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When 92-year-old Harriette Thompson crossed the finish line at the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon last month, she set the record for the oldest woman to complete a marathon.

 

She also provided an important lesson to peer-to-peer fundraising professionals everywhere: sometimes your most powerful supporters come from unexpected places. Thompson has run 16 races and raised about $100,000 for Team In Training - the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's endurance fundraising program.

 

"That's a lot of money for one person to raise," says Emily Blust, executive director of LLS's North Carolina chapter. 

 

It's also an amazing accomplishment for a woman who had never run more than a block when she decided to join Team In Training at 76.

 

LLS staff and volunteers have played an important supporting role in Thompson's fundraising and athletic success.

 

Team In Training provides its runners with extensive training and support to preparethem for the rigors of endurance events and fundraising. It also works extra hard to convert first-timers into multiple event participants.

 

When Harriette Thompson signed up for TNT no one imagined that 16 years later she would make international headlines and have raised so much.  Investing time and care in nurturing an elder athlete has paid enormous dividends for LLS.  

 

Moral of the story: Be on the lookout among your supporters for the unlikely superstar waiting for your help to shine.

 

Sincerely,
 

David Hessekiel

President, Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum 

 

P.S.  Learn more about Harriette's story on our Peer Review blog.

 


Tuesday, July 28 at 1:30 pm ET 

 

For most peer-to-peer fundraising professionals, recruiting new participants isn't the biggest challenge. It's getting them to come back.

 

Join us for valuable lessons on retaining participants from the people behind the St. Baldrick's Foundation's "brave the shave" events. This children's cancer research organization has made an art of creatively engaging and recognizing participants that turns many into driven, multi-year supporters.  

 

Most notable is the League of Legendary Heroes program. To date, 2,200 supporters who've shaved their heads for seven years have been inducted into this elite club in public ceremonies that acknowledge their loyalty and passion for the cause. That group has raised nearly $21 million for St. Baldrick's.
 

Don't miss this one hour opportunity to learn how to:

  • Develop imagery and messages that inspire supporters to develop feelings of belonging and loyalty to your organization
  • Communicate with peer-to-peer fundraisers in ways that move them to act on your behalf again and again
  • Train and equip chapter staff or volunteers to create memorable experiences for participants before, during and after the fundraising event. 

Price: $99 or free for Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Members

 

 

FocusIT'S ALL ABOUT THAT BASS! OR BASE?

 

It's no secret that returning participants raise more money than new participants. According to an upcoming P2P Benchmark Report, cycling events excel at rider loyalty.

 

 

 

Wondering why?

 

Cycling events offer a challenge to those who want one, while also including all skill levels. Riders feel a sense of community, even though not all of them are connected to the cause.

 

To increase loyalty at your event, look for ways to provide fun options for all your participants. Add a stroller jog to your 5K, or build excitement throughout your walk course by providing optional components, like a maze. Give participants something to unite around and look forward to year after year!

 

To discover more valuable tips on P2P Fundraising follow Shana Masterson's blog posts on npENGAGE.

 

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Job Opportunity

Featured Job:
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Responsible for all aspects of volunteer recruiting and management of events in an assigned geographic area. Assists in maximizing funds raised and increasing support for the awareness of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the community. Assists in management of specific aspects of regional office, in preparation for future opportunities in the regional office. Utilizes marketing experience to develop and create new fundraising programs and events. Responsible for day to day management of assigned staff. Requires knowledge of fund raising and public relations.
 
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