After being one of the top fundraisers for Natural Breast Cancer Prevention Month last May, Baja Beach Tanning Club in Malvern, Penn., set a lofty goal for this year’s campaign. But with a combination of strong incentives, lessons learned from previous years, and some extra support from the community, Baja Beach managed to top their $2000 goal in just eight days.

“We’ve had many generous customers this year. One gentleman donated $100. I was so touched by his generosity that I cried,” co-owner Lori Angstadt says.  “We’ve had numerous customers show their support, not only for the campaign, but for our salon.”

As of yesterday, Baja Beach’s donation total was up to nearly $2500, a tremendous accomplishment for a one-location business. The salon has put three previous years of fundraising experience to work to make this year their most successful yet. After considering the 2010 campaign as a learning experience, they were able to raise $900 in 2011, then doubled their total to $1800 in 2012. This year, they’ve blown past those totals in less than half the time, thanks largely to some creative incentives and the generosity of their community. They’ve offered valuable coupons, upgrades and gifts to clients who donated and also got an extra boost from the support of another business in their community.

“In April, a conversation began with a client and I asked what she does. She proceeded to say she works in a local boutique that does custom bra fittings for all women, including those that have had reconstructive surgery and prosthetics,” Angstadt says. “I told her about our annual campaign and she has donated a gift bag worth over $100! It’s the first time an outside entity has partaken and it feels great!”

Baja Beach is putting that donation to good use, raffling it off along with a bottle of lotion to further incentivize donations.

There’s still time for you to get involved with the campaign! Click here to order kits through Smart Tan.