Hey Everyone,

I recently brought up the idea for a school/community wide bass tournament at my school to the events planner who went and got it approved by the administration. I'm trying to find a company that will donate T-Shirts for the events, anyone know of any either tackle companies or other companies that might sponsor it or help?

Dear....

I'm writing you for your support for Our Lady Of Good Counsel high school's first annual Falcons of fishing tournament on May 18, 2013 which will take place on Lake Needwood here in MD. This is the first year of the tournament and we are looking for sponsors for the tournament. If you decide to become a sponsor, your companies logo will be featured in a hand out which will be given out on the day of the tournament. Here is a list of what a sponsor of the tournament could contribute:

T-Shirts

Product for prizes/give aways

Gift cards

Plaques

Hats

Our biggest goal is to be able to have T-Shirts for all who participate in this event due to the fact that it will serve as something participants can take home with them after the event.

Whatever you could contribute would be very much appreciated. This tournament will draw alumni, students, parents, and other community members. There will be several opportunities for your company's logo and the name of your company to be exposed. There will be anglers of all skill levels and ages at this tournament.

Thank you for your time

I would provide a full list of benefits to potential contributors. Namely, what kind of exposure will they receive? How many people are fishing the event? How many could attend? Will there be a weigh-in with an audience? Any signage? Will there be any publicity opportunities - local newspapers with an outdoors section? Photo or video opporunities? If anyone handles PR for the school they could pitch a local outdoors beat writer or human interest type writers/reporters and get some quality exposure. I could send more detailed tips on that - how to write and distribute press releases and pitch reporters.

I would start locally, since it's likely going to be a pretty small one-day event right? And because local companies will be more inclined to support their communities and deserve a shot to contribute. Local tackle/bait shops, if you have any area lure manufacturers, rod builders, a sporting goods store even if it's a national chain, for example. Consider non-fishing related too if needed but I'd start with fishing. Any local boat dealers? Also are there any local BASS or other clubs you could affiliate with? If so they may have local sponsors and could help with outreach there.

Just a quick Google and I found Bass Resource has a nice directory of tackle manufacturers, but I didn't see any in MD - worth combing through though when you have time: http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_tackle.html

Research for lists of local bass clubs and shops.

Talk with someone at your local Chamber of Commerce. They may have a couple of ideas for you.