have decided that i know want to collect for charity. I've been thinking over the past couple of weeks and have decided the charity i want to support in NSPCC.

I have a few questions though, if anyone could give me an answer, i would be extremely grateful.

1. Is it best to handwrite or type the letter?
2. For the bigger celebrities, should i send a photo to sign?
3. In my letter should i include whether i'm a fan of the person or not, e.g. " I've been a huge fan for such a long time and i especially thought you were outstanding in..."

Also, I've seen a couple of example letters but if someone could please help me out with a example letter for my chairty, just so i get an idea on how to phrase it and lay it out.

Thanks in advance,
Aimee xXx

[TheCollector]

Hi Aimee

Thanks for your post

I have tried to answer your questions one-by-one to the best of my ability

My first point though is that you should try to contact your chosen charity to let them know what you are doing. They will then provide you with an official collectors number, or at the very least some official headed paper on which to print your letters.

1. Is it best to handwrite or type the letter?

If you are going to be collecting for charity it is unlikely that you will have the time to write by hand Typing is fine when collecting for charity. I would however suggest you sign each letter individually, and you will need to include an SASE with each request.

2. For the bigger celebrities, should i send a photo to sign?

Normally when collecting for charity you do not need to enclose photos, as the celeb will provide these for you. Also, you need to ask for "signed memorabilia" in your letter - not just signed photos. Signed memorabilia e.g. DVDs, CDs, books, clothing etc will raise much more at auction then standard signed photos.

3. In my letter should i include whether i'm a fan of the person or not, e.g. " I've been a huge fan for such a long time and i especially thought you were outstanding in..."

This is not neccessary when collecting for charity.

You really do need to clear your collecting with the charity involved though, as you may run into trouble if you just start collecting for one off your own back without clearing it with them

Remember, you will have to take your own costs out of whatever you raise (postage/printing etc) and your charity may well want to see basic "accounts" from you as you will be collecting in their name

I hope this helps you!

Please get back to me if I can help you further!

Ian

[Aimee OC]

Thanks Very Much Ian, For The Useful Tips {thumb2}

Now I Just Have To Write The Letter

My first point though is that you should try to contact your chosen charity to let them know what you are doing. They will then provide you with an official collectors number, or at the very least some official headed paper on which to print your letters.

What Is The Best Way To Do This? Email or Letter?

Thanks Again,
Aimee xXx

[TheCollector]

What Is The Best Way To Do This? Email or Letter?

Hi Aimee

I would personally email, or phone them.

I have found a link to the fundraising part of their website for you: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/html/home/conta ... undraising

Good luck!

Ian

[Aimee OC]

I've Wrote The Draft Of My Letter & I've Emailed The NSPCC

But I Have One Last Question

I Believe You Said That A Personal Refernce (e.g. Their Lateset Film They're Staring In) Pays Divedends. Where Abouts In The Letter Should I Put This?

I Would Very Much Appreciate It If You Could Give Me An Example, On How You Go From Talking About Your Charity On To Saying About Their Latest Film, If That Makes Sense

Thanks Again You've Been So Much Help {thumb2}

Aimee

[TheCollector]

Hi Aimee

Personally, I don't talk about their films etc when I am writing for charity.

Celebs don't expect you to, as signing for charity is generally an expected part of their job

It is more of a business arrangement and celebs totally understand that you will be writing to many people, and will not have the time to write an individual letter each.

I would try to keep your letter brief, and ask for what you want! For example, rather than going on and on, just try to explain firstly that you are collecting for the NSPCC, raising money through a charity auction of autographs and other signed memorabilia.

Then ask whether it would be possible for the the celebrity to assist by supplying an autographed photograph or other piece of memorabilia.

Finish off by thanking them for their support, and ALWAYS enclose a SASE!!!! More often than not, the celeb will pay the extra postage for anything heavier than a second class stamp!

I hope this helps!

Good luck
Ian