Q: In preparing for our Ask Event^™, we are planning to hold our Table Captain Kickoff after the holidays. There is frequent reference to the Table Captain Packet in Benevon documents. What should this include?

Allison in Florida

A: Working with Table Captains and the overall timeline for putting on an Ask Event are topics covered in-depth in our two-day workshops. The Table Captain Packet is something that you should give to your Table Captains at least ten weeks prior to the Ask Event.

Remember that the majority of the guests should be coming to your Ask Event because a friend invited them. Therefore, it is essential that each Table Captain understands the way the event works and feels comfortable that his or her guests will not be pressured, in any way, to give. The items in a Table Captain Packet should help to clarify how the Ask Event works.

This packet should include six items:

1. A welcome letter thanking the Table Captain for agreeing to help with your Ask Event, reminding them of the date and time of the Ask Event and that they have agreed to fill a table by personally inviting guests.
2. A sample script for Table Captains to use to invite guests. This can be included in the welcome letter.
3. A job description that clearly outlines the duties of a Table Captain.
4. A guest list form for each Table Captain to fill out with the contact info of the guests who plan to come, including a deadline by when the Table Captain should return this form to you.
5. In addition to this form, the packet should include a form for the Table Captain to keep a separate list of those unable to attend who have said they would like to receive more information about the organization.
6. Fourteen "Save-the-Date" postcards that the Table Captain will mail out to guests as they accept a verbal invitation to the Ask Event.

Terry