Table Captain's Corner

Thank you for volunteering to be a Table Captain—a Champion for Foster Kids!  Everything you need to be an outstanding Table Captain is right here on this page.

What do Table Captains do?
Table captains are volunteers who help Treehouse by inviting their family, friends and colleagues to join them in attending and supporting the Champions for Foster Kids luncheon. 

How do I get started?
Make a list of everyone you know who might be interested in making a difference in the lives of foster kids and able to join you at the event.  If you have been a table captain before, be sure to include people who have joined you in past years. We are counting on you to fill a table of 10 people, but don’t stop there.  We can always accommodate additional guests, so think big!  Maybe team up with a friend to fill two tables. 

What's the best way to recruit friends, family, and co-workers?
We suggest you contact your full list of potential guests in at least two ways.  For example, talk to people personally, and then send them a follow up email or note.  Explain to them why you support Treehouse and invite them to join you in supporting Treehouse with a donation at the event.  Here is a sample email you can personalize to invite your friends and colleagues, which makes it easy for people to register and get event details via email: sample email

How much does it cost to attend?
All event costs are underwritten by corporate sponsors, so there is no ticket or cost to attend the event.  Each guest will be asked to make a gift to Treehouse at the event.

Is there a minimum gift?
No, there is no minimum gift.  However, every donation at the $250 level and above will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Superheroes Challenge Pool, a group of donors who pool their resources to challenge and inspire our guests to give generously. 

How do my guests register for the event?
To save you time, we ask that each guest register themselves on our website here.

Can I register my guests directly?
Yes.  You can include their names and email addresses when you register to be a Table Captain (registration is now closed!) or you can send a list to Event Manager Shaunessy Jones events@treehouseforkids.org.  Even partially completed lists of confirmed guests submitted to Treehouse before the due date of February 12, 2010 are helpful.

When is the event registration deadline?
The registration deadline is Friday, February 12th.

What if I can’t fill my table?
Please contact us as soon as you know you will not be able to recruit enough guests to fill a table of 10 people.  Although this event is organized around table captains inviting guests, each year there are a number of individual guests who attend the luncheon who do not have a table captain.  We will seat these guests at tables that have not been filled.

What if someone is unable to attend?
If one of your invitees declines your invitation because they are not available that day, be sure to offer the opportunity for them to donate in your reply e mail or phone message.  For example:  “I’m so sorry you can’t join me. The good news is that you can still support the important work of Treehouse.  If you send your check to me, I’ll make sure your donation counts toward the lunches fundraising goal. Or, you can go online and donate at www.treehouseforkids.org.

Should I send a pre-luncheon reminder?
Absolutely!  Treehouse will send a registration confirmation when a guest registers, and a reminder the day before the event.  However, the most powerful reminder is a quick email or phone call from you a few days before the event.

What is the day of the event like?
On March 10th, you and your guests start arriving at the Sheraton Seattle at 11:30 a.m. and the program starts at 12 noon.  Your guests will check in under their last names, where they will receive their table seating assignments.  You will check in at a table with a big sign over it saying "Table Captain Registration".  You will receive a packet that has everything you'll need to collect donations at the end of the program.  Before you leave you'll simply hand the packet with the donations back to Treehouse staff and volunteers who will be strategically located at the exits.  Pretty easy!

What happens after the luncheon?
Attendees who made a gift will receive a thank you note for their contribution shortly after the event, announcing the total amount of funds raised.  Attendees who did not give and guests who were unable to attend will receive a special letter, asking them to make a gift to Treehouse. Please encourage your guests who did not attend to make a gift.  This greatly increases the amount of total donations received.

Champions for Foster Kids home page