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While celebrities promoting charities might look like a new trend, it's really something that many groups have done for years. From large to small groups, many causes can benefit from having a well known person as a champion for the cause.
Now when you hear the word “celebrity” you might think of movie stars or singers… but entertainers are just one kind of celebrity endorser. A local non profit can partner with local business leaders, minor league sports players or anyone of interest or influence in your town.
Kids like to meet costumed characters…the Easter bunny, Power Rangers, and even McGruff the Crime Dog are celebrities to them! So many schools, sports teams and youth groups can easily find a celebrity by a trip to the costume store.
Here are several ways to partner with “celebrities” to boost your cause:
1. Honorees - Choose a person to honor at a banquet or dinner. Friends of the honoree will want to attend the event to support them. Those who don't know the honoree may want to come to get a chance to meet someone they ordinarily would not.
2. Spokesperson – A spokesperson serves as the public face for an organization and/or cause. They often will endorse fundraising letters, television commercials or PSA's and attend events to support the cause.
3. Special Events – Ever notice how many celebrities ride the floats at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Sometimes just having celebrities in attendance at a special event will boost the profile of the event.
4. Celebrity Auction Items – Having items donated by celebrities or related to celebrities can boost interest and bids in silent, live or online auctions.
5. Meet & Greet - Give people at your event a structured way to meet celebrities such as an autograph line and/or photo opportunity. Major or minor league athletes, politicians, musicians and business leaders are good choices. Or for kids events, remember our friends, the costumed characters!
So as you can see there's several ways that your group can use the power of celebrity involvement to gain publicity and funds. Talk to your immediate circle of supporters to find out who in your community supports your cause and would be willing to help out in some way. You might be surprised at the “almost famous” celebrities who jump in to help your cause!