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Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a frequently asked questions and answers about becoming a Special Olympics Virginia sponsor or donor. If you have additional questions, please e-mail Roy Zeidman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development, or call him at 804.726.3022 or 800.932.4653 x 3022. You can also review answers to frequently asked questions about general information, volunteering, coaching and athletes.How much of my gift goes to Special Olympics?
Why do I receive calls and letters requesting support from Special Olympics Virginia?
How much of my telemarketing gift goes to Special Olympics Virginia?
How else can I give other than through telemarketing or direct mail?
Is there a way to be removed from Special Olympics Virginia’s direct mail and/or telemarketing solicitations?
What are the valid addresses for Special Olympics Virginia?
How can my company become a sponsor of a Special Olympics Virginia program or event?
Can my company volunteer at an upcoming event?
Do you accept corporate product or service donations?
How do I get a tax letter/receipt for my cash or value-in-kind-donation?
I’d like to give you some of my old trophies for you to give to Special Olympics athletes – can you use them?
How about sports equipment or other used items?
How much of my gift goes to Special Olympics?
We are proud that our most recent audited figures show that 86 cents of every dollar goes directly to programming, while 11 cents goes to fundraising and 3 cents to administration.
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Why do I receive calls and letters requesting support from Special Olympics Virginia?
Special Olympics Virginia utilizes the most efficient means to contact current and potential donors. We are part of a centralized direct mail program offered by Special Olympics North America that allows us to raise required funds in the most cost-effective manner. Due to our limited staff structure, participation in this program and work with our telemarketing vendor, Heritage-Medallion, allows us to reach a maximum number of annual supporters who are critical in providing financial support through phone or mail-in pledges. If you would like to change the frequency of the appeals that you receive or if you would like to be removed from our listings, please e-mail Roy Zeidman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development, or call him at 804.726.3022 or 800.932.4653 x3022, for more information.
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How much of my telemarketing gift goes to Special Olympics Virginia?
Telemarketing is the most efficient and effective means for Special Olympics to reach large numbers of current and potential donors. Each generous donor who agrees to support our program through phone solicitation allows us to reach out to more citizens with our message of hope and inclusion.
Special Olympics Virginia received 54% of the funds raised in 2010 through telemarketing, after all expenses were paid. The reason we do not receive more is that for every person who agrees to give a gift, there are six to seven who choose not to give, and each of these calls have an expense.
Each call costs Special Olympics Virginia approximately $1.50. If you make a pledge, the cost of mailing the invoice, receiving the gift and managing the data are added. We receive more than $500,000 from direct marketing during the year, which is crucial to maintain our program. Without telemarketing revenue, our program would be at least 20 percent smaller.
If you have additional questions about our telemarketing program, please e-mail Roy Zeidman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development, or call him at 804.726.3022 or 800.932.4653 x3022.
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How else can I give other than through telemarketing or direct mail?
You can make your gift online by visiting our Donate Now section. This is the most efficient means of donating. Our only cost here is the credit card transaction fee (usually 2-3%).
To discuss additional options for making your individual gift to Special Olympics Virginia, e-mail David Thomason, Vice President of Advancement, or call him at 804.726.3033 or 800.932.4653 x3033.
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Is there a way to be removed from Special Olympics Virginia’s direct mail and/or telemarketing solicitations?
Yes. While direct mail and telemarketing help us reach many generous donors, we realize some people prefer not to be contacted in those ways. If you’d prefer to be removed from either of these lists, please e-mail Roy Zeidman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development, or call him at 804.726.3022 or 804.932.4653 x 3022, and we will honor your preferences.
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What are the valid addresses for Special Olympics Virginia?
You are always welcome to contact us at any of our eight offices. The other two addresses we use for direct mail and telemarketing campaign contributions are below.
- View a list of our seven Special Olympics Virginia offices
- Telephone pledge (Heritage Medallion) are sent to: PO Box 71900/Richmond VA/23255-1900
- Direct Mail gifts are sent to: PO Box 90019/Richmond VA/23225-9019
How can my company become a sponsor of a Special Olympics Virginia program or event?
There are a variety of ways companies can help, ranging from one-day events to annual partnerships. We have a dedicated team of Regional Development Directors ready to help you tailor a corporate support package that meets your community giving goals. To learn more about corporate support opportunities, e-mail Katie Botha, Senior Director of Development and Communications, or call her at 804.726.3024 or 800.932.4653 x 3024.
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Can my company volunteer at an upcoming event?
Yes. Contact our Volunteer Manager for information on how your company can participate in an upcoming state-level event. Please note that priority placement will be given to companies that provide financial support of our events and programs, but sponsorship is not required to lend a hand! Group training may be necessary for some events and can be hosted at a location that is convenient for you and your group. Please be prepared to nominate a Team Leader who will serve as a primary point of contact for Special Olympics Virginia staff.
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Do you accept corporate product or service donations?
Yes. Special Olympics Virginia has a long wish list of products and services that, if donated, help to reduce administrative costs, thereby resulting in more funding for our great programs! Some value-in-kind donations can also be applied towards sponsorship packages and event recognition. Please email Katie Botha, Senior Director of Development and Communications, or call her at 804.726.3024 or 800.932.4653 x3024, for more information on how your company may be able to assist.
How do I get a tax letter/receipt for my cash or value-in-kind-donation?
All cash donations (including sponsorship funds) more than $20 and in-kind donations valued at $500 or more will automatically be issued a tax receipt. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. If you have questions regarding the issuance of tax receipts for your company, please e-mail Katie Botha, Senior Director of Development and Communications, or call her at 804.726.3024 or 800.932.4653 x 3024. If you have questions regarding the issuance of tax receipts to an individual, please e-mail David Thomason, Vice President of Advancement, or call him at 804.726.3033 or 800.932.4653 x3033.
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I’d like to give you some of my old trophies for you to give to Special Olympics athletes – can you use them?
In keeping with the Olympic tradition, Special Olympics Virginia awards gold, silver and bronze Special Olympics medals, and does not use trophies. While we appreciate your willingness to donate, we are not able to put your donation of trophies to good use.
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How about sports equipment or other used items?
There are times when Special Olympics Virginia has a need for specific types of sports equipment, assuming it is new or only slightly used so as to ensure a good, safe sports experience for our athletes. If you’d like to donate sports equipment, please e-mail Val Reinford, Vice President of Local Program Services, or call her at 804.726.3036 or 800.932.4653 x3036, to find out our needs.
Thanks to a partnership with Tidewater Textile Recycling, fans in Eastern and Central Virginia also can donate used clothing, shoes and books in specially marked white donation bins. Collection and re-sale of donated textiles in the United States and around the world help to generate significant revenue in support of Special Olympics programs in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. If you have questions about this donation program, please contact Katie Botha, Senior Director of Development and Communications.
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