Finding Sponsors

[samd]

I'm currently a working student for an aspiring Grand Prix rider who would like to fufull her life long dream of making it to the Olympics. She has climbed up the ranks entirely self supported and has a thriving training business. All she is lacking is the sponsorship to boost her to international competition. Does anyone know how and where to find sponsors for people like this?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Alagirl]

search the forum.

Ton's of good pointers and cautionary tales of the pits falls.

[Equibrit]

I'm sure if anybody knew the answer, they would keep it to themselves !

[dutchmike]

She has to be good in PR or get a PR person that knows how to handle that stuff. You are selling a living advertisement to them. A sponsor wants to know how you are going to help them and for them it is publicity that counts

[karin o]

Stay tuned for an announcement soon on a program that will educate and teach equestrians how to accomplish this. As opposed to "keeping" it to ourselves...
we will try to "spell it out !".

We will post more info here, as we trot this out.....

Karin Offield

[roki143]

Think outside the box of how the rider can benefit sponsors. Starting with smaller companies and contacts will help gain experience of what works and what doesn't. Rub shoulders, be personable, make a ton of contacts, and be honest with everyone about what is being presented... the public relations aspect is key. It seems not a whole lot of people are chasing down riders for the 'opportunity' to sponsor then (even at the highest level, sometimes). It's all about getting in with people at the right time and being able to present them with an idea that sounds like they're getting a ton out of it.

[dressurpferd01]

I'm going to present another side to this, and it might come off a bit harsh...

If this trainer was really riding at that level, and had the quality of horse to be competitive at CDI's, they'd already have people noticing them and offering help. That's just kind of how it goes. You show a lot, and people notice. Then word gets around. A rider with that kind of talent does NOT go unnoticed at that level.

[Marydell]

To dressurpferd01-- no-it is NOT that simple.
I own such a horse, had such a rider and have an even more well known rider now on that same horse. No one is offering to help with the finances. No one ever has.
Yes- I had two 7 figure offers on the horse that I turned down, but no "help" to continue his show career.
Even the riders at the very top get offers "in kind" meaning product for advertising use of the rider's name/endorsement BUT not usually the money nessesary to pay the bills. That is usually the responsibility of the owner or the rider. And I can tell you, at this level, I simply do not have t he income to support this much longer.

I am currently trying to find those sponsors for my horse/rider who have a legitimate chance of at the very least making the WEG trials. Both the horse and the rider have the credentials already in place- winners both at Grand Prix.

[goeslikestink]

I'm currently a working student for an aspiring Grand Prix rider who would like to fufull her life long dream of making it to the Olympics. She has climbed up the ranks entirely self supported and has a thriving training business. All she is lacking is the sponsorship to boost her to international competition. Does anyone know how and where to find sponsors for people like this?

Thank you in advance for your help.

hate to say this - but she needs to offer a plan to make it commercially benifical to the sponsor
in other words if she was any good they would have picked her out on the shows shes doing or the training shes doing or she would be on a programme of selection by proven background of competitions and winnings

what your saying so far is what most people do and what most people want its a dream and once at the top you have to have the ability to stay at the top and have the fanancial backing

so i will give you a clue
what is the person going to offer up in return for the sponsorship''

[Coreene]

It's all about the sponsor and the sponson's ROI. That is the most important thing to remember.

[Melyni]

I come to this from the other side, and I totally endorse the posters who say that in order to win a sponsorship you need to provide something to the sponsor.

The best, most lomg lasting relationships work when both sides benefit, so what does the rider propose to the potential sponsor that they would benefit from sponsoring the rider?

And don't just say publicity, cos I have to tell you that I can buy a lot of pages of advertising for the cost of a sponsored rider and get a lot more eyeballs into my products that way.

So think in terms of value for money, what value to the company will the sponsored rider bring to the table?
Yours
MW

[Alagirl]

I come to this from the other side, and I totally endorse the posters who say that in order to win a sponsorship you need to provide something to the sponsor.

The best, most lomg lasting relationships work when both sides benefit, so what does the rider propose to the potential sponsor that they would benefit from sponsoring the rider?

And don't just say publicity, cos I have to tell you that I can buy a lot of pages of advertising for the cost of a sponsored rider and get a lot more eyeballs into my products that way.

So think in terms of value for money, what value to the company will the sponsored rider bring to the table?
Yours
MW

Well, what can a rider (or cup speed stacker, what ever applies) do for you that a stack of fliers can't do for you? If you care to share some of that....

[MILOUTE55]

Well, what can a rider (or cup speed stacker, what ever applies) do for you that a stack of fliers can't do for you? If you care to share some of that....

Win gold at the Olympics, that's one thing :yes:

Train the stack of fliers as much as you want, it won't probably be the one holding the medal in the end telling everyone how you helped them and their horse get where they are... :D

[siegi b.]

Come up with a business plan detailing how you're going to be a walking advertisement for the sponsor.

Detail your past successes as well as your future plans for competition, outlining the number of attendants, public exposure, etc. those events typically get. Offer to add the sponsor's logo after your horse's name when showing (check out the top Dutch horses). etc. etc. etc.

Make yourself familiar with your potential sponsor's business before you approach them so you don't come across as just another request for a donation.

Be positive!

Good luck!

[Alagirl]

Win gold at the Olympics, that's one thing :yes:

Train the stack of fliers as much as you want, it won't probably be the one holding the medal in the end telling everyone how you helped them and their horse get where they are... :D

HAHAHAHAHAHA sounds like "days of Thunder'

"promise me one thing, guys: whatever we do, next year we win Daytona" :lol::lol::lol:

Not to mention, the post race interview, mentioning ALL sponsors....:cool:

[LD1129]

I know your horse and rider (well almost sure I know who you are referring to) and I am shocked you do not have sponsors knocking at your door. :eek::eek::eek: FYI I am dying to see them showing together!


To dressurpferd01-- no-it is NOT that simple.
I own such a horse, had such a rider and have an even more well known rider now on that same horse. No one is offering to help with the finances. No one ever has.
Yes- I had two 7 figure offers on the horse that I turned down, but no "help" to continue his show career.
Even the riders at the very top get offers "in kind" meaning product for advertising use of the rider's name/endorsement BUT not usually the money nessesary to pay the bills. That is usually the responsibility of the owner or the rider. And I can tell you, at this level, I simply do not have t he income to support this much longer.

I am currently trying to find those sponsors for my horse/rider who have a legitimate chance of at the very least making the WEG trials. Both the horse and the rider have the credentials already in place- winners both at Grand Prix.

[Melyni]

Well, what can a rider (or cup speed stacker, what ever applies) do for you that a stack of fliers can't do for you? If you care to share some of that....

Okay since I get on average 3 applications a week for sponsorship here is my perspective on it.

All the riders/drivers I have sponsored and continue to sponsor have the following in common;
They are up beat and positive, they come to me and tell me what they can and will do to present my products in a positive light.
They offer to conduct course walks, or seminars, or do pony club or 4H talks, wearing the appropriate logo on their clothes (which I provide), and they are educated enough about my products to be able to answer questions, offer a broochure or at least direct interested parties to the website etc.

They offer to be a public face for my company, with logos on saddle pads, banners hung on stalls at competitions and be an ambassador for the company.
Of course they all use my products and have taken the time to be educated about them and when and how to use them.

They work hard to be where they are, but they do not whine, they talk about how lucky they are to able to do what they love most, and they thank their sponsors for the opportunity to do so!

Now having said all that there are a few things you should be aware of about the sponsorship world.

Firstly, most sponsorships start with some kind of personal relationship. In my case either they trained a horse for me, or I did a consult, or they used a product, or they were a friend of a friend. It really does help to get out and about and meet people.
I did once respond to a written application because it was well written, correctly spelled, and asked for specific help for a specific competition, in short the applicant had done her homework and had made a really good impression on me.
So look around amongst the people you know and have had dealings with, such as who runs a company that could benefit from exposure? Of course it helps if their product is used within the horse community.

Not all sponsorships are open ended arrangements, I once helped a rider who was trying for the Pan AM games, we helped her with show entries and hotel bills as well as with product, she didn't make the cut for the team, but that was fine because she still put up the banner and still spoke publicly thanking us and endorsing our products. So it isn't always a matter of only the winners get it.


Sponsors like to think that their contributions will make an appreciable difference, both to the competitors performance and also to the competitors opportunities. SO make sure you thank people who donate as much and as often as you can, and be specific, when you write in, tell them how you did and what you need and the difference that it could make. And write and tell them afterwards how you did and how much their contribution helped. At the end of the day, there will be another competition, so even if you didn't win this one, you will probably want help with the next one.

Even if you have not (yet) won a sponsorship for your self you can help improve the chances for others by making a note of who sponsors a rider, then calling/faxing/emailing the company, tell them that you saw their logo on so-and-so's trailer, saddle pad, stall and thank them for supporting a competitor your sport, ask for a brochure of their products. You don't have to actually buy anything, just getting public responses to an ad campaign (which is what sponsorship is) will quicken the heart of any ad manager, if they think that sponsored riders get noticed and it gets eyeballs on their stuff then they will think more positively the next time someone asks, and that someone might be you!

By the same token, if you win a prize (or even just compete) at a sponsored event, write/fax/email/call the sponsoring company and thank them, that way they know that the sponsorship was an effective way to get positive publicity for them. Then they are more likely to pony up the next time they are asked.

Humility is a huge asset for an aspiring competitor who wants sponsorship, thanking your support group at every opportunity, saying things like "I would not be here if it was not for them", helps.

If you are lucky enough to win a sponsorship be appreciative, thank them and keep thanking them publicly. Be a good sportsman, and be humble it really does give a far better impression. A classic example of how to be a humble sponsorable rider is Lucinda Green, the 3 day event rider. She always thanks her sponsors and is always helpful and thoughtful. She helps other younger riders, she is courteous, attentive and positive. Companies love to support riders like Lucinda because she is an asset to her sport.

Above all, do not cop an attitude, or be negative, realize that everyone else is struggling as well, and try to be clued in as to how the whole thing operates so you are aware of your place in the microcosm that is the world of horse sports. Keep asking (with a smile) and keep knocking on doors. One day through sheer persistence you will get there.


Hope this helps
Yours
MW

[Invite]

Melyni, thank you so much for your informative post. You are very encouraging and make it seem as though a mere mortal can indeed get a sponsorship. I am neither sponsored or a sponsor, but I feel there has to be a somewhat symbiotic relationship between the parties. The rider definitely has to give something back, either gaining business for the sponsor or what have you. Thank you to those of you who do sponsor are giving wonderful opportunities to riders and help keep the sport alive.

What are the thoughts on sponsoring para-equestrians? Would companies have any interest in this or are they looking more toward "main stream" dressage?


Okay since I get on average 3 applications a week for sponsorship here is my perspective on it.

All the riders/drivers I have sponsored and continue to sponsor have the following in common;
They are up beat and positive, they come to me and tell me what they can and will do to present my products in a positive light.
They offer to conduct course walks, or seminars, or do pony club or 4H talks, wearing the appropriate logo on their clothes (which I provide), and they are educated enough about my products to be able to answer questions, offer a broochure or at least direct interested parties to the website etc.

They offer to be a public face for my company, with logos on saddle pads, banners hung on stalls at competitions and be an ambassador for the company.
Of course they all use my products and have taken the time to be educated about them and when and how to use them.

They work hard to be where they are, but they do not whine, they talk about how lucky they are to able to do what they love most, and they thank their sponsors for the opportunity to do so!

Now having said all that there are a few things you should be aware of about the sponsorship world.

Firstly, most sponsorships start with some kind of personal relationship. In my case either they trained a horse for me, or I did a consult, or they used a product, or they were a friend of a friend. It really does help to get out and about and meet people.
I did once respond to a written application because it was well written, correctly spelled, and asked for specific help for a specific competition, in short the applicant had done her homework and had made a really good impression on me.
So look around amongst the people you know and have had dealings with, such as who runs a company that could benefit from exposure? Of course it helps if their product is used within the horse community.

Not all sponsorships are open ended arrangements, I once helped a rider who was trying for the Pan AM games, we helped her with show entries and hotel bills as well as with product, she didn't make the cut for the team, but that was fine because she still put up the banner and still spoke publicly thanking us and endorsing our products. So it isn't always a matter of only the winners get it.


Sponsors like to think that their contributions will make an appreciable difference, both to the competitors performance and also to the competitors opportunities. SO make sure you thank people who donate as much and as often as you can, and be specific, when you write in, tell them how you did and what you need and the difference that it could make. And write and tell them afterwards how you did and how much their contribution helped. At the end of the day, there will be another competition, so even if you didn't win this one, you will probably want help with the next one.

Even if you have not (yet) won a sponsorship for your self you can help improve the chances for others by making a note of who sponsors a rider, then calling/faxing/emailing the company, tell them that you saw their logo on so-and-so's trailer, saddle pad, stall and thank them for supporting a competitor your sport, ask for a brochure of their products. You don't have to actually buy anything, just getting public responses to an ad campaign (which is what sponsorship is) will quicken the heart of any ad manager, if they think that sponsored riders get noticed and it gets eyeballs on their stuff then they will think more positively the next time someone asks, and that someone might be you!

By the same token, if you win a prize (or even just compete) at a sponsored event, write/fax/email/call the sponsoring company and thank them, that way they know that the sponsorship was an effective way to get positive publicity for them. Then they are more likely to pony up the next time they are asked.

Humility is a huge asset for an aspiring competitor who wants sponsorship, thanking your support group at every opportunity, saying things like "I would not be here if it was not for them", helps.

If you are lucky enough to win a sponsorship be appreciative, thank them and keep thanking them publicly. Be a good sportsman, and be humble it really does give a far better impression. A classic example of how to be a humble sponsorable rider is Lucinda Green, the 3 day event rider. She always thanks her sponsors and is always helpful and thoughtful. She helps other younger riders, she is courteous, attentive and positive. Companies love to support riders like Lucinda because she is an asset to her sport.

Above all, do not cop an attitude, or be negative, realize that everyone else is struggling as well, and try to be clued in as to how the whole thing operates so you are aware of your place in the microcosm that is the world of horse sports. Keep asking (with a smile) and keep knocking on doors. One day through sheer persistence you will get there.


Hope this helps
Yours
MW

[Melyni]

Melyni, thank you so much for your informative post. You are very encouraging and make it seem as though a mere mortal can indeed get a sponsorship. I am neither sponsored or a sponsor, but I feel there has to be a somewhat symbiotic relationship between the parties. The rider definitely has to give something back, either gaining business for the sponsor or what have you. Thank you to those of you who do sponsor are giving wonderful opportunities to riders and help keep the sport alive.

What are the thoughts on sponsoring para-equestrians? Would companies have any interest in this or are they looking more toward "main stream" dressage?

Not at all, companies like to think that their money "makes a difference" and helping persons with disabilities is a huge favourite. I would say that Para equestrians actually have an advantage over able bodied riders in this respect, since they are overcoming greater odds.
I support a Theraputic Program myself and it has the priority for money when times are tight. So definitely I'd say go for it.
Yours
MW

[Coreene]

I have long suggested that those looking for sponsorship do research with to see what the European riders do in their approach to sponsorship. Have already posted lots in more detail many times here, so do some searches, but look at riders like Piet Raijmakers, the Van Silfhout family, some of the English eventers etc and see what they give to the sponsors in exchange for monthly $ stipends, etc.

[Invite]

Melyni I find it really interesting that Paras actually have a better shot a sponsorship. Never in a million years would I have guessed that. It's nice that companies are willing to take into account that Paras have to overcome extra obstacles.

Coreene, I totally agree that American's need sponsorships similar to the European sponsorships. Unfortunately, it seems as though professional athletes (football, baseball, basketball) who are making millions already get the hefty endorsements from big time companies.

[Coreene]

Melyni I find it really interesting that Paras actually have a better shot a sponsorship. Never in a million years would I have guessed that. It's nice that companies are willing to take into account that Paras have to overcome extra obstacles.

Coreene, I totally agree that American's need sponsorships similar to the European sponsorships. Unfortunately, it seems as though professional athletes (football, baseball, basketball) who are making millions already get the hefty endorsements from big time companies.

You go to companies that you can give big ROI to. The Raijmakers' sponsor is a very $$$$ firm that does custom kitchens.

[Invite]

Any ideas and/or suggestions? Hints based on riders who are not yet graded, but will more than likely be a Grade 2 Para-Equestrian would be especially welcome....

[poltroon]

Any ideas and/or suggestions? Hints based on riders who are not yet graded, but will more than likely be a Grade 2 Para-Equestrian would be especially welcome....

To build on what Melyni wrote so ably, a para equestrian might have a better shot because (a) they need a lot less money for that money to make a difference and (b) that person is more likely to have a good story that will be interesting to a mainstream audience, which in turn makes it more likely that local media will be interested in the story.

So, for example, with a paraequestrian, you might start out pitching a story to the local newspaper or TV station, depending on what your local media market is like. Then, you might consider approaching anyone who does a fair amount of advertising in that area with a proposal. A local car dealership, for example. If there will be a campaign for a particular competition, can you get ongoing media coverage that would mention the sponsor? With a paraequestrian, especially one who is reaching significant goals, you may also have a natural tie in to a medical device manufacturer or a pharmaceutical company. Good use of a blog/facebook etc can also keep the rider's story at the top of many minds.

[Invite]

Thanks Poltroon.

It still shocks me that people and companies would rather give their money to disabled riders. If you ever go to the Disabled forum, you will find some really interesting threads and you would more than likely understand why, in many cases, a disabled rider would find it hard to believe that he or she would receive sponsorship over an able bodied rider.

[Coreene]

You go in with a business plan and proposal that is about the ROI for the potential sponsor and what they get out of it, what you can do for them etc. Not what they can do for you. European sponsorships include $$, and many of them include a monthly stipend. For example, the Dutch company Blom teaches driving trucks and horseboxes, for which you need a specific license. They sponsor riders in several disciplines; it's a good fit because they want to be the place where everyone goes for their training.

[Coreene]

Just like in the US, there are companies who represent the rider and those companies seek sponsorships, put the deals together snd handle the publicity anouncing the new partnerships (or work with the sponsor's or rider's PR person). Sponsorship is big business.

[Invite]

You go in with a business plan and proposal that is about the ROI for the potential sponsor and what they get out of it, what you can do for them etc. Not what they can do for you. European sponsorships include $$, and many of them include a monthly stipend. For example, the Dutch company Blom teaches driving trucks and horseboxes, for which you need a specific license. They sponsor riders in several disciplines; it's a good fit because they want to be the place where everyone goes for their training.

To the OP, I am sorry for semi-hijacking your thread!

Coreene,
I feel really stupid...what is ROI? I would assume "Reason Of Interest(or Intent)" Am I way off? I'm sorry for my ignorance.

Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge. I guess you have to truly believe in yourself in order to sell yourself. Basically, make yourself into a product that people want to be a part of. It all really makes a ton of sense to me. It is, in essence, like coming out with a new laundry detergent and convincing consumers this new detergent is worth the extra $/bottle because it can accomplish the task in a more efficient or better manner.

I think I am getting this stuff! Woohoo!!! I never would have guessed sponsorship was such a huge business. Thank you everybody! Thanks to the OP who started this whole thread :)

[poltroon]

To the OP, I am sorry for semi-hijacking your thread!

Coreene,
I feel really stupid...what is ROI? I would assume "Reason Of Interest(or Intent)" Am I way off? I'm sorry for my ignorance.

Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge. I guess you have to truly believe in yourself in order to sell yourself. Basically, make yourself into a product that people want to be a part of. It all really makes a ton of sense to me. It is, in essence, like coming out with a new laundry detergent and convincing consumers this new detergent is worth the extra $/bottle because it can accomplish the task in a more efficient or better manner.

I think I am getting this stuff! Woohoo!!! I never would have guessed sponsorship was such a huge business. Thank you everybody! Thanks to the OP who started this whole thread :)

ROI == Return on Investment.

In other words, when a sponsor gives money, it is from their advertising budget, and they are hoping that sponsoring that rider will result in sales and goodwill that are at least equal to the money they send the rider. They're saying, "Full page ad color ad in a magazine, or do I sponsor Susie?" You have to make your case that money spent on the rider is going to produce as much return as a similar investment in other advertising venues.

A rider with a "story" can get free media coverage, for example, which in turn can generate interest in a sponsor. So what is your story? Is it that you're riding an unusual horse (for example ... pony, rescue, mustang, etc)? Is it that you're dealing with medical issues? Is it that you're the local girl knocking on the door to the big time?

And, will the money they can give make a difference? If you're a promising long-listed rider and what you need is $100,000 to spend a year in Germany, that's a tougher find than if you are say $5,000 short of going to a particular big event that the sponsor will find appealing. But either of those are way easier than if you're saying you're talented and all you need to prove it is a $250k horse and $50k a year to train and compete.

Personal connections will help, especially when there is more money and more risk. If you're from Montana and you're trying to get your qualified horse to the Olympic Trials in Florida or LA and your best friend's dad owns the state's biggest car dealership, you're going to have a better shot than if you're cold calling and you're one of several people in similar circumstances in your area.

[Foxtrot's]

Oh boy, do I relate to you. It is the getting there that is hard. Knocking on the door is not good enough. Once the rider has a name the horses become available and the sponsorship is easier to access, both from the federations and governments and private sources. Every little bit helps, even the products you use on your hore, but the big buck is elusive. "Ask not what they can do for you, but what you can do for them". It is a pretty closed shop out there. I wish her lots of luck...it is a hard life and lots of stories of people (or parents) mortgaging their homes to pursue their dreams, etc.

Once "there" there are opportunities to make a living, i.e. clinics, sales, paid rides, tv, etc.

[Foxtrot's]

Two Olympic riders I know "fell" into their sponsorships in a most amazing way. It's not for me to tell their stories, but if anybody has any personal stories it would be interesting reading. (I'd probably get the facts muddled up or embellish at the wrong places.)

[Dressage Art]

My company DA Horse Gifts doesnt sponsor individual riders, but I do lots of repeated donations to non profits. I get numerous monthly requests for donations to equestrian non profits. The ones that I keep on donating to have this in common:

they all asked me personally to donate and they asked me with a personal letter, not just a mass mailing.
they like DA Horse Gifts products
they all have a very clearly outlined plan what ROI my business will get, such as donate $200 and you will have a small logo or donate $1000 you will have a large logo placed here and there and etc.
They contact me well in advance
They follow up with reminders
They thank me after the donation is done.
They do not waste my time - donations do take not only $ or products, but my time as well
They do not expect me to take the initiative

There are a lot to choose from and I have only a set amount of $ that I plan to donate yearly and I would choose somebody with a good cause, with whom its easy to work and who will give my business a good exposure for my donation.

From my personal experience, Europeans are much better working with sponsors and donors, but in US Lendon for kids is one of the best set sponsorship/donations programs. Ive been donating to them for several years and they are just the best to work with.

Straight up advertisement has always more ROl and better for my business than a donation, even if it has sponsor and donation links/adds included. So every sponsor or donor will have to be touched in their heart to donate or sponsor. Its a different game if you already won the Olympics and you are selling your recognizable name, rather than asking for support to prove that you can do it.

Wishing the best to your rider OP.

[Dressage Art]

Stay tuned for an announcement soon on a program that will educate and teach equestrians how to accomplish this. As opposed to "keeping" it to ourselves...
we will try to "spell it out !".

We will post more info here, as we trot this out.....

Karin Offield
As a sponsor you should "spell it out" how to appreciate the sponsorships. I remember when you sponsored dressage star. and yet I remember some people here bitching that they were tired of watching your "commercials" on every episode of it. That would not happen in Europe, where your sponsorship would be considered as a timely gift and commercials were just a deserved credit and minimal ROI.

And that entitlement is why some may just be a hair away from a big sponsor. I dont know if that can be explained or people just are born with it and that helps them to get sponsors...

[goeslikestink]

Well, what can a rider (or cup speed stacker, what ever applies) do for you that a stack of fliers can't do for you? If you care to share some of that....

flyers only attract a limited amount of people in an area and no sponsor would be interested in that
you have to up your game plan far more

[Alagirl]

flyers only attract a limited amount of people in an area and no sponsor would be interested in that
you have to up your game plan far more


naturally.

But I was actually asking to get a pointer as to what a company could be looking for in a return service from the sponsored individual.


but it seems to be in essence that one needs to social network, preferably with the rich and famous - mostly the wealthy.

[poltroon]

but it seems to be in essence that one needs to social network, preferably with the rich and famous - mostly the wealthy.

Well, if you need, say, $10,000, there are many ways to get it.

You can get one person to donate $10,000.

You can get ten people to donate $1,000.

You can get 100 people to donate $100.

You can get 1000 people to donate $10.

You can get 10,000 people to donate $1.

Check this out, a cartoon written by a guy running for political office who ran into the same brick wall:

http://seantevis.com/kansas/3000/running-for-office-xkcd-style/?helphim

His goal was to get 3,000 people to donate $8.67 - and he made it.