House Parties

House parties are an effective way to meet your pledge goals. A speaker will come to your party, give a presentation on the ride and may also show a short video. The presentations are very moving and speak volumes about the purpose of the ride and how the money you raise will help AIDS Network. Many guests have been inspired to donate more than they would have had they just received a letter in the mail. Some riders even reach their full pledge goal by having just one house party.

Planning a House Party

• Schedule a speaker by contacting the ACT Ride Coordinator. Your designated house party speaker will contact you to answer any questions that you have about house parties.
• Make a list of everyone you can think of. Don’t be selective. Invite friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and the person who cuts your hair, anyone you are friendly with.
• Create an invitation. Make sure you state what the purpose of the event is. Remind guests to bring their checkbooks or credit cards. Send out the invitation about three weeks before the party. Keep track of whom you invite and make a RSVP list. Consider using an online invitation service like “evite.com” or create a Facebook event so your guests can register online.
• Call or email your guests a week before the party to remind them. Let them know that it is important to you that they come and encourage them to bring a friend. Tell them that you look forward to seeing them. If you are using an on-line invitation services you can send another e-mail reminder just before your party.
• Provide a comfortable spot in which to hold the party. If your speaker will be playing a video, make sure the TV is in a location where everyone will be able to see it.
• Hold the party in a controlled environment where your guests can focus on the speaker and the message. Busy or noisy places will distract your guests from the presentation.
• Make sure you have plenty of supplies such as pledge forms, pens and writing surfaces (books, magazines or clipboards).
• Provide some basic snacks and beverages.

During the Party

• Play host as your guests arrive. Offer beverages and make any necessary introductions.
• Begin the presentation a half-hour or so after the party starts. Gather your guests in the room where the presentation will take place and introduce your speaker.
• Hand out pens and pledge forms immediately after the speaker has given the presentation. Allow your guests time to fill out pledge forms and think about donations.
• Collect the finished pledge forms, thank your speaker and visit with your guests.

After the Party

• Send thank-you notes to your speaker and to donors.
• Follow up with those who took pledge forms but did not donate.
• Contact those who did not make it to the party and let them know that you still need their donations.