Most groups are surprised to find that 30%–50% of their second-year Ask Event^™ guests also attended the first year's event. It is like going back to a favorite movie or a favorite restaurant—you don't get tired of it. In fact, if anything, you are excited to invite friends to have that same wonderful experience you had.

Repeat guests include Table Captains, donors, staff, volunteers, and board members. They return for the same reason as everyone else—because they love the organization and the event reconnects them. It is a great place to see the people associated with the organization. For many donors, this is their one time in the year when they can pay their annual pledge in person. A surprising percentage of donors will choose to pay off the remaining four years of their pledge and some will choose to increase or extend their pledge.

Remember: this model is about building lifelong donors. For many of your first-time Multiple-Year Donors, their gift will be the first of many gifts of increasing size. This is part of the new reality of committed donors to your organization—you will need to get used to it!