Walk Chair Corner

by Eleanor Mariani

Fundraising Tips and Opportunities

While some people are comfortable asking family and friends to sponsor them for their walk, many approach fundraising with some trepidation. Whether you are going to ask folks directly for money or use other options, the first thing to do is to customize your fundraising page, which is automatically created when you register. Once registered, you will receive an email with a link to access and edit your page. Everyone should go to their page – add a photo, share why you are walking and set your fundraising goal. It is best to then make a donation, as this encourages others!

If you are comfortable contacting people directly to ask for donations, be sure to utilize the fundraising page. You can add email addresses, and it will facilitate the sending of your support letter.  The platform will also notify you when someone donates so you can send a thank you. Check out the Walker Guide for a sample fundraising letter and lots of good information to ensure a successful walk. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Fundraising can be a lot of fun if you utilize some creative ideas. Don’t forget to see if your workplace offers matching gifts. This can increase your fundraising at no extra cost to you.  Your donors may also be eligible, as many companies will match charitable donations made by their employees. Don’t worry – TBBCF will submit any required documentation to the company.

Here are some simple and impactful ways to reach your goal:

• Tribute donations – ask for pledges made in honor or memory of someone;
• Delegate to friends – give 10 friends 10 pledge forms and ask them to get donations for you;
• Host an office bake sale – make sure to let people know all proceeds will go to fund your walk;
• Change jar at local restaurant – ask your local restaurant if you can put a change jar to support TBBCF;
• Restaurant funding night – ask a local restaurant to host a Fundraising Dinner for you;
• Bartend-for-a-cause night – ask your favorite bar if you can bartend for a set time and keep all of your tips.  Tell your friends and family to stop by;
• House party fundraiser – have a party and charge people to come;
• Themed dinner party – hold a themed party for 10 of your friends.  Donation: $50 per person.  Spend no more than $20/head on food for $300 in donations;
• Wine & Cheese Tasting – get a local wine retailer to provide the wine and expertise; they will tell you what cheeses to pair with each wine. Charge people to come.
• Game or poker night – host a poker or card game for donations;
• Guest speaker – get a speaker to give a talk at your home or other venue and charge to come;
• Have a garage or craft sale;
• Talent – utilize and sell any talent or skill you may have;
• General services (pet sitting/walking, yard work) for donations.

Hopefully, one of these ideas inspires you. Utilizing these opportunities can make for a very memorable walk. Remember every dollar moves us closer to a cure for breast cancer!