Anxious about fundraising?

I am happy to announce that I have officially registered for the 2009 Ride to Empower! When I signed on the dotted line (so to speak), I felt a twinge of anxiety. The same anxiety I felt last year when I registered for the 2008 Ride. How the heck was I going to be able to raise all that money? This year is different than last year because there are different levels of fundraising, but still there is that nagging question as to whether I will be able to meet my fundraising goal.

Last year, I received information about the 2008 Ride sometime in late May. I was concerned because I would only have about 4 months to raise the $4000+ that was required for  the 2008  Ride. I was not very experienced in fundraising. Furthermore, I was concerned because I wasn't the most social person in the town that I lived, had a rather small extended family and did not work for some large company that would give me access to many co-workers. Who would be kind enough to make donations in support of my fundraising goal? The anxiety was nagging at me so I held off on registering. A chance encounter with a woman I knew helped give me the confidence to register for the 2008 Ride. We were watching a baseball game that each of our sons was playing in, and I voiced to her my concern about raising the money. She told me to definitely not worry. She had been involved with many different fundraising events for breast cancer, and said that she never had any difficulties raising the necessary funds. With those words of encouragement, I finally "got off the fence" and registered.  

My fundraising was quite straightforward and much easier than I had expected. First, I composed a letter that was based on a form that had been circulated by the Network of Strength for this purpose. I added some personal information such as being a breast cancer survivor, and my involvement with the Network of Strength, and had them printed on pink stationary. I then went through the school directories in my town and made a list of people that I knew. Keep in mind, I am not that social so many of these people were just casual acquaintances. I added to the list the names of some local businesses,  family members, and friends and co-workers of my husband. I personally signed each letter, and added a handwritten personal note at the end of each one. I mailed them in pink envelopes using breast cancer awareness stamps. After the Ride was over, I sent out handwritten thank-you notes to each and every person who had made a donation on my behalf. The response I got to my fundraising efforts was truly amazing, and heartwarming to me. I raised over $5,500!  

Notwithstanding the fact that I was so successful last year, I felt the same anxiety when I registered for the 2009 Ride. How could I ask the same people to donate again? I hate asking anyone for anything. When I say this to my friends they respond by reminding me that I am not asking people to help me  personally, but rather am asking them to donate to a worthy cause. They remind me that I should never feel bad about asking people to make a donation for an organization that benefits breast cancer survivors.

Well, my friends give good advice, and I will pass that advice on to you. It's normal to feel some anxiety about asking people to donate money but don't let that anxiety deter you from participating in this event. I'm glad that I didn't let my fears keep me from registering last year. If I had I would have missed out on one of the most memorable experiences of my life. You don't know what will happen unless you try. So those of you who have been thinking about registering, now is the time to make it official.

As I mentioned, this year is different than the Ride last year because there are different levels of fundraising. However, don't be afraid to set a high goal for yourself. Once again I'm setting my goal at $4000+. I will think positively,and repeat the steps I used last year. If I have trouble raising the funds then I will regroup and take a different approach to raising the money. Last year, I told myself I could always go door-to-door if I had to. I didn't need to, but if necessary I will do that this year. Where there's a will there's a way! When you register, Network of Strength will send you a brochure which will contain, among other things, suggestions on how to fundraise. Keep an open mind, be creative, stay positive and don't stress-out over it too much...The sooner you register, the more time you will have to raise the money. Think how good you will feel about yourself after reaching your goal. If along the way your anxiety keeps nipping at your heels, then please send me a comment on this Blog and I will try to ease your concerns. That is what I'm here for!!! 

Comments

[Donna Pelletier]

Barb, I could not have said it better girlfriend! I am looking forward to seeing you and the others at Red Rock. How about a few practice rides??? :)

[Barbara Cybulski]

Donna, I was just thinking about you. I saw your name mentioned on the website. Thanks for sending me a comment. It gets lonely over here writing. I would love to see that happy face of yours. We will definitely ride in June. I lost your email. Ask Liz for mine and contact me that way.

Barb