Fun in the Sunshade Info:

📱 TEXT MESSAGES

For Grandparents & Close Family

Text 1 — Sweet & direct Hi Grandma! [Kid] is doing a fundraiser at school for shade structures (NC sun is brutal lol). We're trying to see how many states we can get donations from — would you help us put [your state] on the map? 💛 INSERT LINK HERE!!

Text 2 — Even shorter Hi! [Kid]'s school fundraiser is live — we're trying to hit all 50 states. Can you help us claim [state]? Any amount works! 🗺️☀️ [link]

Text 3 — From the kid Hi Grammy! It's [kid]. My school is raising money for shade and we want to see how many states we can get. Will you donate so [state] is on our map?? Pleeease 🥺 [link]

For Aunts, Uncles, Cousins

Text 1 — Casual Random ask but [kid]'s school is fundraising for shade structures and we're trying to get donations from as many states as possible. Wanna rep [state] for us? 😎 [link]

Text 2 — Funny You know I wouldn't text you a fundraiser link unless it was important. [Kid]'s school is trying to hit 50 states and I REFUSE to let [state] be the one we miss. [link]

Text 3 — Quick & breezy Hey! Quick favor — [kid]'s school fundraiser is going on and we're collecting donations from across the country. Even $5 gets [state] on the map! 💛 [link]

For Friends & Long-Distance Buddies

Text 1 Putting out the call: [kid]'s school is raising money for shade structures and we're seeing how many states we can reach. If you've got $5 and 30 seconds, you'd be making a kindergartener very happy 😊 [link]

Text 2 — For your group chat Ok hear me out — [kid]'s school fundraiser has a "how many states can we get" challenge and I'm taking it personally. Drop a donation, claim your state, become a legend 🗺️ [link]

For International Family/Friends

Text 1 Hi! [Kid]'s school is doing a fundraiser and we're trying to see how many countries we can reach. Want to help us add [country] to the list? Any amount counts! 🌍 [link]

Text 2 You're my international ringer 😄 [Kid]'s school fundraiser is collecting from as many countries as we can — would love to add [country] to our map! [link]

📧 EMAILS

Email 1 — Casual & Personal (great for close family)

Subject: A little favor from your favorite kindergartener ☀️

Hi [Name],

Hope you're doing well! Wanted to share something fun [kid] is part of at school.

Hodge Road Elementary is running a fundraiser from May 11–22 to install sun shade structures (you've felt that NC sun — the kids need them!). And our class came up with a fun twist: we want to see how many states and countries our HRES family can reach.

So we're calling on all our people, near and far, to put a pin on the map.

If you're up for it, you can donate any amount here: 👉 LINK

Even $5 helps — and more importantly, it claims [state/country] for our map!

Thank you for always cheering [kid] on. We love you! ☀️

xoxo, [Your name]

Email 2 — Friendly & Slightly More Formal (for coworkers, neighbors, old friends)

Subject: Help us put your state on the map 🗺️

Hi friends,

We don't normally send fundraiser emails, but this one is fun (and quick, promise).

[Kid]'s school, Hodge Road Elementary in Knightdale, NC, is raising money from May 11–22 for shade structures to protect kids during recess, PE, and outdoor learning. The class is running a friendly challenge to see how many U.S. states and countries they can collect donations from.

We thought of you — would you help us claim [state/country]?

Donate here (any amount works): LINK

If you're not in a position to donate, no worries at all — sharing this email with a friend in another state would be just as helpful.

Thanks so much, [Your name]

Email 3 — The "Update" Email (send mid-fundraiser to refresh the ask)

Subject: We're at [#] states! Can you help us get to [#]? 🗺️

Hi [Name],

Quick update: thanks to family and friends from [#] states and [#] countries, [kid]'s school fundraiser is climbing toward our $9,000 goal!

But we still need YOU. We don't have [state/country] on our map yet, and that feels wrong. 😉

If you've got a minute and a few dollars, here's the link: 👉 LINK

We close out May 22 — would love to have you on the map before then!

Thanks for being awesome, [Your name]

Email 4 — Final Push (last 2-3 days)

Subject: Last chance to get [state] on our map! ⏰

Hi [Name],

The Fun in the Sunshade Fundraiser ends Thursday, May 22, and I had to send one more note your way!

We're SO close to our $9,000 goal — and even closer to making the most ridiculous, far-reaching donation map you've ever seen. If you've been meaning to donate and just haven't yet, this is your sign.

👉 LINK

Any amount counts. [State/country] is waiting. ☀️

Thanks a million, [Your name]

📲 SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Facebook/Instagram caption 1: Calling all family, friends, and former classmates from coast to coast (and beyond)!  My kiddo's school is fundraising for shade structures and we're trying to see how many states + countries we can reach. Drop a donation in the link, claim your spot on our map, and become a hero to a sweaty NC kindergartener. ☀️ [link in bio/comments]

Facebook/Instagram caption 2 — shorter: 50 states. 7 continents. 1 fundraiser. Let's see how far our little panther can fly. ☀️ [link]

Instagram story idea: Screenshot a U.S. map, post it with: "Help us color in the map! [Kid]'s school fundraiser ☀️ Tap link to donate from your state!" → Add link sticker

A few tips for parents using these:

• Personalize the brackets — kid's name, state, country, your name. The more specific, the better the response rate.

• Send texts in waves — don't blast 30 people at once or you'll lose track of who responded.

• Follow up once. People mean to donate and forget. A gentle nudge mid-fundraiser converts a TON.

• Thank everyone individually. A quick "you're the best, thank you!!" text after they donate goes a long way for next year too.