Third-Party Events

Third-party events are fundraisers that benefit Y-ME, but are coordinated and executed by individuals or organizations independent from Y-ME.  Many events result in significant financial contributions to Y-ME to directly support our 24/7 Hotline, as well as programs and services offered free of charge to those who can’t wait for tomorrow’s cure.

Individuals, groups, small businesses and corporations interested in sponsoring a fund-raising event to benefit Y-ME in whole or in part are encouraged to contact Y-ME for more information.  Opportunities also include providing volunteer or sponsorship support for existing events and sponsoring new events.  We’re excited to work with you!

Please contact Lauren Hughes, Director of Development, at lhughes@y-me.org for more information.

Important things you should know about hosting a third-party event:

What should we do?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to your event.  Ideas include:

• Organizing a bowling party
• Holding a book-club fundraiser
• Hosting a bake sale
• Throwing a party at a local restaurant or bar
• Hosting an annual memorial event for a loved one
• Throwing a dinner party
• Staging a mini-walk
• Raising funds at school
• Having an event at your office
• Organizing a golf outing or sports tournament

No event is too big or too small! Whatever the occasion, Y-ME is honored to benefit from your event.  We will do our best to make sure your guests walk away feeling empowered and knowing that they have furthered the mission of Y-ME.

 
Where does the money go?
All of the revenue from third-party events benefits Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, dedicated to assuring that no one faces breast cancer alone.

 
Is there a minimum donation amount?
No donation is too small. You may decide if you would like to donate a percentage of the proceeds from your event or all the net revenue.

What are Y-ME's Policies and Procedures around Third-Party Events?
 

Policies
Y-ME does not endorse any products or protocols.

Y-ME reserves the right to decline association with any event or organization for any reason, including its belief that such an association may have a negative effect on the credibility and/or reputation of Y-ME.

Y-ME cannot make any investment, pay for, or reimburse any expenses incurred as a result of a third-party event.  This means that the third-party event coordinator/event must pay all expenses prior to remitting the net revenue to Y-ME.

Y-ME is not responsible for any financial loss and may withdraw support of the third-party event should any activity be discovered that undermines Y-ME’s mission or reputation.

Please note that Y-ME has the right not to participate in your event and does not assume any legal or financial liability for your event.  Y-ME must approve, prior to printing and distribution, any use of its name, logo and/or breast cancer information.  After Y-ME approves your event, you must sign a Statement of Understanding.  A staff member can walk you through these details.

 
Guidelines
Third-party events must be promoted and conducted in a manner that avoids the appearance of Y-ME endorsing any product, firm, organization, or service.

The third-party event coordinator should contact Y-ME within a timely manner (preferably six to eight weeks prior to the event date) to seek guidance and request resources.  An Event Interest Form and subsequent Memo of Intent must be completed and approved prior to conducting a third-party event for Y-ME.

The official logo of Y-ME should be appropriately used in conjunction with such an event, and may not be altered in any way.  Any use of the Y-ME logo must adhere to established graphic standards.

It is the discretion of the third-party event coordinator as to the amount of the donation made to Y-ME (a percentage of, or all net revenue); however, a vague disclosure indicating Y-ME will receive “proceeds,” “profits,” or “net proceeds” is insufficient.  Your audience should know your intentions.

Y-ME requires that you disclose to your sponsors and guests the amount in which their participation will impact Y-ME, e.g. $10/ticket or 80% of silent auction sales.

Y-ME asks that you send in the revenue to Y-ME from your third-party event within 30 days of the event

From Start to Finish: Planning Your Y-ME Third Party Event

Create your plan
A successful event begins with a detailed plan.  To create yours, ask yourself:

• What is my event?
• How will I raise money?
• Who will attend?
• How will I recruit people to attend?
• Where? When? How?
   

Set a fundraising goal
It’s important to set a fundraising goal so you have in mind what you are trying to accomplish. Think about answering these questions:

• How much money would I like to raise?
• How will I raise these funds?
• Who will I solicit?
• Are my fundraising and administrative costs reasonable?
• Am I using ethical and economical fundraising methods?

Remember that the information you distribute about your event proceeds must be straightforward.  You should always say exactly how much you are going to donate.  For example, "$10 from each ticket sold will benefit Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.”
 

Set a budget
The key to a successful event is creating a budget early on so you know your expenses and revenue are reasonable.

Submit an event interest form
When your plan is ready, please complete the required event interest form online or fax it to Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

After reviewing your interest form, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization will contact you to further discuss and ensure you are prepared to start planning a successful event!

The fine print:

Please note that Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization has the right not to participate in any event and does not assume any legal or financial liability for your event. Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization must approve, prior to printing and distribution, any use of its name, logo and/or breast cancer information.  After Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization approves your event, you must sign a Statement of Understanding. A staff member will walk you through these details.

Prepare for the day of the event

Create an event day calendar and ask friends to help out when possible.  When your event is well-organized, your guests – and you – will have a better experience.

Make sure to include a way to tell your guests about Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and our efforts to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.  Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization will provide you with everything you need to make this happen.  From brochures and information, to talking points about the organization, we have you covered. We will also show you how to use the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization logo correctly in your promotional materials.  Simply speak with your Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization point person for details.

Our goal is to ensure accuracy and empower people to use Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization programs and services.  For more information, see the About Y-ME section.

 
Post-event evaluation
Congratulations! You made a difference.  Please get in touch with Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and tell us how you did. We can’t wait to hear your results and the stories from the people you touched!

You can gauge the success of your event by answering the following questions:

• Did the funds raised meet expectations?
• Did your guests have a good time?
• Are you guests empowered to use Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization resources, including the 24/7 Hotline?
• Did you have fun planning?

Please send donations with a revenue submission form within 30 days of your event to:

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
135 S La Salle Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603

 
Say "THANK YOU"
Thank all the businesses, friends, family and colleagues who helped you at this year’s event.  Your gratitude goes a long way!  There is nothing more rewarding for guests than to know that their participation really made a difference. You may already have their support for your next event.