Table Captain Tool Kit

For those of you who have signed up as a Table Captain for the 2009 National Dinner, the following information is aimed to help get you started in preparing a guest list and developing an informed and entertaining experience for your guests.

WHAT IS THE SUGGESTED PROCESS OF ORGANIZING A TABLE?

Filling your table begins with extending the invitation. Invite friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, or whoever else you feel may have an interest. The best invitation for your guests is a personal one. Invite them in person, by telephone, or e-mail. You can download a sample ask letter here as is, or you change it to suit your style. The most important thing is to invite.

Don't wait until the last minute. Start early. People's calendars fill up quickly. Getting on their schedules earlier will give you the highest likelihood of successfully filling your table. Even if they don't buy the tickets right away, they will have set the expectation.

WHAT IF SOMEONE ASKS ME WHY THEY SHOULD ATTEND?

Let them know that this year is a vital one for LGBT equality. Given the powerful political, corporate and individual relationships HRC has built over the years, it is uniquely positioned to influence hundreds of national, regional and local legislation. Workplace equality, marriage equality, and pro-GLBT federal and state legislation are all issues we continue to address but we need thier financial support.

The National Dinner allows you to make an impact on LGBT equality. The event serves as one of the primary fundraisers for HRC's work and is critical for HRC to carry out its vision for LGBT equality.

Beyond making an impact on our future, the dinner is a fun and energizing evening. The silent auction has some wonderful items to bid on, including travel, artwork, and one of-a-kind experiences. The people at your table, and throughout the event, will be great company. And they'll walk away from the evening knowing that they're making an impact on LGBT equality.

HOW CAN MY GUESTS PURCHASE A TICKET AT MY TABLE

Tickets can be purchased online at www.hrcnaitonaldinner.org, or by calling Box Office Tickets at 800-494-8497, please remind your guests that should select you as their table captain when prompted either on the phone or online.