Support Needs | Fundraising | Band Boosters | Sponsorships

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Links of Interest

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Band Parents

• CHARMS Parent Access
• Important Dates
• Band Fees
• Current Volunteer Opportunites
• Contact the Staff
• Resources/Forms
• Band Parent Tips

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Band Students

• Parts and MP3s
• CHARMS Student Access
• Music Theory
• After-school Rehearsals
• Fundraising Opportunities
• Facebook Group
• Photos & Multimedia

Support Through Sponsorships

Many businesses, alumni, family and friends partner with the South Meck Bands to make our program a success.   These partnerships provide benefits to both parties: the band gets funding or donated items that can be auctioned or given as gifts at fundraising activities while the businesses are promoted in various ways (like in the photo of the band cart on the left).

100% of the proceeds go towards helping the band cover expenses plus businesses can claim it as a tax deduction.   The business partners also gain the good will and devotion of the band parents and friends.

About our Current Sponsorship Program

Band sponsorships are a great way to fulfill your fundraising obligations (see Support Through Fundraising).  

• For the 2010-2011 school year, every student will be expected to obtain at least one sponsor (two sponsors will be expected if you also participate in Winter Guard).   There will not be a separate Winter Guard sponsorship drive.
• As an incentive, twenty-five percent (25%) of the proceeds from your sponsor sales will be used to offset up to 25% of your marching band fees.   If you obtain enough sponsors to exceed that amount, additional monies can be applied to your other fundraising obligations (Winter Guard, next year's marching fees, etc.).
• A "Do Not Contact" list exists so that businesses can be added once a sponsorship is received.   This will prevent a business from receiving multiple calls.
• The sponsorship drive begins on August 7th and continues until September 24th.  
• Please return completed sponsorship forms to the Band P.O. box along with a check from the business made payable to South Meck Band Boosters.   Also, send an email to let the Sponsorship Chair know that the sponsorship was obtained so the business can be added to the "Do Not Contact" list and you can receive credit for the sponsorship.   Please contact the Sponsorship Chair, Tim (704-661-9562) or KT (704-661-9565), if you have any questions or need assistance.

Tips for Obtaining Sponsorships

The following suggestions from seasoned band parents should help you get started:

• Buddy up with a parent or another student for support but don't go out with more than one person.   you don't want the business owner/manager to feel "ganged up on".
• Be prepared.   Make sure you rehearse who is going to say what and memorize a basic script.
• Plan which businesses you will visit.   Start with businesses where you know the owner or manager or that you frequent on a regular basis.   Friends of the family that own businesses or do direct sales (ex. Avon) also make excellent prospects along with places of employment.   Ideally, your prospects should reside within the South Meck High School district (Pineville, Park Road area, Highway 51, Stonecrest, Ballantyne, etc.).
• Avoid large chain retailers (ex. Target, K-Mart, Dollar Tree, etc.).   They will most likely refer you to the corporate office.
• Call ahead of time and find out who you need to speak to and when they will be available.
• Don't visit businesses during their busiest times.   If it's a food retailer, go between lunch and dinner.   Try to avoid weekends.
• Take the following information with you to share with your potential sponsor:
  • Fall 2010 - List of Sponsorship Levels
  • Fall 2010 - Sponsorship Form
• Be yourself, be confident and be enthusiastic!

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

2010 Fall - Marching Band Sponsor Levels

Level	Benefits
Platinum Level ($1000+)	2' x 3' logo on band trailer.  * Audio recognition from Press Box during all SMHS Home Football Games. Logo and link on Band Website homepage as part of a rotating featured sponsor graphic. Logo, contact information, and link on Band Website. Signage in Football Stadium. Recognition in Band Programs. Recognition from stage at select events. Recognition in the Sabre Newsletter (circulation 2,000 households). Framed photo recognizing Sponsorship.
Gold Level ($500+)	1' x 2' logo on band trailer.  * Audio recognition from Press Box during all SMHS Home Football Game Half Time Show. Signage in Football Stadium. Logo, contact information, and link on Band Website. Recognition in all Band Programs. Framed photo recognizing Sponsorship.
Silver Level ($250+)	Name on band trailer.  * Recognition from Press Box during one (1) SMHS Home Football Game Half Time Show. Signage in Football Stadium. Name, contact information, and link on Band Website. Name in all Band Programs.
Bronze Level ($100+)	Name in all Band Programs. Name, contact information, and link on Band Website for corporate businesses.
Percussion Level ($50+)	Name, contact information, and link on Band Website for home based businesses.
Alumni/Friends of the Band Level ($25+)	Name on Alumni/Friends of the Band page of Band Website.  Includes name of graduate/friend, graduating year (if applicable), instrument played (if applicable) and email (optional).

* The trailer remains on the sideline in front of the crowds during football game half time performances and competitions.