Lesson learned

Just a quick note to say we at VOICES were reminded of the old adage, “you get what you pay for” this week when we contracted with a less-expensive mail house to send our annual appeal to 3,800 households. Needless to say we have our regrets.

The mailing was botched and on many levels. Letters weren’t merged properly, so people received mail that wasn’t addressed to them. If that weren’t bad enough, some people received the correct letter but a remit envelope for a different nonprofit. Should I go on, or have you heard enough? This is the worst-case scenario for a direct mail campaign.

The bright side is that the mail house is re-sending the entire mailing (hopefully accurately this time) free of charge and with an note explaining the errors were theirs. We did encourage individuals in our appeal to take advantage of online giving through our website, too, which is secure and easy. Still, our donors are people, not just checkbooks. It matters to us that they receive a personalized letter, and one that’s not addressed to Mr. Jones when in fact their name is Mrs. Smith. It matters that they know how much we value their engagement.

So, this is our public apology to accompany the correct mailing that will likely hit mailboxes early next week. We are sorry. We have learned several valuable lessons. We hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive us and still make a contribution to support our youth. Stephanie