USCA Summer Conference

Publicity and Fundraising

Paul Ellarby

• President of Dakota Curling Club

• Started curling in 1983, Rochester NY

• Moved to Colorado in 1990

• Moved to MN in 1999

• Member of Owatonna CC

• Formed Dakota CC in February 2006

Darcy Ellarby

• Treasurer of Dakota Curling Club

• Started curling in 2003

• Saw curling during 2002 Olympics

• Went to Owatonna CC to watch / join

• Curled in Inverness in March 2006

• Formed Dakota CC in February 2006

Dakota Curling Club

• Underlying principles– It is a member-driven organization– We do it ourselves– We borrow where possible– We ask for donations if not– We buy only what is necessary

DCC TimelineJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct DecNov

Famous last words….

“I know – let’s start our own curling club!”

Negotiate a contract with Burnsville Ice Center for 2

leagues

Beg for equipment

Buy and install sheet markings.

Run 4 new curler classes – over 120 people

Add another league!

CurlOpen novice

Open “regular”

Mixed

Elect Board of Directors

Voted in as member of MCA

Start looking for winter home

CurlOpen novice

Open “regular”

Mixed

Paul’s plan –

REST

Reality –Move into and prepare our

NEW WINTER HOME!

Grand opening 4 NovOpen ice – 6-10 Nov

League play starts 13 NovMon – women 6:30 / men 8:30

Tues - open iceWed – Open novice

Thur – Open standardFri – Mixed 6:30 / singles 8:30

Publicity

• Web Site• Tell everybody!• Local publications• City-wide newspapers• Specialist magazines• Radio / Television

• Do it again!

Web Site

• Critical to publicity, credibility– First place media go to look at your

credentials– Excellent place for “anyone” to find you– Training classes filled in 24 hours, without

publicity

Tell Everybody!

• And I do mean everybody– Family– Friends– Business Acquaintances– The Mayor’s office– City Council– Chamber of Commerce– Flyers / posters at the Arena

• If you are not excited, nobody else will be!

Local Publications

• Burnsville This Week

• MN Sun-Current

• Pennysaver

• Burnsville Magazine

City-Wide Newspapers

• If possible, create some competition

• St Paul Pioneer Press– Did first “big” story– Asked if the Star Tribune had interviewed is

• Star Tribune– “South of the River” edition– Asked if we had been in any other publication

Specialist Magazines

• Business Journal– Decided not to publish when they learned this

is not a money-making venture!

• Burnsville Magazine– New magazine, looking for local color– To publish in September

Radio / Television

• Cities 97 drive-time– Called one morning, after Pioneer Press

article

• KTTC-TV Rochester– At Owatonna CC, learned about Dakota CC

What do they want?

• Personal interest– “my” story

• Talk about Paul’s curling experience• How Darcy was introduced to curling• How many other people have joined the club

– Others in the club• A single family who curl as a team• Very young / very old curlers• People who curled years ago, and have just

started again

What do YOU want?

• Get out the word about the club• Location• Date / time• That it is easy, fun, open to all• Availability of classes, league play• Web site address

Make it easy for people to find you!

Funding

“How I can get everything for nothing!”

Equipment

• Borrow everything!– USCA - hacks– Owatonna CC – rocks, Ice King, brooms,

sliders, pebbling can– Cambridge CC – rocks, measuring stick

• Make everything else you can– Rock rack, broom rack, scoreboards, etc.

• Buy as little as possible– Brooms, sliders, pebbling can, lumber, signs

Sponsorships

• Sold advertising on each sheet– $250 per sheet x 5 sponsors

• Sponsorship from a local bar– Benchwarmer Bob’s

Discounts

• Negotiated discount for curling supplies– Dakota Curling Supplies

• Bought sliders, brooms

– Becker Arena Products• Bought house markings

– Home Depot• Lumber

Clothing

• Pins– Dakota Curling Club pins

• Clothing– Hats, shirts

• Take orders– Get the money up-front– Place firm orders for already-paid for items