Blog

Sponsorship Information

WHAT IS A SPONSOR VERSUS PROGRAM BOOK ADS?
A sponsor is an individual or business that contributes money toward your sponsorship fee for the pageant and will have his/her/business name listed in the program book as one of your sponsors. They do NOT receive an ad in the program.

HOW TO OBTAIN A SPONSOR
The total sponsor involvement is relatively small and most often a case of personal judgement. Basically, if a sponsor likes you, thinks you have the right qualities – they will sponsor you! One sponsor may pay the total amount. However, if this is not the case, you should graciously accept any amount they offer – every little bit helps. Follow up with a thank you note. Keep them interested and informed. Most likely, you will not obtain a sponsor over the phone. A personal interview will work best! You have to “impress them”, just as you would in a job interview or the judge’s interview at the pageant. (This is great preparation for your pageant interview!) Tell the sponsor about yourself, why you want to participate, and show the program book from last year if you have one! Be sure to pick the right time of day (not during peak business hours), talk to the decision maker, be original, friendly, prompt, and have the right answers. Read all of your information and have a full understanding of the pageant. You never know what a potential sponsor may ask. Answer questions sincerely and intelligently.

WHAT A SPONSOR WILL RECEIVE
Any donation provided by a business or organization is considered a form of advertising and/or promotion and therefore may be considered tax deductible. His/Her name will be listed in the program book as one of your sponsors. Keep in mind that all arrangements made are strictly between you and your sponsor. There are no specific terms set by the pageant and the pageant accepts no responsibility for any arrangements you make in dealing with your sponsors. The sponsor is merely providing a means by which you may participate, often as a gesture of community goodwill.

POTENTIAL SPONSORS
Some contestants are sponsored by companies where they or their family members work. Remember, you can be sponsored by your family, friends, or yourself. You may have the best success with businesses you and your family patronize such as:

Grocery stores, doctor/dentist, cleaners, gas stations,beauty salons, boutiques, photo studios, dance studios, banks, your church, restaurants, insurance firms, car dealers, sports teams, advertising firms, auto dealers, amusement parks, bakeries, pawnshops, pharmacies, cosmetic shops, modeling agencies, restaurants, sororities, construction co.,and other civic clubs & organizations, there are many more – be creative!

EXAMPLE OF A SPONSOR LETTER


Dear ______ :

I wish to compete for the title of MRS. ALABAMA AMERICA. The MRS. AMERICA Pageant is a pageant for married women and every year a woman from Alabama wins the opportunity to represent their state at the Mrs. America Competition. I would like to be that delegate. The objective of MRS. ALABAMA is to find an ambitious, intelligent, and well poised individual who will become involved in civic and charity services and be a role model for married women.

My goal is to compete for the title of MRS. ALABAMA AMERICA. What I hope for now is your support. Many businesses support the state pageant program. Sponsorship is an excellent source of advertising and you are helping me to achieve a goal I cannot reach alone.

Sponsoring a contestant is a rewarding experience for businesses and individuals. Not only are you helping women across the state realize their potential, but you are also gaining advertising at a recognizable event. Sponsors names are listed in the official program book.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS

Do not send letters that appear to have come from the pageant office requesting sponsorship for you. Sponsors should not think they are entering into any agreement with the Mrs. Alabama America Pageant.  The prospective sponsor should respond to you … not the pageant office.