Fundraising 101

Fundraising 101

Training for an event such as a race is extremely rewarding but I always find it even more rewarding if I fundraise for a cause.  I have fundraised multiple times for the leukemia and lymphoma society.  I have raised over $6,000.00 over the course of a few years.

The first time I went to a Team in Training meeting I didn’t know what to think.  I went into it thinking, Oh I am just going to train with them and then drop out if I can’t make the fundraising minimum.  Come to find out, the fundraising wasn’t so much the difficult part, it was the training.  Never before have I “ran” more than three miles before I stepped foot at the first practice.  

This blog post came to mind after Denise posted asking for ideas.  Unfortunately I never get phone service in my house to call her and if I am going to send an email, I may as well give a guide to other people.  I hope my tips help!

Tip 1.

Include your link everywhere!  

Simple as that.  On the bottom on your email signature, websites, send out letters with it, facebook, twitter.  The more people see it, the more money you can get.  People may start to get annoyed but hey, they are seeing it!

Tip 2.

Write letters and send them out.  

You can email them or actually mail them.  My first two years I mailed letters with a personal story.  With those mailed letters I added a self addressed envelop so it was easy to be mailed back.  I gave recipients the option to check the amount they wanted to donated.  I included the website on it incase they wanted to go back.  You can now add QR codes too.

Dear Friends and Family,

I have once again signed up with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training.  This time I am running a marathon!!  In case you were wondering, a marathon consists of 26.2 miles. In under 5 months, on November 5, 2011, I will run for all those who cannot.   Training is going to take a lot out of me and I can use all the support I can get.  

As many of you know, Team in Training is a program that trains ordinary people (and you can’t get more ordinary fitness-wise, than me) to participate in events such as marathons, while raising money to battle against blood cancers.  Leukemia is the number one disease killer of children, and it strikes ten times as many adults each year.

That’s why I do this.  Before I began running with Team in Training, I never thought I can run more than a 5k (3.1 miles)… and I’m sure that my friends and family never believed I could either.  But more importantly, I never realized how many of my friends and coworkers had been touched by these diseases.  I have met so many great people who are all working towards a common goal.  You can’t help but become passionate about it.  It is the passion that keeps us going.

I’d like to invite you to assist me in supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In 

Training Program by making a donation to this worthy cause.  By accepting this invitation, you’ll be reinforcing our commitment to our community and its citizens.  It’s more important than ever for families like ours to demonstrate caring and responsibility in our communities.   

Please take a moment now to fill out the donor card below and return it to me at ADDRESS XXXX.  Please make your checks payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Please return your donor card and tax-deductible donation by Friday August 12, 2011.  Or if you prefer, you can donate right online at my Team In Training Website.  

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sun/rnrsav11/ghimelfarbn10

You can also visit my website for more information and the latest news on my progress. 

Much Love and Thanks,

Genna 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Yes, I/we would like to support the vital work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Enclosed is My Donation of:  __$200   __$150   __$100   __$75  __$50   ___Other 

(Please make checks payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) 

Name:

Address:   

City:  State:  Zip: 

E-Mail:

Tip 3:

QR Code is a scannable code that phones can scan and donors are directed to your fundraising page.  There is no need to worry about typing in anything wrong.

Tip 3.

Sell Stuff.

If there are items you no longer need or use; sell them.

Put them on Amazon, Ebay, etc.  Put a note that all money received will go towards a cause and sometimes buyers spend a little more.  

Host a garage sale

Tip 4.

Have a donation box.  

If you’re able to, keep a little tin on your desk and put your spare change there.  Have coworkers put their spare change there.

I used to carry a donation box to the bars

Tip 5.

Create a Product

Create a product in which you can make a profit off of.  One of my training buddies purchased Team in Training towels from another chapter.  After the all the costs are paid for, you keep proceeds.  My cousin actually is a distributer so if you need ideas, here is her info.

Here are some ideas..Tumblers, shirts, swim caps, flip flops, charms for jewelry, cozies.

Tip 6.

Host an event

Many places host fundraising events for a minimal fee, if that.  I have been to many at the Melting pot.  You can charge what you would like for your guests to pay and all you need to do is tip the servers.  ALL proceeds are yours.

Splitsville bowling will donate a late or two and you get to charge what you think is an acceptable amount to charge.

A gym class for a cause

Splittsville, bowling for a cause

Other ideas: (many of these can be done in the comfort of your own home)

Wine tasting, painting parties, Drag Queen Bingo

People are more inclined to fork over a few extra dollars knowing it is going to a good cause.

Tip 7.

Babysit

Babysit and have the money you would have made go towards your charity.

Tip 8.

Raffles

Go and get some items, hopefully you can find donated items and include a 50/50 raffle.  

Lyle winning some free bowling passes

Tip 9.

Jello Shots

This is somewhat a controversial topic.  I haven’t done this one.  You purchase the condiment containers and make jello shots.  You can ask for donations in exchange for jello shots.  (I think that is how it works since you can’t just sell alcohol) - *I think that is how it is*

Additional ideas:

bake sale, book sale, Jamberry nails, stella and dot, car wash, bingo, game night, contests (superbowl, march madness), cook offs

Always write a thank you note.  This is something I do, for everything.  I handwrite a thank you note to show my appreciation.  Its a simple gesture but goes a long way.

Here are a few links of friends who are currently fundraising.  Please go check out a site.  $5.00 goes a long way :)

Steph from Orangespoken for Susan G. Komen 

Michelle for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Ashlee for Ronald McDonald House

John from Fat Slow triathlete for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society

What fundraising ideas have you participated in or hosted?

fighter.

Fighter.

Too Inspired By What's Transpired.

This is Michelle.

Picture from facebook 

Michelle is a local runner (Tampa) who just completed her first marathon in February.  On March 14, 2014 she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The prescribed 42 days of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments started on April 16th. During the week between brain surgeries Michelle realized that there was only one way to face this challenge and it is the same way she has approached her life: with a positive and selfless attitude focused on using her experiences to help others.  Just one of the many ways she inspires and is a FIGHTER is by providing daily insights and inspirations throughout this journey @ https://www.facebook.com/michelleboyddejong 
   

Michelle is part of the running group I joined a few years ago when I was training for the NYC Marathon (the first time) .  The group of people I have met through this organization are remarkable.    Her husband Ryan created a Miles for Moffitt team for the Miles for Moffitt race here in Tampa on May 10th.  Anyone can join to show support for the fight and I encourage you to do so and if you can't, feel free to make a donation. They have banned together to try and make the largest group and raise the most amount of money as a team.  There are distances for everyone to join.  8k, 5k, and a fun 1 mile!!!  I already signed Behn up for this race because I committed to another team previously (#TeamJudy for Steph's Mom).  We are excited to do the 8k this year.  

They are also selling shirts, news channel 8 will be there featuring Michelle before the race.  Gaspars grotto in Ybor is sponsoring the after party.  (They pulled out all the stops)

Barre Fitness-Friday, May 2- all classes will be donations classes only IF you will BE the change! If you attend class this day and decide to donate a minimum of $20, your account will be credited a free class! Donations will go to Michelle Boyd DeJonghttps://www.facebook.com/events/703362393064649/?ref=22Jimmy John's location will donate 20% of total sales between 3-9 tomorrow, April 25 for the Miles For Moffitt team.  (Downtown Tampa)

Team Webpage to sign up here

My First OWS..My First Triple Brick

As you are aware, I am currently training for my first triathlon.  Ok, well maybe my second but I consider my first one to be a "baby" one!  It was in the pool and it was reverse and it was HARD!

I am training with a private coach as well as one with Team in Training.  Training with TEAM is important for me.  I fundraise to eliminate cancer.  Unfortunately we have all been effected with cancer in one way or another.

Saturday was my first triple brick.  We arrived at the beach at 7 am and it took us, well me, about an hour for us to get out wetsuits on.  I had to try on more than one and was lucky enough that Andi brought a few extras.  Coach Gene showed us how to set up transition, how to position helmets, socks. I learned about a water basin for your feet.  Who would have known!  Around 8 we went into the water.  We were only to go waist deep and swim back and forth between two poles and use a building and some trees for sighting.  Yup, Definitely did NOT get the sighting down as I was everywhere.

The Swim

AMAZING TEAM

When I first put my feet into the water I was surprised how warm the water was.  I have no idea the temperature but I was expecting COLD, like New Jersey water cold!  It was pleasantly nice.  I started to freak.  One of my biggest fears is the ocean.  When I go to the beach I do not go past my waist because I do not even like to get my hands wet.  I don't like them feeling sticky.  (come to think of it, I don't even remember them being sticky after exiting the water- magic I guess).  I mumbled to myself, "Why did I sign up for this".  I think we were all nervous but knew we had to dive right in.  I looked around, watched everyone else go it and I was off.  I was surprised I couldn't see the bottom of the water.  I was shocked.  I just assumed it was something I would see.  One lap was very scary, I had no idea where I was going, which direction I was swimming in, was I going to hit anyone, was anything going to eat me.  Ok, so maybe the whole is anything going to eat me wasn't going through my head.  While I tried to focus on my stroke I would try and sight.  At some points I would stop and just try and figure out where I was, which direction I was swimming in.  It helped having a wetsuit because I never once felt like I was going to drown.  After the first out and back I got into a grove.  The only scary part was was I going to hit anyone so I kept looking up.  When our 30 minutes was up it was time to practice transition.  I also noticed my Garmin as very off!  It told me I swam 1.3 miles, clearly that is very incorrect!

We ran out.  I attempted to strip my wetsuit.  That didn't work.  I may have almost had a breakdown right there and then.  I had a long sleeve on and it just wouldn't go past my elbows.  I had to sit down and pull this thing off me.  I had to take my watch off so I can get the other arm out.  I was a mess!  I cleaned my feet got all my stuff ready and was off to the bike.

The Bike

I had no idea how long or far we were biking, I assumed a few miles.. I was wrong.  I did 23.5 with one bottle of water.  I wish I brought some fuel with me.  I didn't know the route.  Luckily I just followed people and then got into a grove.  My teammates all caught up to me on the bike.  I am not the fastest biker out there.  There is lots of room for improvement in the future.  Because we were riding in heavy traffic, I was concerned about getting water from underneath so I pulled to the sidewalk to get water.  Any teammate that passed by made sure I was OK.  Coach Gene caught up to me, made sure I was ok.  This was about mile 6 and I asked how much further.  He said about 2 miles or so, no it was more like 6 more.  DAMN!!!  Teresa and him were waiting at the turn around and as soon as I made my way there Michelle was right behind us!  The way back I was a little quicker than the way there.  I also manages to bruise my ankle on the pedal.  At one of the bridge crossing I unclipped to cross the road.  The cars had the green light but the cross walkers did not, I tried to cross and a car came, because I was unclipped and trying to clip in quickly, my ankle went right into the pedal.  It is nice and cut up and bruised today.  Luckily I have only fallen off the bike once, while I was at the store but I have fallen onto or into the bike more times that I can remember and have the battle wounds to show for it.  I managed to ride 23.5 miles at a pace of 14mph.  I was pleased with that because we were on roads!  Once We were down, my butt was so happy to be done.  It was time to run.  I was not looking forward to that.  Quickly back to transition, but my bike away, got some water, ate about 1/4 of a bonk breaker and the run was about to begin.

The Run

At this point for the run I was beat.  I was hungry.  I hadn't eaten yet and didn't take fuel on the bike.  I got done just about the time Teresa was ready to run.  We decided we would run the bridge.  I had to use the restroom quickly and shortly followed behind.  I went up that bridge nice and slow and boy were my legs hurting from the ride.  Once up the bridge I ran about a third of a mile flat and up the bridge I went.  I had to play games with my mind to finish this run.  First I said, ok, 1.5 miles or 15 minutes, whichever comes first is when you can turn around.  Once I made it over the bridge the first time I actually felt OK.  Once over the bridge the second time my watch hit 20 minutes and new I could keep going.  Most people were doing a 30-60 mile run.  This was my fist time doing 1. an OWS and 2. a triple brick and didn't want to over do it.  I told myself run 10 minutes out and 10 minutes back and then you are good!  When I hit 30 minutes I started to chafe.  I started to chafe right where the butt cheek meets the leg on the left side.  Is it from the salt, new shorts, and running, is it the salt and biking?   Who knows!  On the way back I realized the faster I run the faster I am done.  I negative split the miles (minus the second bridge).  When I was done I was elated!  I finished my first triple brick, OWS, and felt confident with the miles put it!

I am just thrilled for the next few weeks.  This really gave me the boost I needed.  I was really nervous and doubting my ability to complete this event!

Also, thank you so much to those who have already donated to my fundraising efforts!  I am less than $350.00 from my first goal!!!  If you haven't, please take a minute to donate here.  Even something as little as $5.00 would mean so much to me!

THANK YOU for all the ongoing support!

Questions for you!!

Recommendations for chafing???

How the hell does one get their wetsuit off??

Struggling to get the wetsuit off

still struggling

breakdown about to start

Fundraising giveaway!!

As I mentioned in this post, I am currently training for my first triathlon with Team in Training.  I set out to raise at least $2,000.00 for the leukemia and lymphoma society.  Here is my fundraising webpage.  Feel free to take a look and even make a donation).  All donations are tax deductible.

My mission is -to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers.  Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

I am so thankful for those donations I have already achieved.  TNT has raised over $1.4 billion for therapies for saving lives.  Research for Leukemia and Lymphoma doesn't only help blood cancer patients, but drugs used for other cancers were found with the help of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  

For the next 2 weeks I will be hosting a giveaway.  For every $15.00 you donate, you will be entered to win a Starbucks gift card.  (Who doesn't love a little starbucks?)  

-All you need to do below is comment on your donation amount :)  I do receiveid emails sent to me when a donation is made. 

-Another way to get an entry is to tweet/facebook/or blog about this.  Please include the link below to let me know it was done

That is it!

I will end the giveaway on March 4th.

Thank you everyone!!!  I appreciate your ongoing support as I pound out those miles!

Have you participated in an event as a fundraising participant?

What are your best, most creative fundraising idea?

I DID IT!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Have you ever tried or wanted to do something but you were too scared you wouldn't succeed, that you would fail the second you started?  

Wait, I am not the only one?  I have been battling this idea for the last few years.  I was scared to tackle the triathlon more than I wanted to do it, and I wanted to do it bad!  I signed up for one this past year and didn't do it.  I didn't even attempt to train.  Not my best or smartest move.   At that point me being scared was overpowered by me wanted to actually complete all three events.  I think I can hold my own in the pool, but am petrified of the open water.  Man, Water is beastly and can over take me in no time. I think my biggest fear of that comes down to growing up in NY and swimming in the Atlantic and the water is just not calm.  The thought of falling off my bike, oh, I don't want to break any bones.  Luckily, the run hasn't scared me away yet, but I have yet to do a brick workout so we will see how soon that scares me!.  I am finally ready to face my fears!

After the New York Marathon I realized the marathon distance is just not for me.  This is a topic I will actually post about sometime in the future.  After realizing I didn't want to do another marathon anytime soon, I knew this would be the perfect time to get into triathlons.  I actually blame the NYC Marathon a lot on this because my goal was to do NY last year and then start training for tri's in 2013 and in 2014 I would do this big, hairy, silly thing called an Ironman.  Well, because NY was cancelled this whole plan got screwed up, but I still wanted to do an Ironman in 2014...So...

I registered for one!

If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Dailymile, or facebook, or well, any other social media outlet you would know I have been doing a bunch more crosstraining than I normally do.  And now you know why:)

I have started base training and I am loving it.  I am still figuring out how to fit this all in with life but I am getting better at it, or so I hope.  I look forward to swimming and bike rides now.  I hope I don't jinx myself now and next time I end up on the side of the rode with my leg broken off.  

Now that I am singed up for an Ironman I guess it is only appropriate that I start small which is why I signed up for St. Anthony's triathlon with team in training.  I've done many events with team in training because it raises money for the leukemia and lymphoma society.  A cause I believe in.  This year I am racing specifically for my good friend Megan, but also for the ones who didn't get a chance to race, who were young when they were diagnosed and didn't get the chance to live their normal childhood or teenage years.  It makes me sad that each year I partake in an event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society I hear of more people or are affected on a personal level.  When I first heard about TNT I was told that one day they hope to eliminate all cancers by getting rid of blood cancers because blood runs through the whole body.

So, I ask that you take a quick look at my fundraising page (I haven't been able to write a personal note on it yet) and if you can make a donation whether is is $5.00 or more I would forever be grateful!

Genna's Fundraising page!

Questions for you..What advice would you give a newbie training for their first triathlon?

Have you ever took a plunge and faced a big fear you have?

What is your favorite Ice cream?  Mine is cookies and cream with rainbow sprinkles!

Friday Letters

Happy Friday!

I have only one more Friday after today before winter break!  I am beyond excited and have been counting down since before Thanksgiving break.  I am completely burnt out and when we get back from break we have one week of review then a week of finals.

Dear Friday, Thank you for coming around again just when we all need a break.  Dear Weekend, you are going to be filled to capacity I am not sure how I feel about that!  I am excited there is so much to do I keep remembering, one more week, one more week!  Dear Color Run, I am so ready for you!  I can't wait to be dressed in beuatiful white and and have color thrown at me as some of my favorite peole and I run and walk 3.1 miles!  I can't wait to experience what everyone is talking about.  Dear TBLB, I am really excited for the cookie swap Steph is hosting.  I hope your cookies are all so gross so I don't stuff my face too much.  My clothes aren't fitting very well and I need to get on top on that.  (I am not very good with saying NO to chocolate of cookies).  Dear sorority sister, I can't wait to see so many of you for the color run!  Dear Samantha and West, I am so honored you told me there was a little Moody coming before you announced it to the world!  Dear Trader Joes, I love you.

This weekend is going to be packed full of fun!  I have a 14 mile run, the color run, a Melting Pot Fodue team in training fundraiser, and a cookie swap with the tampa bay lady bloggers.  I am not sure when I am going to get in all my planning and grading, but I am ok with that! 

What are your plans this weekend?

How do you manage to get in all your fun activites?