Donation Collecting 
River City Pageant Contestants are required to donate a minimum of | $50 | or | 5 swimsuits | or | a combination of money and swimsuits to as part of their Donation Score for the benefit portion of our pageant. (Donations will be given to Spokane Parks Foundation at the end of the pageant competition day.)
Donations above and beyond that required amount count towards winning our "Swimsuit Competition" (Top Donor Award), our Top Fundraiser Award, and/or a Supreme Title. Whether you are an old pro or this is your first time ever collecting donations, we have a few tips to help you out.
NOTE: We will be accepting swimsuit donations during check-in on the day of the pageant only. We do not have a way to accept suits prior to that day. After the inital 10 points for a contestant's required minimum donation, points will be scored at 1 points for every swimsuit and 1 point for every $10 dollars donated. Read more about scoring here.
To make it easy for contestants to fundraise, we have created an online Donations Page where a contestant and/or their friends and families can easily send monetary donations in the contestant's name. We will also be accepting cash and checks made out to Spokane Parks Foundation during check in the day of the pageant. Donation points will be scored at 1 point for every $10 donated whether online or in person. Online donations MUST be made using the Donations Page no later than 2 days before the pageant in order to count towards Fundraising totals. Anything posted online after April 10th will be appreciatated by Spokane Parks Foundation but will not count towards a contestant's overall score.
Collecting donations can be a lot of fun if you are prepared and have a positive attitude. Be ready to hear "no" a lot, but don't let it discourage you. It makes the "yes" feel even more rewarding when you do hear it.
A traditional method of collecting cash and donations for Spokane Parks Foundation is to do it in person. Here are some tips if you would like to try that method:
Safety first! When you go out to collect donations, whether it's to chat with business owners, set up a donation table at an event, or knock on doors, please keep these safety tips in mind.
1) Always take a buddy. If you are a child, your buddy should be an adult. They do not have to collect donations with you, but they should still tag along to keep an eye on your safety.
2) If you are at a house, no matter how nice a homeowner may seem, always wait outside for a donation.
3) If you go after dark, wear light clothes or reflective gear to make it easier for cars to see you.
Dress appropriately. You are representing River City Pageant and Spokane Parks Foundation. Please have a groomed appearance and dress according to the occasion.
Speak confidently. Be prepared to speak clearly, get your initial point across quickly and answer questions. It's okay if you don't know all the answers, just do your best with a positive attitude. Small children should do as much of the asking and talking themselves as possible, so parents might want to have them practice a few times before you go out.
Offer receipt confirmation. We recommend printing out our Donation Form, putting a few copies on a clipboard and taking a pen. This way you can offer to have Spokane Parks Foundation send a receipt directly to the donor for their tax deductible contribution. Not everyone will want a receipt, but most people will appreciate the offer. All checks should be made out to Spokane Parks Foundation.
Stay positive. Most people will be polite even if they say "no" but there is a possibility that you will come across some people who do not understand what you are doing and can be very rude. Do not take it personally. Just thank them for their time and move on.
Be respectful. If someone has a "No Soliciting" sign, please do not knock on their door or go into their business. They have those signs up for a reason. If the lights are off at a home, assume they are not there or sleeping. And please do not go to homes after 8pm. That's when many children are put to bed.
Once you get the hang of it, you may discover a new talent that you really enjoy! Have fun!
