Running To Sonoma

If you were to ask me which was harder, the fundraising or the training, I would definitely say the fundraising.  Asking people for money definitely is outside of my “comfort zone”.  However, the money goes towards a good cause, towards finding a cure for a painful and potentially life-threatening disease.  My honored teammate is going through discomfort right now (<– understatement), I can go through my own.

As for fundraising tips, I don’t know that I have many to share.  Ask early, and remind often.  Send updates on your training, and include details on how to donate.  I am currently preparing my third or fourth update email, which will go out tonight. 

Contact everyone you know.  Coworkers, family, friends, work-friends, friends of family members.  As I have seen, you will be surprised by who responds, and who doesn’t.

If you are running in honor of a patient living with the disease, ask if they would be willing to distribute a letter through their network of friends and family.  Many times, those people want to help, but don’t know what they can do, or how.  Donating to a cause that benefits their loved one is a great way to show their support for that person.

Get creative!  I got together with my friend Denise, who is also training and fundraising for Team Challenge, and we organized a silent auction and raffle at a local wine shop.  We approached many area businesses with requests for donations of goods, services, or gift cards for such things.  It took a bit of planning and teamwork, but we were able to put this together in a little over one month’s time.  We were even lucky enough to be able to promote our event with an interview on a local radio station.  Along with the proceeds from the auction items, the wine shop is donating a portion of that day’s sales to our efforts.

If you do go the event route, don’t rule out any business.  Dream big, and go for it.  A friend of ours works for Briggs & Stratton, and she put us in contact with the person who handles donation requests.  Even though B&S had already made a similar donation this year, they gave us a $300 lawnmower which we were able to raffle off.  I asked for assistance in contacting the Milwaukee Ballet, and they responded more generously than I had hoped!

Work with the local chapter of your charity.  Tyler and Nadine at the local chapter of the CCFA were fantastic in getting us set up with fliers, posters, and other promotional materials.  I was able to promote our event at the CCFA Take Steps walk which went on a week and a half before our wine event.  They also helped us out with getting some auction items, which was great.

Currently, I am halfway to the minimum amount, but only 40% to the amount I would like to raise.  I’ve got a month to go, so there is time.  But it is stressful.  I’m trying to mentally focus on the running aspect, while also getting the word out that now is a great time to donate if you haven’t yet had the chance or taken the time. I’m hoping cookies will be a good incentive, as you might be able to tell.  I make an awesome variety of cookies. 

These are just a few of the thoughts I’ve got right now.  If you have others, please add them!  I can use the help too.