During Rideshare Week, Oct. 6-10, when your employees pledge to rideshare at least one day during the week, they’ll qualify to win prizes from your local county rideshare agency. All you need to do is distribute pledge cards and turn in any that employees fill in (for details, see Get Ready for Rideshare Week). As an added incentive, many ETCs like to do an in-house drawing first for prizes that they have provided before sending in the pledge cards for the larger drawing.

"It gives people a double chance to win – once at the office and again in a larger prize drawing," says Judy Leon with Orange County Transportation Authority. "Employees are more likely to turn in a pledge card if they believe they have a good chance of winning something, so work site-sponsored prize drawings really help boost Rideshare Week participation."

Don't worry if you don't have a big budget. Prizes don't have to be lavish to draw employees' attention – and some are even free. Check with management to see if there are any special "perks" you can offer as a prize, like a day off with pay, a better parking spot or leftover company merchandise.

You may also be able to get prizes donated. Here, we offer some tips on how:

1. Ask! No one is going to give you anything unless you ask for it.
2. Think locally. Go to vendors near your work site, such as places employees go for lunch or coffee. The snack shop in your lobby may donate a free lunch. The gift shop in the mini-mall down the street may give a goody basket. Be sure to mention that this is a great way to introduce your employees to their establishment. Emphasize the potential for repeat business. Also, let them know that it may be a tax-deductible expense.
3. Adjust your mindset. "You're not begging for something free, you're giving them a chance to promote their business to your employees," says Metro's Donna Blanchard. "Especially if a lot of your employees frequent their place of business, it's their chance to give you something in return."
4. Be prepared. Have a letter available so that when you do ask, you can hand it to them – in marketing, this is the “leave behind,” and it’s an important step in turning a “maybe” into a “yes.” Your letter should include brief information about your Rideshare Week campaign and what they’ll get when they contribute, such as “a thank you in our company newsletter that reaches 250 employees at this work site,” or “listing of your prize on all flyers.” The more you’re willing to give them in terms of exposure, the more likely they are to give prizes.
5. Follow up. When you get a prize, be sure to follow through with the exposure you promised—then send them proof along with a letter of thanks. It’s a great way to make sure they'll donate again!