Yule Duel 2015 Choir Resource Package

2015CHOIR RESOURCE PACKAGE

CHOIR RESOURCE PACKAGE 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3How to Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

About May’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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Your Goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Gather Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . .

Preliminary Event Details . . . . . . . . .

Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

About the Organizers . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Table of Contents

Fundraising Tips and Tricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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About Yule DuelOn December 3rd Water Street will be filled with the sounds of the season as carollers battle for bragging rights – all in the name of a good cause. Vancouver’s first annual Yule Duel will bring together corporate and community choirs from across the city for a night of wholesome family entertainment benefiting the Downtown Eastside hospice, May’s Place. Choirs will perform a selection of holiday songs to entertain the crowd and a crew of seasoned judges, culminating in a sing-off on the main stage and the presentation of prizes in several fun and festive categories. This event will serve as the kick off to the holiday season and is sure to be fun for everyone who participates.

The Gastown Yule Duel is modeled after an annual event that has captivated Seattle for more than 25 years (Figgy Pudding), drawing thousands of people into the downtown core for a street-side singing competition.

Join In The Fun!Enthusiastic choirs are the backbone of this event. Yule Duel is a fantastic performance opportunity for any choir looking to reach new audiences or even rehearse holiday content in a high energy environment. For businesses, forming a choir is a fantastic team-building experience, a valuable opportunity to reach prospective customers and an easy way to support a charity during the holidays.

While individuals should certainly be comfortable singing loud for all to hear, this event is more about holiday spirit than radio-worthy vocals. Choirs of all abilities are welcome. Limited space is available for choirs, so act fast to secure your group’s spot in the line-up.


1 . CHOIR INFORMATION

Please provide the name, email address and phone number of your choir leader - this is your choir’s designated contact person. Please also provide the name of your choir and the number of performers.

2 . CHOIR TEAM PICTURE

This should be a standard, landscape orientation, rectangular image that is at least 430 x 433 pixels. Please do not send pictures that are portrait, unusually cropped, low resolution, or dark. Ideally this is an actual picture of your team members. Alternatively, if you are a business, you may wish to use your company logo as your choir picture. You may also use another festive image that represents your team (it must be an image you have the right to use for commercial purposes). Please ensure the picture you send is in jpeg or png format.

3 . CHOIR DESCRIPTION

60 to 100 words, maximum. Show your choir’s personality with a description of who you are and what the crowd can expect from your performance. Your choir description will appear directly above the link people will use to donate to May’s Place, in support of your choir. Make sure to ask people to support you! You may wish to end your choir description with something like: “Support us by clicking the donate button now.”.

4 . PICTURES FOR CHOIR MEDIA GALLERY (OPTIONAL)

Please send us any additional pictures you want to include on your choir page. These images can be any shape or orientation, but should not be low resolution or dark. Ideally these are pictures of your team rehearsing or singing at other events, or, if you are a corporate team, pictures of your team ‘in your natural element’ at work together. If you do not have any pictures of your team, not to worry. You can skip having a photo gallery on your choir page.

How to RegisterTo sign up please click Register Your Choir on the Choirs tab on yuleduel.com, or email [email protected].

As a participating choir you will be provided with a customized choir fundraising page on yuleduel.com. This page will serve as Fundraising Headquarters for your team, and a great promotional tool to spread the word about your performance.

Once you are confirmed as a participating choir, please send the following to: [email protected].

By registering to participate in Yule Duel, members of participating choirs authorize to have photographs or video taken of themselves and agree for their image to be published by the organizers of Yule Duel: The Bloom Group and the Gastown Business Improvement Society. These images may be used for promotional purposes, for external and/or internal publication. The images may be published across all Yule Duel communication channels (including but not limited to the website, social media accounts and promotional materials), and the communications channels operated by both organizers (both The Bloom Group’s and Gastown Business Improvement Society’s respective websites, social media accounts, annual reports, fundraising materials, marketing materials, and more).

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About May’s PlaceAn end-of-life refuge for the most vulnerable333 Powell Street, Vancouver BC

For 25 years May’s Place has offered care and compassion to vulnerable and marginalized people in the Downtown Eastside, giving them a chance to enjoy comfort and dignity in their last days.

Often times our patients’ lives have been touched by extreme poverty, homelessness, abuse, mental health issues, and addictions. At May’s Place, they are welcomed warmly, respected, and surrounded by friends, family, and caregivers. For some residents, it’s the first time they’ve had a warm bed to sleep in or a room to themselves.

This six-bed facility provides a peaceful environment filled with natural light and home comforts. Staff are trained to provide care to people with complex issues, offering a range of supports that are particular to their needs, including family reunification, reconnection with faith or culture and options for long-term care when needed.

May’s Place delivers end-of-life care to about 50 people each year, ensuring that their last days are filled with dignity, warmth, and kindness.

May’s Place allowed our son to go to a better place with dignity. Everyone was so caring and loving. Ken’s life was so hard for him. You saw that he was cared

for and respected regardless of who he was. We, as a family, thank you.- Dale and Shirley, parents of Ken, who passed away at May’s Place hospice

FundraisingYOUR GOAL

Each participating choir is asked to raise $1,000 prior to the event on December 3rd, 2015. Your choir’s unique donation page, the tools in this package and our supportive team will help you reach your goal.

Why fundraising matters: May’s Place is a special home-away-from-home for vulnerable people facing terminal illnesses. Only 16-30% of Canadians have access to hospice palliative care.1 Specialized end-of-life support for people who’ve faced homelessness, mental illness and addictions is especially rare. You and your supporters can be a part of providing compassion and dignity to marginalized people when they need it most.

HOW TO GATHER DONATIONS

Your unique choir fundraising page is Fundraising Headquarters for your team. You will be provided with the link to your page once you have registered and provided us with the content necessary to create your page. Fundraising opens as soon as your page is created.

ONLINE

When people visit your choir’s fundraising page they can easily make a donation by clicking the Donate Now buttons. All donations processed through your choir’s fundraising page will be automatically added to your choir’s fundraising total. Donors who give online will receive automatic confirmation of their gift, and a charitable tax receipt. Choir leaders will receive an email notification when a donation is made in support of their choir, indicating who donated and the amount. Choir leaders are encouraged to share this information with their choir members and to thank you their donors!

OFFLINE

To collect donations in person use the donation form included in this package. Print as many copies as you need and distribute them to your family and friends, who may give according to the instructions on the donation form. Donations can be made by credit card, cash or by cheque, payable to The Bloom Group. The Bloom Group is the non-profit operator of May’s Place hospice.

Completed donation forms including payment can be mailed to:The Bloom Group391 Powell Street, Vancouver BC V6H 1K6

Donors should indicate on their donation form which choir they are supporting with their gift. All offline donations for your choir will be processed and added to your fundraising total on your choir’s fundraising page, as they are received.

1 According to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, 2013.

Every donation of $20 or more will receive a charitable

tax receipt.

The Bloom Group is a registered charity, and has served the

community for over 50 years.

May’s Place was the first freestanding hospice in Western Canada and is the only hospice in Vancouver’s

Downtown Eastside.

May’s Place is known for is pioneering, low-barrier

approach to end-of-life care. Because of the challenges faced by many May’s Place patients,

many arrive estranged from family. Some are able to reunite

with family before passing away. Staff have even helped

coordinate weddings for patients.

May’s Place provides compassionate care to

approximately 50 people and their families, each year.

Last year The Bloom Group provided emergency

and permanent housing, financial management, and

compassionate end-of-life care to over 1,500 people.

FUNDRAISING FACTS

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» With enthusiasm and with confidence!

» Share your choir’s fundraising page whenever you can. Providing us with interesting images anda unique choir description will get your supporters inspired and engaged.

» Be sure to actually ask your supporters to make a donation. Letting them know informationabout the event is a great start, but follow this up with a specific ask: “Please make a donationtoday” or “Click here to support my choir.”

» Be specific and timely. Consider challenging your supporters to give a specific amount($32.50,$65, etc.) Let your supporters know you want to raise a portion of your goal by acertain time: “I want to get half-way to my goal by the end of this week - please give todayand help make this happen!”

BY EMAIL

» Use a creative subject line. Choose something that entices your recipients to open the emailand learn more. The best subject lines spark curiosity and leave something to the imagination:“You won’t believe what I signed up for this holiday season!”

» Make it personal. Explain why this event and the cause inspires you. Perhaps you even have apersonal story to share about the importance of compassionate hospice care.

» Be concise but persuasive. Include information about the event and May’s Place but try not tomake it too long.

» Always include the link to your choir’s fundraising page!

1 . SET INDIVIDUAL GOALS

We are challenging each choir to raise $1000. Calculate the goal for each member of your choir, depending on the size of your team. If you have 10 members, that’s only $100 each. Knowing individual goals helps your team members realize that their respective targets are totally attainable! And don’t be limited by the minimum. Dream big! There is a special award at Yule Duel for the Top Fundraising Choir.

2 . WHO SHOULD YOU ASK? EVERYONE!

Spread the word. The more people who know you’re fundraising and participating in this event, the more potential donors you have. Reach out to friends, family and co-workers, as well as people in your other personal networks, such as your church community, social clubs or online groups.

3 . HOW SHOULD YOU ASK?

Fundraising Tips and Tricks

If you are new to fundraising we hope these tips will help you reach your goal!


ON SOCIAL MEDIA #yuleduel2015

» Document your choir’s preparations with posts linking to your fundraising page. Includepictures and progress reports: “Working on our high notes for our big performance at#yuleduel2015 on December 3rd! Click here to support us and the Downtown Eastsidehospice May’s Place.”

» Use a countdown to promote the event and your fundraising: “45 days and counting until#yuleduel2015! Support our choir and May’s Place by making a donation today.”

» Be sure to use #yuleduel2015 on all your social media posts.

OFFLINE

» Ask your friends and family when you see them, even if you’ve already connected via emailor social media. Sometimes asking in person can have better results, even if they willprobably give online.

» Let people know in advance you will be asking. Give your friends and family advance noticethat you will be bringing donation slips to the next family dinner or social gathering (anddon’t forget to bring them!).

When is a good time to ask? Today! Remember to send reminders as December 3rd

approaches and let people know when they only have a few days left to give.

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Frequently Asked QuestionsHOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE IN MY CHOIR?

Your choir can be as small as 4 people and as big as 25 people.

WE AREN’T PROFESSIONAL SINGERS . DOES THAT MATTER?

Nope! Singers of all abilities are welcome. That said we encourage everyone to prepare and ensure they can entertain the crowds with a polished performance, whatever level you are at.

WHAT SHOULD WE SING?

Sing any songs you think are festive and fun. You do not have to sing traditional Christmas carols. Songs do not need to be traditional or religious (although if that’s what you’re into, go for it!). Many of the most popular holiday songs are now mainstream secular selections, which are also welcome. Songs should be appropriate for a family audience. Creative interpretations or renditions of songs you think will help you stand out from the crowd, are strongly encouraged.

HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO SING FOR?

Plan a set that will let you sing for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Make sure you have at least one song in your set designated as your sing-off song, should you proceed to the Duel portion of the competition.

CAN WE PLAY INSTRUMENTS?

Yes, as long as they are acoustic. Since this is a carolling competition your performance should be primarily vocal, with instrumentation only to complement the performance (i.e. a tambourine or flute).

DO CHOIRS SING ONE AT A TIME?

During the street carolling portion of the event, choirs will sing all at the same time. They will be located far enough apart that audiences can enjoy and focus on each choir’s performance, but close enough together that crowds can easily move from one choir to another. This structure has worked very well at Figgy Pudding in Seattle, the event Yule Duel is modelled after. Some choirs will have the chance to sing one at a time during the Duel portion of the event, on the main stage (see “How do we win?”).


WHAT ARE THE AWARD CATEGORIES?

Awards will be given for Best Vocal Performance, Best Costume and Audience Choice. A special award will also be given for the Top Fundraising Choir, the choir that raises the most money for May’s Place by the event date, December 3rd.

HOW DO WE WIN?

After reviewing all choirs, judges will select the top two choirs for the Best Vocal Performance and Best Costume categories. The top two choirs in the Audience Choice category will be determined through audience voting (a voting booth will be set up on site and ballots will be counted during the carolling competition). The top two choirs in each of these three categories (six choirs total) will proceed to the main stage and participate in a sing-off for each award. The award for Top Fundraising Choir will also be presented.

ARE WE SINGING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC?

Choirs will be performing primarily on sidewalks, under tents. Water Street will be closed to traffic during the event.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

This is a rain or shine event. Choirs will be performing under tents.

SHOULD WE DRESS UP?

Choirs aren’t required to dress up, but creative and coordinated costumes are strongly encouraged. There is an award for Best Costume.

WHERE IS THE EVENT EXACTLY? WHERE DO I PARK? WHERE DO I LEAVE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS?

All the event details you need will be shared with you closer to the event date.

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Preliminary Events DetailsDate: Thursday December 3, 2015Time: 6-9pm

Choir registration and set-up: 4-6pmWelcome and event kick-off: 6-6:15pmStreet carolling: 6:15-7:15pm Parade of choirs to the main stage: 7:15-7:30pmSing-off and award presentation on the main stage: 7:30-8:30Event close: 8:30-9pm

All times are approximate and will be confirmed closer to the event.

Event will take place on Water Street in Gastown. Exact event parameters to be announced. Choirs will receive additional details prior to the event.


THE BLOOM GROUP

May’s Place is operated by The Bloom Group Community Services Society. The Bloom Group has provided some of the most progressive social services in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for over 50 years. A registered charity, The Bloom Group operates hospices, emergency shelters for women and women-led families, supportive mental health facilities, and a trustworthy financial management program for vulnerable seniors.

MEGAN HOUGHTONResource Development and Administration Officer with The Bloom [email protected] / 604 606 0306

Contact

About The Organizers

GASTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY

The Gastown Business Improvement Society, a not-for-profit association, promotes the shared interests of commercial property owners and businesses located within the neighbourhood boundaries, supporting the area’s growth and development, while making a positive impact on the community.

GIFT

PAYMENT OPTION

YOUR INFORMATION

My gift is in support of:

Card Holder Name:

Name:

Phone Number:

City:

Street Address:

Email:

Province: Postal Code:

CSV: Expiry: /

Card Holder Number: Signature:

(name of choir)

Many of our residents have grappled with poverty and homelessness their entire lives .

$32.50means one person will receive one day of compassionate end-of-life care, free of charge .

$32.50

I’ve enclosed a cheque made payable to The Bloom Group. (The Bloom Group is the non-profit operator of May’s Place).

Yes! Please send me periodic email updates about the impact of my gift and about future Yule Duel events (email required).

The Bloom Group acknowledges all of our donours in our Annual Report. Please check this box if you wish to remain anonymous.

number back of card MM YY

Please charge my credit card:

$65.00 $100.00

Visa

$250.00

Mastercard

$500.00

American Express

$

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For 25 years May’s Place has provided end-of-life care to vulnerable people in the Downtown Eastside.

Ways to Give» Visit www.yuleduel.com and

click the DONATE button

» Call 604 606 0306, or

» Complete the form andmail it to:The Bloom Group391 Powell StreetVancouver, BCV6A 1G5

Charitable tax receipts will be sent to the address or email address provided, for donations of $20 or more. The Bloom Group Community Services Society is a charitable, non-profit organization, and the operator of May’s Place hospice. Our charitable tax number is BN108021544RR0001.

Thank you for giving our residents peace, dignity, warmth and kindness, when they need it most.

Yule Duel 2015 Choir Resource Package

Documents

Transcript of Yule Duel 2015 Choir Resource Package