Something motivating turned into such... blah

christibam · February 2012

So one of the friends I'm working out with a few times a week asked me to do a walk for Muscular Dystrophy with her. Well, knowing that I only had 2 1/2 weeks to bust my butt to do the fundraising, I started out with a goal of $150 (not even much at all) and I was all like, "I GOTS THIS, YO!!!"

Now I have 10 days left and the only person to actually donate has been myself. I have my mother and grandmother who said they will donate but have not yet. Apparently I suck at this whole fundraising thing.

It's rather discouraging and I think it may be taking a toll on the feeling of doing good, which is what this whole thing is really about. I'm still going to do the walk and I'm still training for my 5k that will come eventually but blah. $:\$

I guess I need some advice on how to not feel disappointment with myself over this. And, hey, if anyone has any advice on how to actually get some fundraising going, that would be appreciated as well.

onmyway31 · February 2012

Aww don't feel bad. Whatever amount that you raise will help, every little bit counts. You are doing something positive, please don't beat yourself up over this. I did a fundraiser/walk for breast cancer 2 years ago, I asked a few people if they wanted to donate and walk and they asked their friends and co-workers. We raised close to $500. I took something good away from that experience when I did the walk, a few breast cancer survivors hugged me and it made me feel a huge sense of calm and peace. Here were these ladies that fought a huge battle and survived. They were truly happy to be alive and well, something about their smiles was different than just a regular smile, they were full of life and happiness.

That day I wore my "I love my big tatas" shirt lol Everyone loved it and of course I got a few giggles. It was a fun and eye opening day. You are doing a good thing no matter how much you bring in.

One of my friends even went to stores and restaurants asking for donations.

dipsl19 · February 2012

i actually wrote a blog post for work about websites that also give back, and found one where you can actually set up your own charitable cause and raise money by choosing a few "deals" and offering them to your friends/family/anyone who lives near you... its pretty cool! maybe people would be more apt to donate if they also got something out of it? (horrible but true...)

http://goodtwo.com/

Sarahmeridith · February 2012

Dont let it bother you, I HATE fundraising even your donation is enough and walking shows your support! and hey its GREAT for you so its a win win! Have fun!

Graciecny · February 2012

So totally agree! Fundraising sucks, and I feel pretty unloved right now.

I agreed to be part of a team raising money through Komen's race for the cure. My mom just finished radiation treatment for breast cancer on Tuesday of this week, so my sister and I thought it would be a fabulous idea. No one has donated a cent. I'm just going to toss in the $100 so I meet my meager fundraising goal, but come on...can't you spare $5?! My BEST friend who went through a BC scare at the exact time my mom was being diagnosed hasn't even donated. Hurt, hurt, hurt. :sad:

So I know EXACTLY where you are coming from.

ella78 · February 2012

Ok, so truth is, fundraising does SUCK and most people hate it!! Going around and asking people for donations is not fun.... and plus the rejection hurts. You can definitely find ways to make it work and NOT feel so disappointed though

I raised almost $300 for a race I did last year. I only had 2 weeks to do it too. I didn't ask a single person for money, because I felt uncomfortable about it. So, I posted something short and sweet on my facebook page -- I talked about how the race (a half marathon) was a big personal goal for me and that I was thrilled to be supporting the local hospital as well. I talked about the specific program that my fundraising money would be going to help. It was a total tear jerker, and a lot of my friends and family came forward and donated. It was easy for them, since they could donate online.

Would you feel comfortable doing something like this? Since you only have 10 days, you could repost it every other day or two... and keep it in people's mind. I think most people will really admire your dedication to both your health and to muscular dystrophy. The key is to make this cause relatable for them. Who will it help? What is their life like? How can supporting this cause make things better for someone with muscular dystrophy?? Seriously, make people feel something and you're golden.

Other ideas I've heard of:

If you're a baker, make some treats and take them to work/school/church/etc. Donations to your cause gets them a treat! Put up a big sign with balloons or a banner and have fun with it.

You could do a 50/50 raffle at work/school/church/etc.

Do you have casual Fridays at work?? Maybe approach your boss and see if your colleagues can "pay" to wear jeans this Friday (or next Friday). A $10 donation to your fundraiser = jeans for a day.

Have a penny drive. You'd be shocked how much this can bring in. Rolling the coins might be a pain.

If you can have fun with this and get the people around you on board.... I *know* you'll hit your $150 target. Good for you to do this ! Great for you health and great for your community :happy: Stay focused on the benefits... no matter how much you raise, you're doing something *great* for your health goals. And by simply showing up... you're showing your support to Muscular Dystrophy.

GOOD LUCK!!

Ella

christibam · February 2012

Ok, so truth is, fundraising does SUCK and most people hate it!! Going around and asking people for donations is not fun.... and plus the rejection hurts. You can definitely find ways to make it work and NOT feel so disappointed though

I raised almost $300 for a race I did last year. I only had 2 weeks to do it too. I didn't ask a single person for money, because I felt uncomfortable about it. So, I posted something short and sweet on my facebook page -- I talked about how the race (a half marathon) was a big personal goal for me and that I was thrilled to be supporting the local hospital as well. I talked about the specific program that my fundraising money would be going to help. It was a total tear jerker, and a lot of my friends and family came forward and donated. It was easy for them, since they could donate online.

Would you feel comfortable doing something like this? Since you only have 10 days, you could repost it every other day or two... and keep it in people's mind. I think most people will really admire your dedication to both your health and to muscular dystrophy. The key is to make this cause relatable for them. Who will it help? What is their life like? How can supporting this cause make things better for someone with muscular dystrophy?? Seriously, make people feel something and you're golden.

Other ideas I've heard of:

If you're a baker, make some treats and take them to work/school/church/etc. Donations to your cause gets them a treat! Put up a big sign with balloons or a banner and have fun with it.

You could do a 50/50 raffle at work/school/church/etc.

Do you have casual Fridays at work?? Maybe approach your boss and see if your colleagues can "pay" to wear jeans this Friday (or next Friday). A $10 donation to your fundraiser = jeans for a day.

Have a penny drive. You'd be shocked how much this can bring in. Rolling the coins might be a pain.

If you can have fun with this and get the people around you on board.... I *know* you'll hit your $150 target. Good for you to do this ! Great for you health and great for your community :happy: Stay focused on the benefits... no matter how much you raise, you're doing something *great* for your health goals. And by simply showing up... you're showing your support to Muscular Dystrophy.

GOOD LUCK!!

Ella

Those are all amazing ideas! Thank you so much! Thank you to everyone else who replied as well.

I really appreciate it.

I've been spamming facebook with things and the donation link but nothing really touching. I'm going to call my credit union tomorrow and ask if I can set up a little table outside to get donations from members. That should bring in like $30, I hope. I'll gladly take change too, since they have a coin star inside haha

ella78 · February 2012

Re: FB.. Make them cry. You've gotta hook people into the cause... otherwise it'll just feel like one more telemarketer calling at dinner time to them

christibam · February 2012

HA! I used to do telemarketing in High School and I was pretty good at it. Maybe I really am just being too "selly" with it.

Something motivating turned into such... blah

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