Fundraising To A Future without Breast Cancer!
by Kathryn Loftus
(Alexandria, Virginia)
I am a five-year breast cancer survivor. Through the course of treatment for a very aggressive type of breast cancer, I was fortunate enough to participate in a clinical trial which never would have been possible unless the trial doctors and organizations had received financial support to make it possible. I began raising money as soon as I completed my 18 months of treatment.
Through my online and race fundraising, I have raised $50,000 over the last few years. I achieved this goal in time for my five year anniversary. I used a number of tools to achieve this success.
First, I found the most unique pins I could from a variety of sources. I tried them out on ebay and found which ones seemed to be the best sellers. When I found my favorites, I ordered them in bulk, if at all possible.
Some of my pins were whimsical, like a Butterfly with a pink ribbon incorporated into the design. Others were directed toward walking, like Chicks Kickin' Asphalt and Ribbon walking shoes. Still others focused on the Fight and had a girl with boxing gloves, a shirt with a pink ribbon on it, and the words "Fight Like A Girl." I sold them at auction where bidders could start at a low price and always kept some at a fixed price for those who wanted their pins right away. I offered free shipping on this option to make it more attractive. I sold the most popular pins in lots of five, ten and twenty, again with free shipping. I have done well year round because, sadly, breast cancer never quits. But I do the best in October, breast cancer awareness month, and in the spring when there are many races and walks for the Cure.
I also raised money through personal emails to people. If I was undertaking a race, I let them know about the race, its purpose and its sponsor. I had a few large donations but I relied much more on smaller, consistent donations from many. The more people I could reach, the better. Any amount was welcome. The single most important factor to my email success was sharing my personal story, the details of my treatment, and most important of all, making a connection with the recipient of the email. This latter factor was the part I enjoyed the most. I didn't like sharing so much about myself but it was necessary to make the cause as personal as possible. I am so grateful for all donations I received and all the wonderful people I have met in the process.
Good luck in your fundraising endeavor.