My initial experience with fundraising took place during my elementary school years, where I participated in my very first event. The process was quite straightforward and lacked any significant challenges. All I had to do was take a sign-up sheet home and present it to my parents. Typically, my grandparents would also get involved, purchasing items from the fundraiser. Once I collected the necessary signatures and orders, I simply returned the sheet to school and continued with my carefree childhood, blissfully unaware of the complexities that lay ahead.
However, as I transitioned into high school, the landscape of fundraising shifted dramatically. The items I was tasked with selling, primarily an assortment of candies, demanded a greater level of salesmanship and required me to keep track of my sales meticulously.
During my time in college, fundraising campaigns were not a significant part of my experience. The most memorable event was a raffle organized by our debate club, where we offered a $100 gas gift card as the prize. Tickets were priced at just a dollar each, and by the end of the event, we managed to raise several hundred dollars, which was a gratifying outcome for our small group.
After college, while I didn't take the lead on fundraising initiatives, I frequently played a key role in the marketing and promotional aspects of various campaigns. My involvement spanned a wide range of causes, including events for museums, shelters for domestic violence victims, the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program, and food banks, among others. These experiences enriched my understanding of community needs and the importance of effective communication in rallying support for vital causes.
Currently, I am actively engaged with several local groups In their fundraising efforts, and it brings me immense satisfaction to witness their success. This experience inspired me to take the initiative to organize a fundraiser for our Burroughs Bibliophiles chapter, known as the Carolina Calots. I began brainstorming ideas that would resonate with fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs, focusing on projects that were feasible given my skills and available resources. While I lacked the ability to write a book, produce a radio drama, or illustrate a unique comic book, I found inspiration in my involvement with Quilts of Valor, a heartfelt initiative led by my wife that provides quilts to veterans in our area across all branches of the military.
The emotional impact of presenting these quilts to service members, who are often left speechless by the gesture, sparked an idea in me: why not create a unique Tarzan/Burroughs-themed quilt? Given that our chapter is still in its early stages, I reached out to my wife’s group, and they graciously agreed to contribute their skills to help bring this design to fruition.
As the quilt began to take shape, I found myself recognizing the extraordinary significance of paying tribute to Burroughs and his most remarkable creation. It became clear that we were crafting a singular masterpiece that not only reflected the deep admiration of ERB fans for the author's literary contributions but also represented a tangible, exhilarating artifact that any collector would cherish. This was not just a quilt; it was a genuine collectible, a piece of art that encapsulated the spirit of adventure and imagination that Burroughs instilled in his works.
However, today I came to a startling realization about my earlier assumptions. In hindsight, I see that I made a critical error in my expectations regarding the vast ERB Community. I had envisioned a thriving network of enthusiasts (Muckers, Panthans, LA SubERB, Northwest Coast Manganu) eager to embrace this innovative item and rally behind the initiatives of fellow fans. Instead, it seems my efforts primarily attracted mostly internet lurkers, including both automated bots and the occasional curious individual searching for risqué images of Dejah Thoris.
To illustrate the effectiveness of these efforts, let me present some statistics. Our website dedicated to Tarzan's Quilt Quest recorded a total of 433 visitors, yet only 7 of those individuals, who I can confidently label as true fans, actually went ahead and purchased entries. This leaves a staggering 426 visitors who seemingly did not engage with the content or take the time to read the details, as not a single one of them seized the opportunity to enter for free, which was available to everyone.
It's worth noting that the free entry option was clearly outlined, but it appears that bots, by their very nature, are unable to comprehend such instructions. On a brighter note, we did manage to sell 6 additional entries at PulpFest, which allowed our group to break even on this venture. On a personal note, I greatly appreciate everyone who supported this effort. Although the turnout fell short of my expectations, I can take solace in the fact that I didn't completely tank.
As I step away from this project, I find myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. I can't help but reflect on the various fundraising pitfalls that may have ensnared me along the way. Was the prize not appealing enough? Did I place too much emphasis on the fundraising request itself? Were the entry fees set too high for potential participants? Perhaps I became too reliant on a single fundraising strategy, limiting our outreach and engagement. While it's possible that I may have inadvertently wandered into one of these fundraising traps, I can't shake the feeling that there is a deeper issue at play. What truly drives the passion of ERB fans? Are they primarily interested in exclusive artwork, reprints featuring fresh designs, or perhaps the long-awaited adaptation into a movie or streaming series? Could it be that they only yearn for new comic books or fresh narratives from authors who can breathe life into our beloved ERB characters?
I find myself feeling quite disheartened at the moment. The Bibliophiles, along with its various chapters, carries a significant responsibility: to spark a renewed interest in the rich legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs' literary contributions. I had hoped that this fundraiser would provide the Calots with the necessary resources for our first big effort to advance this important mission
In the big picture, we should be functioning as a united community of enthusiasts, working together to amplify our shared passion. To not only support ERB Inc. efforts but also the collective efforts of all the chapters that fall under the Bibliophiles' banner. By fostering collaboration and enthusiasm among fans, we can truly honor the spirit of Burroughs and ensure that his stories continue to resonate with both current and future generations.
What's on the horizon? The Carolina Calots convene via Zoom monthly. Check our schedule and send an email to carolinacalots@gmail.com if you would like to join. This is your chance to contribute your thoughts on a Calots mission.
Please note, that proposing an ERB Convention is verboten!
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