A health fair is a beneficial community event but is typically held on a very small budget. In order to provide the greatest service to fair patrons, it is usually necessary to obtain donations from local businesses. Some businesses may choose to donate money, while others may donate items. Donated services are also very valuable.
Instructions
1. Consider the demographic of your participants. Will your health fair be geared toward women's health, children and babies or family health? Make sure that your goals are clearly defined so that you can convey them to donors.
2. Make a list of the services and information you wish to provide at the fair. Consider which type of businesses or nonprofit organizations provide those services.
3. Write a letter to send to local businesses. Explain the purpose and goals of your health fair and ask for their help. You may write two letters, one that asks for donations of items or services, the other that asks for monetary donations. Send letters out well in advance of the date of the fair.
4. Follow up with a telephone call or personal visit a few days after the business receives your letter.
5. Contact your local public television or radio station and ask that they make announcements advertising your health fair and asking for donations. Public stations will typically offer this service for free as long as your event is nonprofit.
6. Offer to add the name and logo of the nonprofit organization or business to your banners and printed material. This gives them publicity and adds to the community's awareness of its services.
7. Provide booths for businesses or organizations where a representative can present information to fair patrons.
8. Schedule a time to pick up donated items from the donor. This assures that the items will be there when needed and minimizes inconvenience for the donor.
9. Provide all donors with a receipt for their donated goods or monetary donation. These may be tax deductible.
10. Encourage prospective donors to provide services or donations by allowing them to advertise at the fair. They may offer discount coupons for their services, or provide patrons with brochures or information about their business. Participants should be involved in some aspect of health care.
11. Visit schools, nursing homes, day care centers, women's clinics and any other business or organization whose patrons or members will benefit from the information and services of your health fair. Ask for monetary donations or volunteers to assist you and make them aware of the benefits available to the community.
12. Organize your efforts so that participating businesses and organizations can set up easily and will have any items they need such as audiovisual equipment, tables, tents and chairs. Good organization will ensure that your donors will participate next year as well.
13. Host an appreciation luncheon to thank all your donors. If your budget doesn't allow for a luncheon, make sure to send thank you notes instead.
Tags: health fair, your health, your health fair, businesses organizations, fair patrons
