My most delightful thank you experience happened when I got a year-end thank you from Best Friends Animal Society for my recurring donations.
The letter was great in and of itself, but then I popped the enclosed DVD into my computer and spent several minutes being delighted by the animals, their antics, and their stories of survival thanks to Best Friends. I was smiling through my tears.
The letter summarized my monthly donations at the top (easy for tax purposes), and featured a full color photo of one of the dogs (Rhubarb is also mentioned in the letter) profiled in the DVD.
The envelope the letter came in couldn't be missed with a photo on the back, announcement of the DVD enclosed, and a banner that said "Important Year-End Documents Enclosed." The package also included a reply envelope and an invitation to give again.
What a complete thank you and appeal...and you know I didn't mind the ask bundled with the thank you.
I can't show you the DVD, but here is the letter.
Dear Joanne,
Thanks to you, 2011 may have been the most exciting year on record for homeless animals!
It certainly was for Rhubarb, a very special dog whose medical needs were so great he was a long shot for adoption. But lo and behold, he made the trip to his forever home in California! Then after months of behavioral rehabilitation Carmello the cat found a home too! And for former "Vicktory" dog Georgia, it was an amazing year as well. She passed a behavior test to make it possible for her to be adopted!
Your support also changed the lives of animals across the country...
- 400 community cats of Tangier Island can now live their natural lives, without multiplying, thanks to a massive spay/neuter program
- Pit bull terriers in five cities found loving homes through Best Friends' Shelter Partners for Pit Bulls program
- Around 1,500 dogs moved across the country to find homes through Pup My Ride
Your gifts for 2011 totaled $______. For your convenience we've listed your individual gifts above.
These successes are yours, and they are just the tip of the iceberg. The enclosed DVD will introduce some more of the most memorable highlights from 2011.
Thank you for working with Best Friends to bring about the time when there are No More Homeless Pets. Here's to making 2012 magical for even more animals!
Best wishes,
Gregory Castle
Best Friends Animal Society
P.S. Thank you so much for being a true friend of the animals! Every story on the enclosed DVD was made possible because of you. Please use the enclosed envelope for any questions, comments or suggestions, or to get a head start on your gifts for 2012.
