Table Host Resources & Tools
On this page you will find tools that should help you in successfully filling your PEPS Luncheon table:
Feel free to send us your sample invitations/reminders/ other mailings to luncheon@peps.org, so that we can post them too and so that others don't have to re-invent the wheel!
Regrets Gifts - How to encourage your guests to support you anyways
Guest Invitation templates
(Version1) / (Version 2) / (Version 3)
2012 PEPS Luncheon - Sample Guest Reminder
Even though PEPS has sent out a guest confirmation to all of your registered guests (via email) we recommend, that you as the table captain also connect with your guests prior to the Luncheon on March 6, ideally by sending an email and leaving a phone message. This sample guest reminder might help in forming your reminder. Please do read carefully before you send and tailor to your guests, as some of the suggested text might not apply to you.
Subject line: Friendly reminder: PEPS Luncheon ~ Your seat at my table is reserved!
Hello <Guest’s Name>,
I can’t wait to see you next Tuesday (March 6th) at the PEPS Annual Benefit Luncheon. We will have a great time.
By now you should have received the guest confirmation from PEPS with all the important information on parking, directions, luncheon program, and meal.
If for some reason, you cannot join me for lunch next Tuesday, please let me know right away, as your seat is reserved.
And: you can still make a donation to demonstrate how much PEPS means to you. Simply click on this link to make your online donation or send a check to PEPS, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103!
A few reminders:
I’d like to encourage you to arrive early at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion. The program starts at 11:45 AM sharp, but doors open at 11:00 am and PEPS has planned an exciting Pre-Luncheon hour. Come and…
- Sip a cup of FREE fresh espresso or mimosa and have a piece of Cake (and yes: you can do that before you eat lunch!)
- Shop at the Parenting Book Fair
- Visit the PEPS sponsor tables
- In addition, parking will be much easier and stress free when you arrive early.
And more importantly, I would really like for you to have time to mingle and visit with my other guests <mention their names, titles if appropriate>.
As you know, this is PEPS’ annual fundraising event, and in addition to enjoying each other’s company and an inspiring program, we are all attending this event to support PEPS generously. So please bring your checkbook and/or credit card and a giving spirit. There will be a time during the Luncheon when you will be asked to fill out a giving card and make your donation.
My personal goal is to raise $XXX <to be inserted> at my table and I hope you will consider a gift that will help me reach that goal. <I have also decided to match the money raised at my table, so, please take me up on my challenge!> By the way: Each luncheon gift of $300.00 and more will be matched by some PEPS families who have generously contributed to a Luncheon Challenge.
If by any chance the company you work for matches charitable contributions, please bring your company’s matching form with you! That way, your personal gift goes even further: With all these wonderful options, a gift of $300 can turn into a $900 gift! $900 covers full scholarships for PEPS Group program fees for more than 4 parents! And by the way: your $300 gift can be paid off in monthly credit card installments of $25 per month …so that makes it easy!
Please don’t hesitate to call me with any questions about the Luncheon. <And let me know if you need a ride. I would be happy to pick you up before the Luncheon.>
<Your name>
2012 PEPS Luncheon ~ Sample Guest Invitations
Below please find some sample text versions that you as a PEPS Luncheon Table Host could tailor and use when inviting your guests to the 2012 PEPS Luncheon. Feel free to use any media you feel comfortable with to invite your Luncheon guests. Some Table Hosts send out emails, make phone calls or use Facebook. Obviously a combination of these would work great! Others send out an Evite - super easy, saves time and can be pretty cute. Have fun with it and let your passion for PEPS shine through!
VERSION 1
Subject line: Lunch out with me to support PEPS!
Hi <name of your guest>!
As you likely know, I received crucial support from the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) right after I had my baby. My PEPS Group meetings were so helpful and life-saving at the time and I still keep in touch with the other parents I met in that Group. PEPS is able to serve over 2,400 new moms and dads a year through that program, but surprisingly, that’s only 10% of first-time parents in King and Snohomish Counties. PEPS is determined to grow to be able to provide support to more new parents, most of whom don’t even know about PEPS.
I am so grateful for this organization and am gladly giving back to PEPS by hosting table at their annual luncheon. I would really love for you to join me at this event!
The PEPS Luncheon this year will be happening on Tuesday, March 6, 2011, 11 am – 1 pm at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion. Lunch and Program starts at 11:45 am.
Event highlights include:
- Due to popular demand, there will be Coffee, Cake & Mimosas between 11 and 11:45 am so that we all can gather before the Luncheon begins and catch up!
- Dr. Laura Kastner, Ph.D., nationally recognized parenting expert and author, will be the keynote speaker talking about Getting to Calm: The Art and Value of Slowing Down as a Parent.
- Local King 5 TV Anchor Mimi Jung, also a PEPS mom, will be hosting the event and lead through an inspiring Luncheon program.
The Luncheon is PEPS’ largest annual fundraiser and their goal is to raise $125,000 or more at this event. Guests will be asked to make a donation during the event program. The average gift at the 2011 Luncheon was $196. The best: gifts of $300 and more will be matched by some generous Luncheon Challenge Donors! My personal goal is to raise $xxx at my table in support of PEPS.
Should be a great time - hope you can make it and I look forward to hearing from you – so that I can sign you up!
<Your name>
PS: If you will join me and want to take advantage of the FREE childcare, you need to sign up with A Nanny for U (the childcare provider) directly cy clicking on this link. More info about the event childcare can be found on the PEPS website. BTW: Babes in arms are welcome at the Lunch.
VERSION 2 for a Mom’s Group (life example from last year):
Subject line: Lunch out with me to support PEPS!
Hi xxx,
PEPS has been an incredible experience for me - the women in my group, in effect, have combined to provide much of the love and support and parenting camaraderie of a spouse - and I felt it was important to give back.
As part of this, I'm hosting a table at the 2012 Annual Luncheon - their primary fundraiser for the year - and I'd love for you to join me.
- The Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 11-1, at Fisher Pavillion in Seattle Center.
- 11-11:45 am is an informal coffee-hour with a book fair, coffee, cake and mimosas (!)
- 11:45-1 is the main program focusing on the personal stories of several PEPS families. KING 5 News Anchor and PEPS mom Mimi Jung will be hosting the event. And Dr. Laura Kastner, Ph.D., nationally recognized parenting expert and author, will be the keynote speaker, talking about: Getting to Calm -The Art and Value of Slowing Down as a Parent. I am sure we all need some of that advice!
- Childcare is available for those who need it (kids ages 6 months - 5 years), and babes-in-arms are welcome.
I know these are tough times for everyone, so I again want to underscore that this is ultimately still a fundraiser. Everyone will be asked to make a donation during the program. You will need to decide what amount is right for you and your family. But to give you some perspective and guidance, the average gift at the 2011 Luncheon was app. $200, with +41% of guests donating $300 or more. The best: gifts of $300 and more will be matched by some generous Luncheon Challenge Donors!
I do hope you'll join me in supporting what I believe is an incredibly valuable organization and one that has directly touched and helped to shape so many of our parenting experiences. Beyond that, I'd also just like an excuse to gab with you over lunch. :)
So, if you're similarly inspired, please join me. You can do so by simply RSVP-ing to me directly, and I'll take care of the rest. If you're not able to attend but are interested in supporting the cause, I invite you to join me in both spirit and intent with a joyful regrets gift. Again, please let me know and I can help coordinate.
Thanks in advance for any support you can offer. It is greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
xxxx
PS: If you will join me and want to take advantage of the FREE childcare, you need to sign up with A Nanny for U (the childcare provider) directly cy clicking on this link. More info about the event childcare can be found on the PEPS website. BTW: Babes in arms are welcome at the Lunch.
VERSION 3 for a Mom’s Group (life example from last year):
Subject line: Lunch out with me to support PEPS!
Ladies!
<As most of you know, I've been serving on the PEPS board for the past two years. OR: I have led xx PEPS Group(s).> PEPS was an incredible experience for me and I truly believe the work they do is nothing short of life-saving. The women in my group saw me through a time of incredible upheaval, helped me become the parent I am today, and remain one of my strongest and most valued sources of love, laughter, support and advice. All new parents should be so lucky.
I am <once again> hosting a table at their Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 – their primary fundraiser for the year – and I invite you to join me.
In the past year, the Program for Early Parent Support has supported over 2,400 parents in their journey into parenthood. And since its inception, that number totals more than 50,000. While on the one hand, those sound like significant numbers, they still represents just a small percent of the new families "born" each year in King County. The PEPS Board and staff have developed a strategic plan which will guide PEPS in its efforts to grow - reaching out to and supporting even more new families in the years ahead. PEPS' fund-raising efforts are now aimed largely at fueling that growth. And for those who can't afford the enrollment fees, our fund-raising efforts also support scholarships, making PEPS available to any parent, any family, regardless of their ability to pay.
The Luncheon is on Tuesday, March 6th, from 11-1, at Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion. Similar to years past, it begins with a 45 min coffee hour (so folks can arrive and gather at a leisurely pace), followed by the core program/talk which will run from 11:45 - 1.
This year's event will once again be hosted by KING5's Mimi Jung, also a PEPS mom and host of last year's Luncheon. And Dr. Laura Kastner, Ph.D., nationally recognized parenting expert and author, will be the keynote speaker, talking about: Getting to Calm -The Art and Value of Slowing Down as a Parent. I am sure we all need some of that advice!
There is no cost to attend the Luncheon, but the event is PEPS' biggest fundraiser and guests will be asked to make a donation during the program. You will need to decide what amount is right for you and your family. But to give you some perspective and guidance, the average gift at the 2011 Luncheon was app. $200, with +41% of guests donating $300 or more. The best: gifts of $300 and more will be matched by some generous Luncheon Challenge Donors!
I know everyone has incredibly busy schedules, but please do take a moment to consider and let me know if you'll be able to join me. If so, I'll be happy to get you registered and squared away. And if you can't make it, I invite you to join us in both spirit and intent with a joyful regrets gift. Again, please let me know and I can help coordinate.
Cheers,
xxx
Response to someone who can't join you (regrets gift)
Most likely one or more of your guests can’t join you at the Luncheon. But: they can still help you in supporting PEPS. Here is a suggested template that you may tailor and use.
Hello <name of guest>,
<insert a personal response to why your guest can't join you>.
I invite you to join me in spirit at the Luncheon with a joyful regrets gift. The Luncheon is PEPS' biggest annual fundraiser and raises crucial funds so that PEPS can serve over 2,400 parents this year (PEPS does not receive any government grants). There are three easy ways you can make a gift today:
- You can either send your gift to me <include your address> and I can take it to the Luncheon, or
- You can support PEPS <and my goal in raising $xxx for future families in our community> by sending your check (payable to PEPS) to PEPS, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, #324, Seatle, WA 98103. If you send a check, make sure you put 'Luncheon gift/ table <enter table captain name>' so they know it's a Luncheon gift to be counted toward my Luncheon table.
- If you feel comfortable with an online donation, you may choose the fast and easy route and click here (http://www.peps.org/support/DonateOnline) to make a donation on the PEPS website. You can enter in the comments field 'Luncheon gift/ table <enter table captain name>'.
I support PEPS every year <this year> because there is no other resource like PEPS in our community that supports parents when they need it most: at the beginning our their parenting journey. And I want to make sure, that other parents receive the same kind of support that I got when I started parenthood. It helped me tremendously, as you know.
<or enter why you are passionate about giving to PEPS>
Hope you consider a gift in lieu of coming to the Luncheon.
Gratefully yours,
<your name>
2012 PEPS Post Luncheon Template to send out to your guests ~ Coming soon
to come
2012 PEPS Luncheon ~ Sample Save The Date Email
Greetings!
I know this is way early, but I also know how busy we can all get and how soon our calendars fill up.
That's why I wanted to send you a quick note as early as possible asking you to Save the Date for the 14th Annual PEPS Luncheon on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 11 am - 1 pm. As in previous years, this Luncheon will be held in the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion and I will be hosting a table <again>. Of course, I would love for you to join me <again>.
I will send more details in January, but if you already know that you can/will join me, send me a quick email so that I can put you on my list.
If this is way too early for you, I will touch base with you in January to follow up.
In the meantime - put March 6, 2012 in your outlook calendar!
<your name>
