Better Profits

The Absolute Best Way To Deal With Donation Requests

Posted on Jan 30, 2008 in Better Profits by Jeffrey Summers 1 Comment

They’re called “receipt drives” and this one comes to us from Bob Batley, owner of the Stadium Grille in West Chester and Chester Springs, PA. I think you’ll agree that this is probably the absolute best way for turning all those nagging little donation requests into free advertising and new guests. Note the long list of groups at the end! Read his policy here …

“We believe strongly in supporting the community in which we live and work. That is why the Stadium Grille sponsors benefits for nonprofit organizations. These benefits have been very successful, and are a true “win-win” situation for everyone. Here are a few simple steps for having a special day at the Stadium Grille:

1. Organize your group so you can pick your night early. These nights are very popular and the calendar fills up fast.
2. Pick any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Our management staff will assist you with selecting an available date that is convenient for your group.
3. Confirm the date by calling the Stadium Grille at 610-344-7860 (West Chester) or 610-321-2595 (Chester Springs). We will need the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person and the group name.
4. Promote your benefit, and tell everyone the date of your event. Get family, friends, neighbors, business associates, etc. to eat at the restaurant on your day. Inform your patrons to let our staff know you are here for your specific benefit. You receive 15% of the sales from the people from your benefit who dine with us. As a result, the more people who come, the more money you make! In an effort to be sensitive to our other guests we can not allow signs or soliciting at the restaurant.
5. Within ten days of your event, a check will be waiting for you to pick up.

These nights have been successful because they are a true “win-win”. The group wins by raising money for their cause. The Stadium grille wins by supporting our guests charities and gaining new customers. Since they opened in 1990, the Stadium Grille has donated over $175,000 to local charities in Chester County.”

Not bad for an independent huh?

Tags: Better Profits, marketing, Restaurant

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  Deirdre Reid Apr 19 2009 - 1:33 pm Reply

  What a great idea! Back in my GM days, I always dreaded the endless requests for support from community groups. Our marketing budget only went so far so we had to be picky and inevitably had to down many of the requests. If only I had thought of this. Thanks for sharing.