Hello Team Transplant!!!
I sincerely hope you are all getting ready to enjoy this stunning spring day that lies ahead of us. Too bad most of us are stuck in offices around the Denver metro area until that magic hour of 5:00 when we are freed to pursue what we love most! Who’s hopping on their bikes this evening? It’s supposed to be 80 degrees today, so you know the evening is going to be a beautiful one.
As you know, our training ride was cancelled last weekend due to inclement weather. WHY, oh WHY, does the miserable weather always happen on a weekend? I’m not complaining about the rain… just the fact that it works weekends and not weekdays like the rest of us.
All is not lost! There’s another training ride coming up on May 8th, and this one will be even more fun because there’s cool stuff to check out at Red Rocks when you get there! If you aren’t up for the full ride, you can always meet the team out at Red Rocks to see Wheat Ridge Cyclery’s new and exciting products they’ll be showcasing. Check out the Team Transplant Events Page for more details.
RECRUITMENT UPDATE
How are your recruitment efforts going? I have to admit, I had two recruits back out on me this week. Darn that tequila party! But it’s okay, we’re still going strong and are now up to 90 members on Team Transplant. If everyone reading this blog recruits just one member this week, we can exceed our goal to reach 100. And I KNOW there are people who are reading this blog who aren’t signed up as followers… show yourselves! Help us shoot past 100 riders to our goal of 250 and really show those folks at Elephant Rock what Team Transplant is all about!
Speaking of which, Team Transplant got some really great publicity on Facebook through Elephant Rock's page. If you are a Facebook user, make sure you're linked in to E-Rock and Team Transplant! As an aside, Team Transplant on Facebook has 118 members... and yet, we only have 90 registered... I'm no math genius, but it seems to me like we've got some stragglers out there! Help get your recruits signed up by sending them the link to REGISTER.
As soon as I hit “publish” on this post, I’m about to put my fingers to work on an email writing a personal note to three friends to ask them to join us. Let’s do it! Have a great day everybody! Enjoy it-- play hookie if you can!
Susan
Relentless Recruiter of Riders and (unofficial) Team Transplant Cheerleader
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Matching Contributions
A sunshiny welcome to Team Transplant on this rainy Friday morning. I’m happy to see the moisture and can’t wait to watch my gardens thrive off of it… but I hope it doesn’t impact tomorrow’s training ride! Stay tuned for any breaking news—the ride is still on, and if you haven’t already, please RSVP to Brian at brian@americantransplantfoundation.org.
A great idea was sent to me by Team Transplant rider Christine this week—seeking matching contributions from your employers. Many companies will support employee’s charitable efforts with a matching contribution up to a certain amount. Check into it through your human resources department—you might be sitting on a quick and easy fundraising opportunity and not even be aware of it!
Also, speaking of work, I took the opportunity this week to hang up two Team Transplant posters in my office—one on my office door and one on the fridge in our kitchen. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it and it’s a great way to pick up some side donations… or, dare I say, some fresh blood in the form of new recruits? Please see previous blog post about ways to bring Team Transplant into a conversation… and if you need posters, please let us know!
I know I focus a great deal on fundraising and recruiting here on the blog, but I want to acknowledge that what it’s really all about is the power of transplant, changing lives, and education. I am passionate about supporting the efforts of Heidi, Katie, and everyone at the American Transplant Foundation, and I hope that some of that passion is passed on every time I talk to people about what we’re doing. Everyone on this ride is a part of that effort: saving lives, increasing community education, and supporting efforts to push the limits of our medical and scientific capabilities. It’s something to be proud of… so Team Transplant, go ahead and pat yourselves on the back. I’m proud of you!
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at Wheat Ridge Cyclery for the training ride; and if not then, let’s catch a spin class or another ride before the big day.
Cheers everyone, and TGIF! Have a great weekend!
Susan
Team Transplant
A great idea was sent to me by Team Transplant rider Christine this week—seeking matching contributions from your employers. Many companies will support employee’s charitable efforts with a matching contribution up to a certain amount. Check into it through your human resources department—you might be sitting on a quick and easy fundraising opportunity and not even be aware of it!
Also, speaking of work, I took the opportunity this week to hang up two Team Transplant posters in my office—one on my office door and one on the fridge in our kitchen. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it and it’s a great way to pick up some side donations… or, dare I say, some fresh blood in the form of new recruits? Please see previous blog post about ways to bring Team Transplant into a conversation… and if you need posters, please let us know!
I know I focus a great deal on fundraising and recruiting here on the blog, but I want to acknowledge that what it’s really all about is the power of transplant, changing lives, and education. I am passionate about supporting the efforts of Heidi, Katie, and everyone at the American Transplant Foundation, and I hope that some of that passion is passed on every time I talk to people about what we’re doing. Everyone on this ride is a part of that effort: saving lives, increasing community education, and supporting efforts to push the limits of our medical and scientific capabilities. It’s something to be proud of… so Team Transplant, go ahead and pat yourselves on the back. I’m proud of you!
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at Wheat Ridge Cyclery for the training ride; and if not then, let’s catch a spin class or another ride before the big day.
Cheers everyone, and TGIF! Have a great weekend!
Susan
Team Transplant
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Team Transplant Training Ride: Saturday 9AM
Hi Everyone, and welcome to Wednesday! We’re officially half way through the week… and half way to the weekend! Is that like having the glass half full/half empty?
I don’t know if any of you have plans for this Saturday morning, but Team Transplant is hosting a Training Ride from Wheatridge Cyclery to Golden, starting at 10AM. It will be a 20-mile round trip ride, with a mere 2% grade on the way out and almost all down hill on the way back. We’ll be heading out 32nd towards the Coors Brewery in Golden; the pace will be about 15 MPH but this is a no-drop ride—mechanical support will be provided! We’ll take a break at Starbucks before returning, but remember your essentials... things like water, helmet, layered clothing, snacks... a few little protein or power bars will help get you through the morning!
This is a great way to meet some of your fellow team transplant members, as well as start to do some endurance training for the ride… only 7 weeks to go! Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Also… how are you doing on your follow up emails to your supporters? Today I posted this update on my Facebook status: SUSAN is ALMOST there… help me reach my goal of raising $1,000 for Team Transplant, benefitting the American Transplant Foundation! Only $285 to go… https://team.americantransplantfoundation.org/hm/index
And... $70 in new donations came in while I was sitting in an afternoon meeting! A grateful shout out to Keith and Barry for your incredible support. Blog readers: send me a comment, send a shout out to your friends, invite them to follow the blog so we can thank them for their support (both moral and financial)!
As always, Team Transplant, thanks for following and participating, and I hope to see you on Saturday.
Susan
Team Transplant
“Do not wait to strike while the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”
I don’t know if any of you have plans for this Saturday morning, but Team Transplant is hosting a Training Ride from Wheatridge Cyclery to Golden, starting at 10AM. It will be a 20-mile round trip ride, with a mere 2% grade on the way out and almost all down hill on the way back. We’ll be heading out 32nd towards the Coors Brewery in Golden; the pace will be about 15 MPH but this is a no-drop ride—mechanical support will be provided! We’ll take a break at Starbucks before returning, but remember your essentials... things like water, helmet, layered clothing, snacks... a few little protein or power bars will help get you through the morning!
This is a great way to meet some of your fellow team transplant members, as well as start to do some endurance training for the ride… only 7 weeks to go! Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Also… how are you doing on your follow up emails to your supporters? Today I posted this update on my Facebook status: SUSAN is ALMOST there… help me reach my goal of raising $1,000 for Team Transplant, benefitting the American Transplant Foundation! Only $285 to go… https://team.americantransplantfoundation.org/hm/index
And... $70 in new donations came in while I was sitting in an afternoon meeting! A grateful shout out to Keith and Barry for your incredible support. Blog readers: send me a comment, send a shout out to your friends, invite them to follow the blog so we can thank them for their support (both moral and financial)!
As always, Team Transplant, thanks for following and participating, and I hope to see you on Saturday.
Susan
Team Transplant
“Do not wait to strike while the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”
Monday, April 19, 2010
Stay in Touch with Your Supporters: Send an Update!
Good morning, Team Transplant!
I sincerely hope that all of you had as wonderful of a weekend as we did. We kicked off the weekend with a walk with our dogs and headed down to the Schlessman Y for the Team Transplant Spin Class… I have to say, we missed some of you! It was really cool to have a row of us in our TT jerseys from 2009—we attracted a lot of attention from people as they came through the door! After class a woman walked up to my husband and asked about his jersey—turns out her daughter was a donor. It’s really amazing how many people have been touched by transplant in their lives—and how wonderful it is to hear their stories.
I also did a wonderful ride yesterday afternoon with one o f Team Transplant’s newest recruits, Christine! We met up with some friends at the REI downtown and pedaled south along the Platte River trail—perfect afternoon, perfect company, a perfect ride!
Which, incidentally, is a nice segue into what I wanted to share with you all today. Heidi and I were talking at spin class, and a great way to stay on top of fundraising is by sending an update out to your friends and supporters. Many of us send a big blast email as soon as we sign up, and as well-intentioned as all of the recipients of our emails are, many of them simply forget or don’t have the time at the moment to sign in and donate to support your ride.
This morning, I’m sending an email out to my entire support base with a photo from this weekend, sharing with them my updates about recruitment, training, and fundraising. And, of course, conveniently providing them with a link to help support if they haven’t done so already!!!
SAMPLE EMAIL:
Hi Everyone:
A quick note to send an update to everybody about the progress of Team Transplant. I can’t thank you enough for your tremendous support already! We’re about 7 weeks out from the big day, and Team Transplant is on the verge of being over 100 riders strong!
This weekend, Brian and I participated in a spin class at the Schlessman YMC A in order to get our legs ready for the big day… and, taking advantage of this beautiful Colorado spring weekend, hit the trails around Denver for another ride yesterday afternoon!
Reach out, let them know how hard you’re working to earn their support, and send out a huge thanks to those who have. It’s a great time to get another boost in fundraising, just 7 weeks before we all invade Castle Rock with our starry Team Transplant kits!
Have a great week, everybody!
Susan
A little sore in the saddle… but boy was it worth it!
I sincerely hope that all of you had as wonderful of a weekend as we did. We kicked off the weekend with a walk with our dogs and headed down to the Schlessman Y for the Team Transplant Spin Class… I have to say, we missed some of you! It was really cool to have a row of us in our TT jerseys from 2009—we attracted a lot of attention from people as they came through the door! After class a woman walked up to my husband and asked about his jersey—turns out her daughter was a donor. It’s really amazing how many people have been touched by transplant in their lives—and how wonderful it is to hear their stories.
I also did a wonderful ride yesterday afternoon with one o f Team Transplant’s newest recruits, Christine! We met up with some friends at the REI downtown and pedaled south along the Platte River trail—perfect afternoon, perfect company, a perfect ride!
Which, incidentally, is a nice segue into what I wanted to share with you all today. Heidi and I were talking at spin class, and a great way to stay on top of fundraising is by sending an update out to your friends and supporters. Many of us send a big blast email as soon as we sign up, and as well-intentioned as all of the recipients of our emails are, many of them simply forget or don’t have the time at the moment to sign in and donate to support your ride.
This morning, I’m sending an email out to my entire support base with a photo from this weekend, sharing with them my updates about recruitment, training, and fundraising. And, of course, conveniently providing them with a link to help support if they haven’t done so already!!!
SAMPLE EMAIL:
Hi Everyone:
A quick note to send an update to everybody about the progress of Team Transplant. I can’t thank you enough for your tremendous support already! We’re about 7 weeks out from the big day, and Team Transplant is on the verge of being over 100 riders strong!
This weekend, Brian and I participated in a spin class at the Schlessman YMC A in order to get our legs ready for the big day… and, taking advantage of this beautiful Colorado spring weekend, hit the trails around Denver for another ride yesterday afternoon!To date, you’ve helped me raise nearly $700 for the American Transplant Foundation. Thank you again to all of you for your incredible support, and I’ve provided a few links for you should you like more information about what we’re doing:
Reach out, let them know how hard you’re working to earn their support, and send out a huge thanks to those who have. It’s a great time to get another boost in fundraising, just 7 weeks before we all invade Castle Rock with our starry Team Transplant kits!
Have a great week, everybody!
Susan
A little sore in the saddle… but boy was it worth it!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Free Motivation: Just Show Up!
Hey There, Team Transplant, and TGIF! We are one week closer to the big day!
SO... who's joining me at the Schlessman YMCA tomorrow to partake in the Team Transplant spin class? Raise your hands high, so I can see you!
In a previous post, I admitted that I've never attended a spin class before. So, in case there are others of you out there who have never attended one, I thought I would give you a basic overview of what to expect.
1. A group class that, through instruction and stationary bikes, takes you through a virtual training ride, hills and all.
2. Music and an instructor that are energizing and motivating.
3. A ton of fun and a great way to kick off your Saturday morning.
I know that very few of us need motivation right now to get outside and get pedalling, but this is a good way to push yourself a little bit and make sure you're ready for the hills and excitement that Elephant Rock promises. Plus, how cool to meet some of your fellow Team Transplant members?
Get your legs pumping, get down to the Y tomorrow morning at 10:30 and be ready to ride. Looking forward to meeting you all!
And... one more shout out before I leave you for the afternoon... a big hearty welcome to my gal Christine, the latest Team Transplant recruit! I was at it again last night, mercilessly pimping out Team Transplant to a few innocent dinner guests, when she volunteered to ride with us! This time, no tequila was required. Even better!
Have a great weekend guys! Don't forget: tomorrow, Schlessman Y, 10:30... be there!
Susan
Official Team Transplant "SPIN Doctor"
(Great name for a sub-team, by the by...)
SO... who's joining me at the Schlessman YMCA tomorrow to partake in the Team Transplant spin class? Raise your hands high, so I can see you!
In a previous post, I admitted that I've never attended a spin class before. So, in case there are others of you out there who have never attended one, I thought I would give you a basic overview of what to expect.
2. Music and an instructor that are energizing and motivating.
3. A ton of fun and a great way to kick off your Saturday morning.
I know that very few of us need motivation right now to get outside and get pedalling, but this is a good way to push yourself a little bit and make sure you're ready for the hills and excitement that Elephant Rock promises. Plus, how cool to meet some of your fellow Team Transplant members?
Get your legs pumping, get down to the Y tomorrow morning at 10:30 and be ready to ride. Looking forward to meeting you all!
And... one more shout out before I leave you for the afternoon... a big hearty welcome to my gal Christine, the latest Team Transplant recruit! I was at it again last night, mercilessly pimping out Team Transplant to a few innocent dinner guests, when she volunteered to ride with us! This time, no tequila was required. Even better!
Have a great weekend guys! Don't forget: tomorrow, Schlessman Y, 10:30... be there!
Susan
Official Team Transplant "SPIN Doctor"
(Great name for a sub-team, by the by...)
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